Our Team
Jeanette Contreras, MPP, Executive Director
Tiffany Rolon, University of California Washington Program, UCDC Intern
Rosa Castillo Krewson, Ph.D., Policy Advisor
Jeanette is a prominent health policy advocate with over 20 years of experience dedicated to improving health outcomes for underserved communities in the U.S. Before establishing OLHA, Jeanette founded the Latina Health Collab, a consulting firm aimed at engaging diverse stakeholders in public policy advocacy. Jeanette has held leadership
Jeanette is a prominent health policy advocate with over 20 years of experience dedicated to improving health outcomes for underserved communities in the U.S. Before establishing OLHA, Jeanette founded the Latina Health Collab, a consulting firm aimed at engaging diverse stakeholders in public policy advocacy. Jeanette has held leadership roles in several national nonprofits, including the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), UnidosUS (formerly the National Council of La Raza), the National Consumers League, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Jeanette began her career in the legislative office of the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, culminating in over a decade of public service in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She serves on the board of directors for the Hispanic Society for Rare Diseases (Sociedad Hispana de Enfermedades Raras) and HealthyWomen. Jeanette holds a Bachelor's degree in political science from California State University, Los Angeles, and a Master's degree in public policy from American University in Washington, D.C.
Rosa Castillo Krewson, Ph.D., Policy Advisor
Tiffany Rolon, University of California Washington Program, UCDC Intern
Rosa Castillo Krewson, Ph.D., Policy Advisor
Rosa has over 25 years of program management experience within the corporate and nonprofit sectors, specializing in organizational restructuring and leadership transitions. Dr. Krewson is a 2025 American Political Science Association Congressional Fellow placed on the House Committee of Veterans Affairs where she supported the work of the
Rosa has over 25 years of program management experience within the corporate and nonprofit sectors, specializing in organizational restructuring and leadership transitions. Dr. Krewson is a 2025 American Political Science Association Congressional Fellow placed on the House Committee of Veterans Affairs where she supported the work of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee. She is the recipient of numerous awards and fellowships, including from the American Society for Public Administration, the Public Administration Theory Network, and the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management. She earned a BA in Philosophy and Political Science from Boston University, completed the Nonprofit Management Executive Certificate at the Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership at Georgetown University, and a Ph.D. in Public Administration and Public Affairs from Virginia Tech. Dr. Krewson works with government and nonprofit leaders interested in dismantling racism; focusing on social equity issues in areas of public and nonprofit management, veterans affairs, and education.
Tiffany Rolon, University of California Washington Program, UCDC Intern
Tiffany Rolon, University of California Washington Program, UCDC Intern
Tiffany Rolon, University of California Washington Program, UCDC Intern
Tiffany Rolon is a junior studying English at the University of California Los Angeles. As a second generation Mexican American, she hopes to be the first in her family to attend professional school and earn a law degree. She grew up in South Gate, California–a city with a population that is 95% Latino–living with her immediate family and
Tiffany Rolon is a junior studying English at the University of California Los Angeles. As a second generation Mexican American, she hopes to be the first in her family to attend professional school and earn a law degree. She grew up in South Gate, California–a city with a population that is 95% Latino–living with her immediate family and grandparents. Her interest in a law career is based largely on the ties she has to her community and her desire to represent the underprivileged. Watching her grandparents’ experiences in healthcare fueled her to look for legal ways to achieve equity for Latinos.
Executive Board of Directors
Sabrina Lopez, Chair
Estela Mata, Secretary
Estela Mata, Secretary
Sabrina is a results-driven leader and passionate advocate for equitable healthcare. As Vice President of Multicultural Initiatives and Engagement at McUlksy Health Force, she works with her team to amplify underrepresented voices and drive meaningful change in health access and outcomes. With over 20 years of experience in business dev
Sabrina is a results-driven leader and passionate advocate for equitable healthcare. As Vice President of Multicultural Initiatives and Engagement at McUlksy Health Force, she works with her team to amplify underrepresented voices and drive meaningful change in health access and outcomes. With over 20 years of experience in business development, media and communications, Sabrina brings a unique ability to bridge the worlds of advocacy and industry. Her career includes leadership roles at NBC Universal, Telemundo, and Univision, making her an expert at engaging U.S. Hispanic and minority communities using culturally relevant strategies. Fluent in English and Spanish, she brings a bilingual, bicultural lens to all her work. Sabrina holds a Bachelor‘s degree in biology and chemistry from St. Joseph's College in Indiana. Prior to attending college in Indiana, Sabrina pursued medical studies in Argentina which ignited her passion for Latino health advocacy and making a difference in people’s lives through health-focused work.
Estela Mata, Secretary
Estela Mata, Secretary
Estela Mata, Secretary
Estela is a passionate advocate for health equity, leading impactful initiatives that blend healthcare policy, community engagement, and patient empowerment. As president and co-founder of Looms for Lupus and Mata Advocacy and Support (MAS), Estela drives awareness for lupus, fibromyalgia, mental health, and community wellness. With ove
Estela is a passionate advocate for health equity, leading impactful initiatives that blend healthcare policy, community engagement, and patient empowerment. As president and co-founder of Looms for Lupus and Mata Advocacy and Support (MAS), Estela drives awareness for lupus, fibromyalgia, mental health, and community wellness. With over 30 years of healthcare experience and personal insights as both a patient and caregiver, she fosters meaningful connections across diverse communities, bridging industry and patient advocacy voices. Her health care and public policy influence spans local to global platforms, collaborating with organizations like the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, National Institutes of Health: All of Us Research program, and Scripps Research Digital Trials Center. Estela also serves on the City of Baldwin Park Stakeholder Oversight Committee.
Sean Bruna, Treasurer
Estela Mata, Secretary
Michele Cordoba, Director
Dr. Bruna is a medical anthropologist and health services researcher focused on improving patient safety, system performance, and workforce capacity through applied qualitative and mixed-methods research. He is a Staff Scientist in the Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine at Medical University of South Carolina, and a pro
Dr. Bruna is a medical anthropologist and health services researcher focused on improving patient safety, system performance, and workforce capacity through applied qualitative and mixed-methods research. He is a Staff Scientist in the Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine at Medical University of South Carolina, and a professor at Western Washington University. From 2023 to 2025, he served as a Presidential Appointee and Senior Advisor to the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), where he led national healthcare initiatives. He regularly advises health systems and professional organizations on translating social science insights into operational and policy decisions. In 2025, Dr. Bruna was selected for the Richard and Hinda Rosenthal Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine (Emerging Leaders Forum), an annual assembly of outstanding early- and mid-career professionals with exceptional professional promise, achievement, and leadership in biomedical science, health, health care, and related fields.
Michele Cordoba, Director
Michele Cordoba, Director
Michele Cordoba, Director
Michele is the Founding Director of Culture IQ, a full-service market research and strategic communications firm dedicated to amplifying the voices of multicultural consumers and voters and delivering actionable insights to companies, policymakers, candidates, and campaigns. She is a skilled researcher in both English and Spanish, with ex
Michele is the Founding Director of Culture IQ, a full-service market research and strategic communications firm dedicated to amplifying the voices of multicultural consumers and voters and delivering actionable insights to companies, policymakers, candidates, and campaigns. She is a skilled researcher in both English and Spanish, with expertise in issue advocacy, message development and consumer engagement. Michele brings a unique perspective to the research world from her background in the media and entertainment industry, where she gained recognition as an Emmy-award winning producer. Prior to founding Culture IQ, Michele led consumer insights, marketing and promotions efforts for top Spanish-language networks Telemundo and Univision. She is passionate about empowering underrepresented communities and ensuring their voices are heard. Michele holds a Bachelor's degree in Spanish from Scripps College and a Master's from the American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird).
Pedro Martinez, Director
Michele Cordoba, Director
Pedro Martinez, Director
Pedro is a public health leader and equity advocate with over 15 years of experience advancing health access and outcomes for underserved communities. His career spans public service, nonprofit leadership, and national initiatives focused on closing health disparities across systems and populations. Pedro currently serves as Director of H
Pedro is a public health leader and equity advocate with over 15 years of experience advancing health access and outcomes for underserved communities. His career spans public service, nonprofit leadership, and national initiatives focused on closing health disparities across systems and populations. Pedro currently serves as Director of Health at UnidosUS (formerly National Council of La Raza), where he leads efforts to strengthen vaccine equity, improve health access, and support community-based solutions to public health challenges. He has held leadership and technical roles across local, state, and federal levels, contributing to major initiatives addressing maternal and child health, injury and violence prevention, overdose and suicide prevention, and public health preparedness. Pedro began his career in local and state health departments and has advised on several federally funded programs. A trained epidemiologist, he integrates data, policy, and community collaboration to drive sustainable impact. He holds a Bachelor’s in public health sciences from the University of California, Irvine, and a Master’s in public health from Loma Linda University.
Professional Advisory Board
Marilyn Cabrera, Federal Policy and Advocacy Manager, Young Invincibles
Marilyn Cabrera, Federal Policy and Advocacy Manager, Young Invincibles
Marilyn has dedicated her career to championing health equity policies for underserved communities. With a distinguished background in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), she has held pivotal roles, including Policy Advisor in the Immediate Office of the Secretary, focusing on immigrant and refugee health, housing, and
Marilyn has dedicated her career to championing health equity policies for underserved communities. With a distinguished background in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), she has held pivotal roles, including Policy Advisor in the Immediate Office of the Secretary, focusing on immigrant and refugee health, housing, and aging populations. As the Senior Equity Coordinator within the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, Marilyn advanced initiatives to address health disparities and social determinants of health. Her experience also includes serving as a Policy Advisor in the HHS Office of Refugee Resettlement, where she contributed to evidence-based policy development for vulnerable communities. Marilyn’s work is driven by a commitment to health equity, leveraging research and advocacy to create lasting impact. She holds a Master of Public Health from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley.
Candace Gibson, Director of State Policy, Guttmacher Institute
Marilyn Cabrera, Federal Policy and Advocacy Manager, Young Invincibles
Candace (she/her) oversees the Guttmacher Institute’s work to advance evidence-based state-level policies to secure sexual and reproductive health and rights. Previously, Ms. Gibson served as the Director of Government Relations at the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice and as a staff attorney at the National Health Law P
Candace (she/her) oversees the Guttmacher Institute’s work to advance evidence-based state-level policies to secure sexual and reproductive health and rights. Previously, Ms. Gibson served as the Director of Government Relations at the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice and as a staff attorney at the National Health Law Program. Prior to attending law school, Ms. Gibson collaborated with refugee and immigrant communities to eliminate health inequities at Comunidades Unidas, in Salt Lake City, UT. She has a JD from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law and received her bachelor’s degree from Smith College. She was an If/When/How Reproductive Justice Fellow from 2012 to 2014 and was a New Leaders Council Maryland Fellow in 2020.
Sinsi Hernández-Cancio, National Partnership for Women & Families
Sinsi is a national public policy and health equity advocacy thought leader with 25 years of experience advancing equal opportunity for women and families of color, and almost 20 years advocating for increased health care access and improved quality of care for underserved communities. Prior to joining the National Partnership’s staff, sh
Sinsi is a national public policy and health equity advocacy thought leader with 25 years of experience advancing equal opportunity for women and families of color, and almost 20 years advocating for increased health care access and improved quality of care for underserved communities. Prior to joining the National Partnership’s staff, she was the founding director of Families USA’s Center on Health Equity Action for System Transformation. Sinsi has served on numerous advisory committees for organizations, including the National Academy of Medicine, the National Committee for Quality Assurance, the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the National Center for Complex Health and Social Needs, and the American Association of Pediatrics. She has published extensively and made numerous appearances in both local and national media, including English and Spanish television, radio, and print outlets. She earned an A.B. from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and a J.D. from New York University School of Law.
Dr. Tina Loarte-Rodriguez, Executive Director, The CT Center for Nursing Workforce, Inc.
Dr. Loarte-Rodriguez’s professional journey as a nurse and educator reflects a deep passion for innovation, health equity, and advocacy. In her role as Executive Director, she fosters statewide collaborations to build a highly educated, diverse, and sustainable nursing workforce. She is also the creator, author, and publisher of the groun
Dr. Loarte-Rodriguez’s professional journey as a nurse and educator reflects a deep passion for innovation, health equity, and advocacy. In her role as Executive Director, she fosters statewide collaborations to build a highly educated, diverse, and sustainable nursing workforce. She is also the creator, author, and publisher of the groundbreaking anthology series Latinas in Nursing, amplifying the voices and leadership of Latina and Latino nurses nationwide. A first-generation college graduate of Cornell University, the University of Connecticut, and Quinnipiac University, she is currently a Pozen-Commonwealth Health Equity Leadership Fellow at the Yale School of Management. She was named a 2021 Hartford Business Journal Healthcare Hero and led her team to win the Connecticut Nurses Association Excellence in Team Award. Proud of her Afro-Latina Boricua (Puerto Rican) roots, Dr. Loarte-Rodriguez was born and raised in the Bronx, NY.
Guadalupe Pacheco, Founder, President/CEO, Pacheco Consulting Group
Pam Rattananont, Senior Patient Engagement and Advocacy Leader Oncology & Rare Diseases
Guadalupe Pacheco, Founder, President/CEO, Pacheco Consulting Group
Guadalupe is the founder, President/CEO of Pacheco Consulting Group (PCG). With over 30 years of senior-level experience in health management, policy development, and both non-profit and private sectors, PCG provides strategic solutions for healthcare enterprises to enhance their market products or penetrate new markets, particularly in d
Guadalupe is the founder, President/CEO of Pacheco Consulting Group (PCG). With over 30 years of senior-level experience in health management, policy development, and both non-profit and private sectors, PCG provides strategic solutions for healthcare enterprises to enhance their market products or penetrate new markets, particularly in diverse, underserved communities.
Mr. Pacheco previously held the position of Project Manager at Lockheed Martin Corporation, assigned to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights.
Before that role, Mr. Pacheco served as the Training Director for the AIDS Education and Training Center-Multicultural Center (AETC-MC) at Howard University College of Medicine. Mr. Pacheco also served as a senior health advisor/project officer to the director of the Office of Minority Health, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Minority Health, in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Mr. Pacheco currently serves as the Director of Programs for the National Hispanic Health Foundation. Mr. Pacheco earned his B.A. and MSW from California State University, Fresno, and has completed coursework for an MPA from USC.
Elizabeth Perez, Marketing Manager, Amazon Health
Pam Rattananont, Senior Patient Engagement and Advocacy Leader Oncology & Rare Diseases
Guadalupe Pacheco, Founder, President/CEO, Pacheco Consulting Group
Elizabeth is a distinguished public health leader with over a decade of transformative experience driving health equity initiatives across federal, state, and local government. Her career is defined by bold, systems-level interventions—from architecting innovative funding models and championing community-driven policy reform to deploying
Elizabeth is a distinguished public health leader with over a decade of transformative experience driving health equity initiatives across federal, state, and local government. Her career is defined by bold, systems-level interventions—from architecting innovative funding models and championing community-driven policy reform to deploying high-impact social marketing campaigns that catalyze measurable behavioral change. Throughout her career, Elizabeth has held prominent leadership positions, including gubernatorial appointments and executive roles in mission-critical state initiatives. Drawing on deep expertise in healthcare delivery systems and population health strategy, she has orchestrated complex, multi-sector collaborations that dismantle structural barriers to health equity. She earned her undergraduate degree from Loma Linda University in Southern California, where she integrated radiology sciences, health administration, and communications and marketing into a comprehensive foundation for health leadership. She subsequently completed graduate studies in public health, with specialized focus in health policy and leadership.
Pam Rattananont, Senior Patient Engagement and Advocacy Leader Oncology & Rare Diseases
Pam Rattananont, Senior Patient Engagement and Advocacy Leader Oncology & Rare Diseases
Pam Rattananont, Senior Patient Engagement and Advocacy Leader Oncology & Rare Diseases
Pam is a lifelong patient advocate dedicated to breaking down barriers to care and improving care coordination. With a strong focus on mental and emotional well-being, she champions support services and education for both patients and healthcare professionals. Pam collaborates closely with industry leaders, patient advocates, clinicians,
Pam is a lifelong patient advocate dedicated to breaking down barriers to care and improving care coordination. With a strong focus on mental and emotional well-being, she champions support services and education for both patients and healthcare professionals. Pam collaborates closely with industry leaders, patient advocates, clinicians, policymakers, and researchers to shorten the diagnostic odyssey, accelerate clinical research, and enhance healthcare accessibility. Her expertise spans executive leadership roles in rare disease advocacy at Global Genes and healthcare communications organizations, as well as key positions in biotech and pharmaceutical companies across medical affairs, marketing, and patient advocacy. She also serves on the board of directors for several patient advocacy organizations, including the Patient Empowerment Network, the Organization for Latino Health Advocacy, Uplifting Athletes, and Raregivers. Pam holds a Bachelor's degree in neuroscience from Colgate University and a Master’s degree in public health from Columbia University.
Deborah Requesens, co-founder and President of SHER (Hispanic Society for Rare Diseases)
Pam Rattananont, Senior Patient Engagement and Advocacy Leader Oncology & Rare Diseases
Pam Rattananont, Senior Patient Engagement and Advocacy Leader Oncology & Rare Diseases
Deborah is the Director of the Orphan Disease Center’s JumpStart Program. This program serves to establish and progress research agendas in emerging and neglected diseases. She partners with patient groups and scientists to encourage scientific collaboration and drive therapeutic development for rare diseases.
Deborah is also the co-found
Deborah is the Director of the Orphan Disease Center’s JumpStart Program. This program serves to establish and progress research agendas in emerging and neglected diseases. She partners with patient groups and scientists to encourage scientific collaboration and drive therapeutic development for rare diseases.
Deborah is also the co-founder and President of SHER (Hispanic Society for Rare Diseases), an organization that promotes awareness about rare diseases in the Hispanic population and aims to increase the participation of this community in rare disease research and advocacy.
Leslie Rivera Quiroz, Bilingual Communications Professional, Author, and Cancer Survivor
Leslie Rivera Quiroz, Bilingual Communications Professional, Author, and Cancer Survivor
Leslie Rivera Quiroz, Bilingual Communications Professional, Author, and Cancer Survivor
Leslie brings a wealth of knowledge in bilingual communications, language access, and public and media affairs to OLHA. She served as a Bilingual Public Affairs Specialist at the Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) Office of Minority Health, Department of Homeland Security, and National Institute of Health where she led Spanish l
Leslie brings a wealth of knowledge in bilingual communications, language access, and public and media affairs to OLHA. She served as a Bilingual Public Affairs Specialist at the Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) Office of Minority Health, Department of Homeland Security, and National Institute of Health where she led Spanish language communications and supported multimedia campaigns and initiatives reaching underserved audiences in English and Spanish. Before joining the Federal Government, Leslie worked for nearly 13 years as a communications consultant, supporting federal and state agencies in reaching racial and ethnic minorities. Leslie started her communications career at the newspaper El Nuevo Día in her native Puerto Rico. She holds a bachelor’s degree from University of Puerto Rico, a master’s degree from University of Colorado and a professional certificate in Spanish translation from New York University. A two-time cancer survivor, she has collaborated with several cancer advocacy organizations and in 2015 published the memoir, Victorious: My Story as a Cancer Survivor.
Kathryn (Kat) Steeber, Program Outreach Manager, Immune Deficiency Foundation
Leslie Rivera Quiroz, Bilingual Communications Professional, Author, and Cancer Survivor
Leslie Rivera Quiroz, Bilingual Communications Professional, Author, and Cancer Survivor
Kat began her career serving her county as a Family Resources and Community Services Social Worker. For over a decade, she helped empower families to strengthen their parenting skills, resources, and community support. In 2022, Kat transitioned her passion for education and connection into the role of Program Manager of Community Outreach
Kat began her career serving her county as a Family Resources and Community Services Social Worker. For over a decade, she helped empower families to strengthen their parenting skills, resources, and community support. In 2022, Kat transitioned her passion for education and connection into the role of Program Manager of Community Outreach at the Immune Deficiency Foundation. In this role, she fosters partnerships to increase awareness of Primary Immune Deficiency and improve the lives of those living with immune deficiencies. In her freetime, she enjoys paddleboarding the beautiful twin rivers of Eastern North Carolina (ENC) near her hometown. Kat is also an aerialist. Most days, you can find her tangled up in her favorite aerial apparatus, Silks. A proud Pirate who graduated with honors from East Carolina University (ECU) with a Bachelor of Human Services in Social Work and a minor in Child Development.
Youth Advisory Board
Daniel Ceballos, Texas A&M University
Indira Islas, National Hispanic Medical Association
Daniel Ceballos, Texas A&M University
Daniel Ceballos is a committed student leader and aspiring healthcare professional, passionate about advancing health equity for Latino and medically underserved communities. Currently pursuing Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University, he also explores interests in public health, policy, and community advocacy. Daniel has held active
Daniel Ceballos is a committed student leader and aspiring healthcare professional, passionate about advancing health equity for Latino and medically underserved communities. Currently pursuing Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University, he also explores interests in public health, policy, and community advocacy. Daniel has held active roles in organizations such as the Latino Medical Student Association, Future Aggie Physician Assistants, MOVE Texas, TAMECT (Texas A&M University Emergency Care Team), and LULAC, experiences which have strengthened his leadership, communication, and advocacy skills. He aims to provide culturally competent, patient-centered care and contribute to health policy initiatives that reduce disparities in Latino communities. Daniel is dedicated to supporting OLHA’s mission of research-driven advocacy, community education, and policy development, and looks forward to contributing his perspective and energy to building healthier, more equitable communities.
Sarah Cinco, Public Citizen
Indira Islas, National Hispanic Medical Association
Daniel Ceballos, Texas A&M University
Sarah Cinco is a first-generation college graduate from Rice University, where she earned degrees in Social Policy Analysis and Latin American & Latinx Studies. Growing up in Channelview, Texas—a
predominantly Latino, low-income community—she witnessed firsthand the impact of industrial pollution and limited healthcare access. Sarah bring
Sarah Cinco is a first-generation college graduate from Rice University, where she earned degrees in Social Policy Analysis and Latin American & Latinx Studies. Growing up in Channelview, Texas—a
predominantly Latino, low-income community—she witnessed firsthand the impact of industrial pollution and limited healthcare access. Sarah brings policy, research, and public service experience
from roles at local and federal levels, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. She has led projects on healthcare access, climate justice, and legal access, and currently advances health outcomes for Houston Ship Channel communities as an Organizer for Public Citizen. Sarah is excited to serve on OLHA’s Youth Advisory Board, advocating for Latino communities nationwide. Outside of work, she enjoys dance classes, exploring new recipes, and spending time with loved ones.
Lourdes Gonzalez, Georgia State University
Indira Islas, National Hispanic Medical Association
Indira Islas, National Hispanic Medical Association
Lourdes Gonzalez is a senior at Georgia State University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science and aspiring to become a physician. As a first-generation Latina, she is dedicated to advancing health equity and improving culturally responsive healthcare access for Latino and underserved communities. Lourdes works as an EMT in Dekalb County, witn
Lourdes Gonzalez is a senior at Georgia State University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science and aspiring to become a physician. As a first-generation Latina, she is dedicated to advancing health equity and improving culturally responsive healthcare access for Latino and underserved communities. Lourdes works as an EMT in Dekalb County, witnessing the impacts of systemic health disparities, which has fueled her interest in health policy and prevention-focused interventions. She serves as President of the Elementary Pediatric Health Curriculum (EPHC) at Georgia State, helping develop preventive health education for elementary students in underserved areas. Lourdes is passionate about empowering youth and families in health policy discussions and contributing to advocacy efforts promoting equitable healthcare solutions for Latino populations.
Indira Islas, National Hispanic Medical Association
Indira Islas, National Hispanic Medical Association
Indira Islas, National Hispanic Medical Association
Indira Islas is a health policy professional and advocate focused on health equity and strengthening the physician workforce for Latino and underserved communities. At the National Hispanic Medical Association, she leads federal advocacy strategy, congressional engagement, and policy research to advance workforce diversity and equitable a
Indira Islas is a health policy professional and advocate focused on health equity and strengthening the physician workforce for Latino and underserved communities. At the National Hispanic Medical Association, she leads federal advocacy strategy, congressional engagement, and policy research to advance workforce diversity and equitable access to care. Indira brings expertise in health workforce research from her work at The George Washington University’s Mullan Institute, highlighting the contributions of Latino health professionals. Her interests include physician workforce policy, health equity, and the intersection of research and advocacy in shaping health policy. Indira’s work is grounded in ensuring evidence-based policy reflects the realities of communities facing workforce shortages and inequities.
Bianca Leon, NextGen Scholars for Change
Victoria Lopes, Partnership for Maternal & Child Health of Northern New Jersey
Victoria Lopes, Partnership for Maternal & Child Health of Northern New Jersey
Born in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Bianca Leon is a first-generation college graduate with a professional focus on public service, healthcare policy, and community advocacy. As Secretary of NextGen Scholars for Change, she supports organizational coordination and leadership development for underrepresented stu
Born in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Bianca Leon is a first-generation college graduate with a professional focus on public service, healthcare policy, and community advocacy. As Secretary of NextGen Scholars for Change, she supports organizational coordination and leadership development for underrepresented students. Bianca’s role as primary caregiver for her grandmother has exposed her to the barriers Latino families face in accessing quality care, especially in rural areas. Her experience spans congressional, nonprofit, think-tank, and corporate sectors, supporting policy research, legislative correspondence, and program administration. Bianca holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations & Diplomacy and Italian with a minor in Theology from Dominican University.
Victoria Lopes, Partnership for Maternal & Child Health of Northern New Jersey
Victoria Lopes, Partnership for Maternal & Child Health of Northern New Jersey
Victoria Lopes, Partnership for Maternal & Child Health of Northern New Jersey
Victoria Lopes is a public health professional and graduate student dedicated to health equity, environmental justice, and community-centered solutions. As Program Manager for the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Healthy Homes Program, she leads regional initiatives to reduce childhood lead exposure and promote healthy housing. Vi
Victoria Lopes is a public health professional and graduate student dedicated to health equity, environmental justice, and community-centered solutions. As Program Manager for the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Healthy Homes Program, she leads regional initiatives to reduce childhood lead exposure and promote healthy housing. Victoria collaborates with health departments and community partners to implement education campaigns and build coalitions. She is pursuing a Master of Public Health in Health Systems Administration at Montclair State University, focusing on health systems strengthening and upstream strategies to address social and environmental determinants of health. Victoria is passionate about uplifting youth perspectives and advancing equitable policies to improve health outcomes in Latino communities.
Lilian Martinez-Orellana, American Society of Hematology
Victoria Lopes, Partnership for Maternal & Child Health of Northern New Jersey
Marco Antonio Quiroz Health, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
Lilian Martinez-Orellana is a public health and government relations professional committed to advancing health equity and access to care for underserved communities. At the American Society of Hematology, her work includes policy engagement, strategic communications, and cross-sector collaboration. Lilian is a strong advocate for Latinas
Lilian Martinez-Orellana is a public health and government relations professional committed to advancing health equity and access to care for underserved communities. At the American Society of Hematology, her work includes policy engagement, strategic communications, and cross-sector collaboration. Lilian is a strong advocate for Latinas affected by cancer and founded The Luchadora Project, a digital initiative raising awareness and sharing survivor stories through culturally relevant education. She currently supports hematologists in government relations and policy. Lilian holds a bachelor’s degree from The George Washington University, double majoring in Public Health and Human Services & Social Justice.
Marco Antonio Quiroz Health, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
Victoria Lopes, Partnership for Maternal & Child Health of Northern New Jersey
Marco Antonio Quiroz Health, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
Marco Antonio Quiroz is a first-generation public health professional focused on leveraging Medicaid to address social drivers of health and expand access to care. As a Health Postgraduate Fellow with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, he is placed in the office of Congresswoman Emily Randall. Previously, Marco interned with the
Marco Antonio Quiroz is a first-generation public health professional focused on leveraging Medicaid to address social drivers of health and expand access to care. As a Health Postgraduate Fellow with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, he is placed in the office of Congresswoman Emily Randall. Previously, Marco interned with the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and contributed to public health research at the CDC’s Division of Overdose Prevention. He holds a Bachelor’s in Health and Society from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master’s in Health Policy & Management from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Marco is dedicated to sustainable, equitable health policy solutions for communities nationwide.
Alicia M. Rivera, Montclair State University
Chloe Urias, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Chloe Urias, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Alicia M. Rivera is a graduate student pursuing an MPH in Health Systems Administration and Policy at Montclair State University. She is an experienced community health educator and researcher specializing in prevention, program planning, mental health promotion, and community-engaged public health. Alicia has worked with school district
Alicia M. Rivera is a graduate student pursuing an MPH in Health Systems Administration and Policy at Montclair State University. She is an experienced community health educator and researcher specializing in prevention, program planning, mental health promotion, and community-engaged public health. Alicia has worked with school districts, community organizations, and local governments to support initiatives in substance-use prevention, mental wellness, and health equity. Currently, she is an intern with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, supporting Latine community mental wellness and resilience. Alicia’s work emphasizes culturally responsive education and translating research into practice for under-resourced communities. As a first-generation Latina and immigrant, she brings lived experience and professional expertise to advancing equitable, community-driven public health solutions.
Chloe Urias, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Chloe Urias, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Chloe Urias, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Chloe Urias is a Master of Public Health candidate at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, specializing in Global Health. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from the University of California, Davis and aspires to pursue a career in medicine with a commitment to serving underserved and immigrant communities. As the daugh
Chloe Urias is a Master of Public Health candidate at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, specializing in Global Health. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from the University of California, Davis and aspires to pursue a career in medicine with a commitment to serving underserved and immigrant communities. As the daughter of a Mexican immigrant, Chloe is driven to advance health equity and culturally responsive care for Latinx populations. She currently works as a Research Assistant in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Vanderbilt, contributing to clinical research through biospecimen collection. Chloe has completed an internship at Comma, an integrated menstrual care company where she focused on advancing PCOS research. She plans to apply to medical school, aiming to integrate clinical practice with public health advocacy to improve chronic disease management and prevention in Latinx communities.
