In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, HR&A Advisors is celebrating the voices, stories, and contributions of our Hispanic and Latine/o employees. We sat down with Senior Analyst, Ana Z. Licona, to learn more about how her identity as a Mexican-American Latina informs her work in broadband and digital equity, her aspirations for the Latine/o community, and her thoughts on mentorship.

How does your identity as a Latina inform your work at HR&A?

I identify as a Mexican-American Latina, and my background has shaped all the work I do, especially at HR&A  and our Broadband and Digital Equity team. I grew up in a predominantly immigrant neighborhood in Mesa, AZ where my community did not have internet access at home. I remember having to use public Wi-Fi at school or my local public library to finish homework and complete my college applications. This personal experience drives my passion for ensuring underserved communities have access to the resources they need.

At HR&A, we back our work with data and analysis, and I always center community voices in the decision-making process — I believe it’s that qualitative and quantitative balance that results in truly impactful solutions for communities. We want to ensure that the people most impacted have a seat at the table. I’m proud to continue this work, not just in broadband but through initiatives like La Liga, where we support municipal power and leaders working to uplift their communities.

What are your aspirations for the Latine/o community, and how is your work at HR&A helping to make that vision a reality?

My biggest aspiration for the Latino community is to provide everyone — especially Latinas — with the tools and resources they need to achieve their dreams. Whether that’s through education, workforce development, or digital literacy, I want to make sure that no one is left behind.

Through our work on broadband projects, we are helping communities gain access to digital tools and federal resources that can open doors for them. For example, in Clark County, Nevada, we worked on creating an awareness campaign for households to enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) which provided a discount toward internet service for eligible households. This campaign reached over 200,000 county residents and helped households connect to the internet they needed for work, school, healthcare and more.

Additionally, we have worked with Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) in launching an innovative digital equity program to support device distribution, digital skills building, and public benefit adoption in three target areas: the Lower Rio Grande Valley, the Mid-Border Region, San Antonio, and Austin. As a result, MHM awarded $21.7M to 20 organizations to carry out digital equity programs that will directly impact more than 100,000 residents with a focus on the most underserved “Covered Populations” in the region—low-income individuals, racial/ethnic minorities, and those with limited English.

It is an honor to see this work and investment impact communities across the U.S. Our work is not only bridging the digital divide, but it is also opening the door for many Mexican-American Latinas, like myself, who want to pursue higher education opportunities.  That’s the kind of impact I aspire to make through my work. By ensuring access to broadband and the resources it enables, we’re helping build a future where Latinas can thrive, achieve, and lead.

What has been your experience working at HR&A, and how do you support other Latinas who are new to the firm?

HR&A has been a supportive space for me to grow professionally. My partners and project managers trust my expertise, and I’ve been given opportunities to grow, including promotions and holding leadership roles within our Comunidad  Employee Resource Group (CERG). I’m excited about where my career could go in the next few years, and I feel empowered to pursue my goals.

During my tenure here, I’ve benefited from mentorship, especially through HR&A’s BIPOC Sponsorship Program. My mentor, Andrea, is a Latina Partner at the firm, and although she doesn’t work in broadband, she’s helped me make connections across different areas of our work. I’ve been inspired by her focus on inclusive cities, which is something I’m passionate about as well.

I believe it’s important to pay mentorship forward, and I love mentoring others, especially new Latinas at the firm. I’m always open for one-on-one Zoom coffees, where we can chat about everything from the recruitment process to career growth. It’s important to me that HR&A recruits and supports Latina talent, and I want to be there as a resource for anyone who needs guidance.

Are there any HR&A clients you’ve worked with that have particularly inspired you?

One client that stands out is Monica Gonzalez who works with Methodist Healthcare Industries in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas. Monica is an incredible Latina leader, and every time we were on a call, I was inspired by her commitment to equity. She consistently pushed the team to ensure that the solutions we recommended would truly benefit the communities they serve, particularly in South Texas, near the border.

I admired her ability to ask the tough questions, and I always felt that we were working together toward the same goal of uplifting marginalized communities. Monica is a great example of a Latina leader making a tangible difference, and it’s been an honor to work with her.

This press release was originally issued by NCPC. 

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), on behalf of the Pennsylvania Avenue Partnership, announces the selection of DAVID RUBIN Land Collective (Land Collective) to lead design of the New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan in collaboration with HR&A Advisors (HR&A), whose role was announced earlier this year. The partnership comprises the U.S. General Services Administration, National Park Service, District of Columbia Government, Events DC, DowntownDC Business Improvement District, and NCPC.

The New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan will guide the redesign and management of this iconic street, located between the White House and U.S. Capitol in the capital city, into an exceptional and dynamic destination with an elevated local and national role. The partners envision an inclusive public space that is welcoming, beautiful, and fulfills the Avenue’s potential as a venue for extraordinary experiences that showcase our heritage and aspirations for the future—a place to unite, celebrate, and tell our nation’s stories.

HR&A kicked off work in March 2024 to lay the foundation for Land Collective’s work that will build upon the public comments received in 2022 on the three early concepts developed by NCPC in collaboration with ZGF Architects. Land Collective and HR&A will start the next phase of work in late November 2024 and focus on testing these early concepts to inform development of potential design alternatives. These alternatives will be released for public review and feedback in late 2025/early 2026 through the National Environmental Policy Act and National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 processes. The New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan is anticipated to be completed in 2027.

Land Collective will lead the development of the public space master plan that will address redesign of the corridor, parks, and plazas to achieve the partners’ vision. Land Collective’s team brings design excellence and technical expertise in landscape architecture, urban design, and planning of environmentally and socially sustainable public spaces. Land Collective’s core team members include: Beyer Blinder Belle Architects and Planners, VHB, Rhodes Heritage Group, and studio:indigenous. They are joined by multidisciplinary collaborators, including &Access, Artichoke, Brandes Partners, Wayside Studio, Studio Pacifica, Dharam, Domingo Gonzalez Associates, ETM Associates, Jaffe Holden, and Thornton Tomasetti.

Land Collective’s portfolio spans a range of beloved landscapes, both local and national, including downtown Washington, DC’s Franklin Park; Pennsylvania Avenue’s National World War I Memorial/Pershing Park Rehabilitation; The National Mall’s Tidal Basin and Potomac Park Levee; Canal Park; Wilmington, Delaware’s Riverfront East Master Plan and implementation; Grand Rapids, Michigan’s Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park; and Westfield, Indiana’s Grand Junction Plaza, among others.

HR&A Advisors is an industry leader in economic development and urban open space stewardship, operations, maintenance, and funding strategies. Their team also brings expertise in events programming and production and landscape architecture. HR&A Advisors’ interdisciplinary team of experts includes Auster Agency, Field Operations, and ArentFox Schiff, whose national portfolio includes the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative in Washington, DC; The High Line and Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York City; Klyde Warren Park in Dallas; and the new Seattle Waterfront.

“As the country’s 250th anniversary approaches, now is the perfect time to elevate the Avenue as an enduring symbol of America’s democracy and a place for all Americans to enjoy,” said NCPC Chair Teri Hawks Goodmann. “The partners envision a reinvigorated Pennsylvania Avenue as a crown jewel in the nation’s capital. In Land Collective and HR&A Advisors, we have a great team to develop the New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan that will transform this national landmark into a beautiful, inviting, and resilient public space.”

“We are extremely excited by this collaborative effort to envision this significant cultural landscape as a vibrant national and international symbol, and a functioning, dynamic downtown stage for gathering, performance, and exhibition,” said Land Collective Founding Principal David A. Rubin. “Our team reflects Land Collective’s belief that equitable representation in both design and participation is essential to an impactful and actionable vision to realize the Pennsylvania Avenue Partners’ goals for this treasured civic landscape.”

“The HR&A team has been hard at work developing the implementation program’s framework that will guide design development for the New Pennsylvania Avenue Plan. We are excited to be joined by Land Collective to reactivate this iconic corridor for a new era, transforming it into a vibrant, inclusive space that truly represents the dynamism of our nation,” said HR&A Advisors Partner Stan Wall.

Pennsylvania Avenue is currently guided by an outdated 1974 Plan. Over time, changing economic, physical, and land use conditions have significantly impacted the Avenue’s function and character, reducing its utility as a street. While the pandemic exacerbated these issues, we now have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reinvigorate the Avenue as a place for people first.

Vanderbilt University announced an exciting step toward expanding its presence in New York City with the lease of a historic campus in the heart of Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood. This decision builds on the university’s long-standing history with New York City and signals an important step towards achieving its global vision. The occasion was marked by an event at General Theological Seminary attended by Vanderbilt executives, faculty, board members, and alumni as well as local elected officials.  

As Vanderbilt strengthens its ties to the NYC metro area, we are eager to see how this enhanced presence will contribute to both the university’s academic goals and the city’s continued role as a hub for talent and innovation. 

“Establishing a presence in New York City offers unparalleled opportunities for our students and faculty to engage with the world’s leading industries and institutions,” said C. Cybele Raver, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “By deepening our connection to one of the world’s most influential and dynamic cities, we are positioning Vanderbilt to advance cutting-edge research, foster transformative educational experiences and create lasting global impact.” 

Congratulations to Vanderbilt University on this exciting new venture! We look forward to seeing the impact of this new campus in Chelsea and the benefits it will bring to the broader community. 

Read more about the project in this announcement from Vanderbilt.  

Featured Press 

Exclusive | Vanderbilt University Plans New York City Expansion — WSJ 

Vanderbilt Leases Struggling NYC Seminary for Campus Expansion — Bloomberg  

Vanderbilt expanding to New York City, opening campus in Manhattan — WSMV4 

Vanderbilt University to Open 150K-SF NYC Campus at Episcopal Seminary — Commercial Observer  

As part of our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, we sat down with Raymundo “Ray” Cabrera, Senior Analyst, to discuss how his background has influenced his leadership style, his aspirations for the Latine/o community, and the projects he’s passionate about. His dedication to improving opportunities for others and his commitment to addressing critical issues like equitable economic development, transit access, and community engagement reflect the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month.  

How has your background influenced your approach to leadership and problem-solving in your work? 

Ray: I grew up in a Mexican American family with deep roots in the Southwest. My great-grandparents came to the U.S. as children — both sides of my family worked in either mining or ranching. My grandparents were born in rural communities and eventually moved into the Phoenix area, growing our family. My family’s story has always been characterized by working-class resilience and each generation striving to improve the lives of their children. 

Coming from that background, the concept of servant leadership has shaped my career. My parents and grandparents made sacrifices for my generation, and I carry that sense of responsibility with me in everything I do. Whether I’m meeting with a government leader or a nonprofit executive, I see it as my duty to represent the voices of those who may not have the same access to those rooms. It’s not just about personal ambition — it’s about advocating for the hopes, dreams, and ambitions of my community. At HR&A, I’m privileged to be able to lead in a way that serves others, especially those who come from backgrounds like mine. 

What are your hopes and aspirations for the Hispanic and Latine/o community in the future and what challenges do you see ahead? 

Ray: The Latino community is incredibly diverse. My experience as a Mexican-American kid from the desert Southwest is very different from someone who grew up Hispanic in New York or a more recent immigrant from Central America. Despite these differences, my hope for our community centers on creating opportunities for people like my family — those who have worked tirelessly to provide a better future for their children. 

One of the biggest challenges we face is the growing difficulty of achieving the American Dream, especially for those from working-class backgrounds. For instance, my father was a blocklayer who initially thrived during a boom in Phoenix’s housing market. However, when the recession hit in the early 2000s, his opportunities vanished. Despite his hard work and skills, he struggled to access alternative pathways and resources. This experience drives my commitment to expanding access to opportunity for Latino communities. 

Homeownership is another central tenant of the American Dream that feels increasingly out of reach for the Latino community, and this is a major barrier to building generational wealth. Homeownership was always seen as the way to advance and provide a better future for your family, but for many people, that’s not possible anymore. My peers, my cousins, and my friends all struggle with this. And a lot of that comes down to policy decisions. We’ve made choices as a society to limit housing in places like L.A. and New York, making it too expensive for many. 

At HR&A, we’re lucky to be work working on urban challenges like economic development and homeownership that impact everyone, but it’s important to remember that some of these issues hit the Latino community and communities of color particularly hard.  

How do your current projects contribute to your aspirations for the Latino community? 

Ray: We’ve been working in Pacoima, a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, with a Latino community that has faced many challenges, many of which are a result of redlining and environmental injustices from industrial activities. It’s a historically disinvested neighborhood where Black and Mexican-American communities have lived for generations. 

Currently, there’s a major opportunity for transformation with a new light rail extension planned to connect Pacoima to the broader transit network. While this investment could bring much-needed improvements and connectivity, it also raises concerns about potential gentrification and displacement. Communities of color can be negatively impacted by major infrastructure investments, where rising property values and rents lead to the loss of affordable housing for long-standing residents. 

To address these concerns, we’re supporting Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA) and the Pacoima community to develop a comprehensive equity agenda. This agenda is being set by engaging with the community and key stakeholders to identify concerns and priority issues. It aims to help inform a campaign, that will ultimately be led by a coalition of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to ensure that the benefits of the new transit project are equitably distributed, and that the investment serves the people who have been part of Pacoima’s fabric for years. We are working with NLSLA and Pacoima CBOs to help them lift up key policy and advocacy points for the CBOs to present to decision-makers to support their work advocating for measures that protect the community from displacement and ensure that the investment enhances the neighborhood without erasing its history and diversity.  

This project reflects my desire to help advance equitable development and ensure that significant investments in infrastructure contribute positively to the communities that have long been underserved. It’s about creating a future where progress doesn’t come at the expense of those who have already faced so many challenges. 

How do you support emerging Latino and Latina professionals at HR&A? 

Ray: One of the most impactful things for me has been the Comunidad Employee Resource Group (ERG) at HR&A. When I first joined the firm, the transition wasn’t seamless, and it took a while for me to find my bearings. The ERG became a source of support and belonging. It’s a space where we can share experiences and learn from each other. 

A key moment for me was also working with Andrea, a Latina leader at the firm who’s been a mentor and partner. Seeing her leadership and how she champions others has been inspiring. The Comunidad ERG has given me a sense of community and showed me the importance of creating spaces where Latino and Latina professionals feel seen, heard, and supported. It’s something I hope to continue fostering as I grow in my career.