The Hispanic American Center for Economic Research (HACER) nominated Mendoza to join their Board of Trustees, recognizing him for his leadership in the South American banking industry. HACER is a 501(c)(3) organization that is supported entirely through gifts from individuals, philanthropic foundations, and corporations. Its goal is to promote the study of issues pertinent to the countries of Hispanic America as well as Hispanic Americans living in the United States, especially as they relate to the values of personal and economic liberty, limited government under the rule of law, and individual responsibility. HACER does this by both generating and supporting independent research.