Dear Colleagues,
The Hispanic Scholars Program (HSP) is announcing the upcoming retirement of Rev. Dr. Daisy L. Machado from her position as Executive Director, a role she has faithfully served in for nearly thirteen years. Dr. Machado’s tenure has been marked by significant accomplishments and a steadfast commitment to the growth and advancement of the HSP.
During Dr. Machado’s leadership, HSP has firmly established itself as a leading Latine organization within theological education. The program received nearly $7 million in grant funding from the Lilly Endowment, reflecting its strong impact and reputation. HSP’s collaborative network includes thirty-nine sponsoring seminaries and divinity schools across the United States, which have been faithful partners to the HSP.
The organization has continued to broaden its programming and services for seminary students, faculty, and administrators. Notable offerings include the core Summer Session, which will celebrate its 37th session in June, El Semillero: Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising, and the Pedagogy Workshop dedicated to faculty participating in the Summer Session. Our newest program, The Story Telling Training initiative, further equips alumni, board members, and faculty to digitally share their unique “HSP stories.”
Additionally, HSP’s collaboration with Fortress Press has resulted in the launch of a four-book series entitled “Theological Education ¡Latinamente!” The first volume is anticipated for publication in 2027, demonstrating HSP’s ability to foster the community’s wisdom as it creates new epistemologies within theological education.
Dr. Machado accepted the Executive Director role as a part-time position while also serving as a full-time faculty member. Throughout her tenure, she expanded the administrative team to four full-time administrators, supported by six part-time staff. This development ensures that HSP now benefits from a robust and stable internal administrative structure.
As theological and educational communities face ongoing changes and opportunities, HSP remains a trusted partner, supporting institutions within the Association of Theological Schools and especially its sponsors. The foundation built under Dr. Machado’s guidance—across programmatic, financial, and organizational areas—positions HSP to continue evolving alongside the communities it serves.
The HSP Executive Committee has formed a Search Committee, chaired by Rev. Dr. Leslie Díaz-Pérez, to initiate the process of identifying a new Executive Director. An official announcement will be shared soon. Dr. Machado’s retirement is scheduled for July 31, and in the interim, all HSP programs and commitments will continue without interruption.
“Rev. Dr. Daisy L. Machado’s leadership has been transformative for the Hispanic Scholars Program. Under her guidance, HSP expanded its vision and impact, strengthening its role within theological education and the broader community. The Board is deeply grateful for her faithful service and unwavering commitment to Latine scholars and institutions. We celebrate her legacy and are confident the strong foundation she built will sustain HSP well into the future.”
— Francisco Lozada, Jr., Ph.D., Chair, HSP Governing Board
Reflecting on her time at HSP, Dr. Machado shares: “Leading the HSP has been a wonderful experience that has filled me with great joy and a deep sense of accomplishment. As I have said for the past thirteen years, there is no other organization like the HSP and it has so much to offer our students, faculty, and administrators. I am honored to have led this organization and am proud of all we have built together through the years, en conjunto, with our sponsoring schools and funders. No one does it like the HSP! I am confident that the HSP is well poised to continue to do theology latinamente well into the future.”
HSP is dedicated to maintaining transparency during this transition and will keep sponsoring schools, funders, and the broader community informed as the process continues.
We extend our profound gratitude to Dr. Machado for her leadership and service. We also thank the many supporters and collaborators who continue to place their trust in the mission and work of the Hispanic Scholars Program.
Sincerely,
HSP Executive Committee
