We are thrilled to announce our New CREW MVP for 2026: Amanda Zamora. New CREW MVPs are amazing members of our monthly giving program helping us champion TNP’s work and share the impact it has had on their journey. You can learn more about The New CREW and help us make a difference through monthly giving here. In this Q&A, Ana Hernandez, our development director talks to Amanda on her connection to our mission and why she’s part of The New Crew.
Ana
Can you tell me a little bit about how you first got involved with TNP?
Amanda
I have a deep respect and appreciation for what they’re trying to do to help make philanthropy, not just in Central Texas, but writ large, more representative of and responsive to the needs of communities of color and people who are not often enough leading in this sector.
Ana
What about that message speaks to you? Or what do you feel like that would change in the world if we were able to accomplish that goal?
Amanda
I just think it’s super, super important for the people who are making decisions about how we live our daily lives, the kinds of resources that we have access to, what we prioritize, that those decisions are being made in a way that represents the best interests of all of us of the diverse needs of our communities. So that’s how I come to this work. And it’s why the mission of TNP resonates with me so much and anything that I can do to help do my part to be rooted in Austin as a community and trying to help on both sides of the equation. Like lifting up emerging leaders who deserve to see the table, but also throwing some elbows where we need to throw elbows.
Ana
Is there anything about TNP in particular speaking to that change and more of a radical shift, that you would want to highlight that you’ve seen really make a difference?
Amanda
I think that it’s such a model that I want to see replicated in nonprofits, in nonprofit news, in the arts. Mando and Paulina have created something with such intention and it just, it shows. It’s the quality of the experience I think that they create as they’re building community and the values for equity, inclusion, belonging, representation.
Ana
Yes, absolutely. What then motivated you to join The New CREW? You know, you’re a part of TNP, you’re into the work. What drew you to The New CREW and the monthly giving program in particular?
Amanda
I know it’s important. I know recurring revenue is important for sustainability because I’m trying to help media organizations understand that too. If I have this many pennies to give, why am I giving them all to news?…I think it’s important for me to try to invest my time, energy, resources across the community.
Big thanks to Amanda Zamora for believing in our mission. Are you ready to be part of The New Crew? Sign up here!