Diana I. Hastings (née Salaices) has served as Executive Director of the Underserved Communities Foundation (UCF) since August 2021. She joined UCF to build the organization from the ground up, establishing its infrastructure, programs, partnerships, and sustainability. Under her leadership, UCF has expanded its reach and developed signature programs addressing critical service gaps in El Paso, Texas.

Diana is an advocate for underserved, underrepresented, and marginalized communities and has dedicated her career to creating and managing programs designed to empower individuals through education, health, and economic development. From 2003 to 2021 she worked at YWCA El Paso del Norte Region where she served in many different roles, managing the Child Development, School Age, Health and Wellness, Business Development, and Marketing Divisions, as well as numerous federal, state, local, and private grants benefiting the El Paso and surrounding communities. 

A first-generation Mexican-American, Diana was born in El Paso, TX, and was raised in sister city Juarez, Chihuahua Mexico. She attended her formative school years there and moved to the U.S. shortly before turning 18. Diana earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a second one in Criminal Justice. She also holds a Master of Public Administration in Public Policy and Management and a Graduate Certificate in Non-profit Management and Governance from the University of Texas at El Paso. She has also earned a Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University.

Diana is passionate about empowering communities to thrive. She serves as Secretary for UTEP’s MPA Advisory Board and is a proud member of the Junior League of El Paso.