Our Team
We are committed to developing relationships based on transparency, dialogue, and mutual learning.
Alexandra Hertell
(she/her)
Executive director
Alexandra designs, implements, and directs all the strategic components of the Foundation. She believes that innovative and strategic philanthropy is best practiced from a trust-based approach.
Before assuming the position of Executive Director of the Foundation six years ago, Alexandra worked as Program Coordinator for a period of eight years. In this role, she structured and re-prioritized the grants program to support more emerging and community-based organizations while aligning the focus towards multi-year and operational support grantmaking.
While pursuing her J.D. from Fordham University, Alexandra received a research grant to design and develop an environmental law curriculum for the New York Public High School of Law, Advocacy, and Community Justice. She has a B.A. in Latin American International Relations and Spanish Literature from George Washington University. She also has a Fundraising, Grantmaking and Global Philanthropy certification from New York University and High Impact Philanthropy courses from UPENN.
She has served as a member of the board of directors of several non-profit alternative education organizations, including the first democratic school in Puerto Rico. She is currently vice president of Filantropía Puerto Rico and serves on the board of non-profit organizations that support food sovereignty and community participatory design.
Alexandra is passionate about the protection of the environment, which stems from an active childhood between mountains, farms, and aquatic adventures.
Nicolle Díaz Gil de Rubio
(she/her)
Program Coordinator
In this position, Nicolle manages the budget and coordination of both Foundation programs: the Scholarship Program and the Grants Program.
Nicolle has a bachelor's degree in Political Science and a master's degree in Planning, both from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. During her master's degree, she worked as a teaching assistant to Prof. Carmen Milagros Concepción. Her master's thesis focused on the analysis of the Contacto Verde program in public schools and is titled "Contacto Verde Program: Evaluation of its implementation and recommendations for its adjustment." Prior to her work at the Foundation, Nicolle worked at the Chamber of Representatives of Puerto Rico alongside representative Luisa Gándara as Assistant in the Commission of Social Welfare and Eradication of Poverty.
She currently participates as President of the board of directors of a non-profit organization supporting Puerto Rican children.
Nicolle firmly believes in the protection of the environment and the rights of children, and that providing high-quality services to Puerto Rican children is vital for the eradication of poverty in the country.
During her free time, she enjoys being in contact with nature and having new experiences with her daughter and her friends.
Suzette Quirós
(she/her)
Communications and Strategic Initiatives Coordinator
In this role Suzette designs, develops, and implements the communication plans between the Foundation and the digital community. She also guides various strategic initiatives that support grantee partners optimize internal operations, and cultivate relationships with allied entities.
Suzette has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in Pedagogy and more than 8 years of experience in the third sector. She has served as a leader in community organizing, fundraising, and organizational communication initiatives. Her deep commitment to excellent public education, social justice, and care for the environment have guided her individual and collective work.
She currently collaborates in the conceptualization and implementation of reforestation, conservation, and community environmental education initiatives in support of the designation of the coastal valley of Playuela in Aguadilla as a natural reserve.
Suzette is a lover of travel, photography, the sea, nature, and freedom; elements for which she is grateful every day.