Maco L. Faniel

Maco L. Faniel (pronouns: he/him) is the Director of Justice and Equity at the Environmental Grantmakers Association (EGA), where he guides the organization, internally and through its membership, in embedding and practicing racial equity and justice in support of our Racial Equity Point of View. Internally, Maco oversees the planning, execution, evaluation, and coordination of staff for EGA’s signature events, including the Fall and Winter Retreats, ensuring a strong focus on racial equity and inclusivity. He develops and supports a culture of joy, wellness, and care as a function of equity, justice, and professional development among EGA staff. Maco establishes learning initiatives centered on racial equity and justice to ensure continuous growth in understanding and applying these principles. Externally, Maco drives racial equity and justice initiatives in support of EGA’s membership and philanthropic partners. He cultivates partnerships and provides thought leadership to influence the broader philanthropy sector toward equity-focused and justice-oriented grantmaking.

Maco is an academically trained historian and seasoned racial justice practitioner. Prior to joining EGA, he was the inaugural Director of Organizational Learning and Development at the Weissberg Foundation. In this role, he spearheaded racial justice educational initiatives and learning journeys, aligning the Foundation's mission with its strategic vision. He advocated for reparative philanthropy and influenced the Foundation's funding priorities towards reparations and Landback initiatives.

Maco’s professional journey also includes significant contributions at the Petey Greene Program (PGP), where he served in multiple roles. He developed and operationalized both internal and external DEI and trauma-responsive practices, led justice-oriented leadership programs for both volunteer tutors and staff who supported the educational goals of currently and formerly incarcerated learners. Additionally, he led organizational efforts to define "education justice" as the core mission, guiding the focus and direction of all programs and initiative. He developed and led the PGP’s HBCU Forward Initiative that focused on recruiting, supporting, and promoting Black volunteer tutors.

Maco holds a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Communication from Texas A&M University, a Master of Arts in History from Texas Southern University, and a terminal Master of Arts in African American History from Rutgers University. His research focused on the meaning-making experiences of Black people, especially in Houston, dealing with the ascendant polices and practices that delegitimized Black life.

Maco is the author of Hip Hop in Houston: The Origin and Legacy (2013), a seminal work on Houston's hip-hop culture. He has contributed to numerous web and print publications, and his chapter in "Religion in Hip Hop: Mapping the New Terrain" explores the intersection of space, place, and religion in hip-hop culture. Maco’s writings often address issues of justice and equity, mental health, and Black cultural practices.

Maco's core concern in life is justice. He consistently asks, “What does justice look like?” in various contexts, aiming to bring about systemic change that means that justice is realized for folks who are historically and currently under attack

Maco is a native of three Northside Houston communities—Fifth Ward, Greenspoint, and Acres Homes. Maco enjoys live music, reading, laughing, yoga, being in community with disruptors who like to have fun while freedom dreaming. He currently lives and works in Richmond, VA. Outside of his professional work, Maco is a dedicated father to his elementary school daughter and recent college graduate son. As of 2023, he is a plant daddy.