KQED | Latino Heritage: 2002 Local Heroes


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2002 Latino Heritage Local Heroes:
Esther Medina

Mexican American Community Services Agency Inc.
Esther Medina became the executive director of the Mexican American Community Services Agency Inc. (MACSA) in 1982. Due to her unwavering commitment, MACSA is now a leader in offering community services to Latinos, including advocacy, the development of affordable housing and youth, family and senior services. On the verge of losing its funding, MACSA depended on Esther to turn the tide. She transformed MACSA into a powerful organization with an operating budget of over $7 million. With Esther's guidance, MACSA now serves over 27,000 people annually.

MACSA has experienced incredible growth through Esther's dedication and leadership. In addition to developing and owning its current headquarters, MACSA now also owns and oversees two acclaimed affordable housing projects for seniors, a 25,000-square-foot multi-service youth center, a youth/teen intervention center and two public charter high schools and will soon break ground on another housing project. MACSA's growth has also led to the creation of a subsidiary corporation, the Ketzal Community Development Corporation, which focuses on affordable housing development as well as commercial and economic development.

Recognized as one of the 100 most influential people to shape Silicon Valley in the 20th century by SV (the former magazine of the San Jose Mercury News), Esther's influence expands to all areas of Silicon Valley community life. Esther is frequently asked to provide input to elected officials and leaders of industry on various issues that affect the area, including the development of affordable housing, transportation, equal treatment for immigrant families and equitable living wages. Her dedication to community activism and social change was recognized in 1999, when Santa Clara University awarded her an honorary Doctorate of Public Service. Esther's vision has encouraged growth and innovation at MACSA, creating a monumental organization that truly serves its community.

Latino Heritage 2002 Local Heroes
	Susan Kelk Cervantes Executive Director, Precita Eyes Muralists
	Esther Medina Executive Director, Mexican American Community Services Agency
	Sylvia Perel Festival Director, Latino Film Festival/San Francisco Bay Area
	Paul Vega Executive Director, Young Latino Leaders

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