Community Health Champions Class of 2024

Adrianna Cantu is an accomplished digital health executive with a proven track record in clinical care, clinical operations, and entrepreneurial ventures. Driven by a commitment to help solve healthcare’s most pressing challenges and inequities, Adrianna transitioned from a clinical expert on the front lines of Brackenridge Hospital, a trauma and safety net hospital serving the greater Travis County regions, to an entrepreneur, founding Revealix, a digital health company aimed at improving outcomes in diabetic foot disease.

Adrianna is focused on health care equity and the right for every person with diabetes to avoid preventable wounds and amputations. As a Community Health Champion, she hopes to continue the learning and engagement with others who are also committed to delivering the kind of real-world impact inspired through her early years at Brackenridge, then a part of Central Health and Ascension Seton.

Ammad is a first-generation, third-year Public Health major at UT Austin and currently a Patient Caregiver at Project Transitions, a nonprofit in Austin providing housing, recuperative, and hospice care to people with HIV. Over the past few years, he has dedicated himself to improving health in Austin and his local communities. Notably, he has collaborated on various projects with Endless Health, a startup in Austin providing cardiovascular health biomarker tracking services to help prevent and predict long-term cardiovascular and metabolic health. Ammad has also advanced to become the Executive Director at MedSTEMPowered, where he works to bridge the global STEM education divide. During his tenure, he has helped grow the community to over 5,000 members and notably founded the international programming of the nonprofit.

Being a community health champion aligns with Ammad’s passion for improving access to healthcare and bridging the divide in healthcare access and prevention. Through this program, he will gain a deeper understanding of healthcare systems in Central Texas and work with other champions to improve health outcomes in the region.

Alyssa has a diverse background, including a decade in STEM education, as well as experience in emergency disaster relief, community organizing, nonprofit leadership, and data activism. She holds a B.S. in Biology from St. Edward’s University and a Master of Public Health degree from USC. Her primary focus is improving public health outcomes for underserved communities throughout Central Texas, which drives her personal, professional, and philanthropic work.

For Alyssa, being a Community Health Champion is crucial because it offers the opportunity to learn from other local healthcare leaders, equipping her with the tools to better serve the communities she works with. She values the insights gained from examining pathways to more accessible and equitable healthcare through the Community Health Champion program, recognizing its importance in shaping the future of her career.

Ashlyn Branscum is currently the Development and Communications Manager at The Sobering Center. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from St. Edward’s University and a Master of Science in Social Work with a focus in Administration and Policy Practice. She is also a Licensed Master Social Worker.

Ashlyn is passionate about making sure substance use and mental health disorders are treated as public health issues instead of being met with incarceration. She believes everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and care, especially while receiving health care. Previously, she interned for the Texas Center for Justice and Equity doing research on alternatives to incarceration. She also interned for Congressmen Greg Casar while he was serving on Austin City council. She looks forward to meeting like-minded professionals and gaining a better understanding of health care in Travis County.

Assitan is a coordinator of a Public Health service-year program and a Health Systems & Administration major. She is passionate about health, education, and creating space for healing and positive change. Assitan hopes to use this program to deepen her perspective on health in central Texas and build connections with others in her field.

Caitlin has spent the past nine years in non-profit healthcare and currently serves as the Director of Food and Nutrition Services at Vivent Health; formerly AIDS Services of Austin. Her role has focused on addressing the nutritional needs and health inequities of individuals living with HIV, fostering health and well-being through comprehensive support services. She is motivated by building connections to better serve the Central Texas community and is eager to gain a deeper understanding of local health issues from diverse perspectives. As a Community Health Champion, Caitlin aims to collaborate with others to explore innovative solutions and enhance the delivery of healthcare services in our region.

Cassie’s journey started in 2017 as a Map Eligibility Specialist/211 Navigation specialist with United way. Following that, her journey continued with Central health in 2020 as an Eligibility and Enrollment Specialist working in the call center where, then almost 4 years later, she decided to make a change to become a CHW and be more involved and knowledgeable with the community we serve. Once earning her certification, Cassie decided to transfer over to the Central Health Communications department where she will be more involved in the community as part of the Community Outreach team.

Through the years of experience and the many calls she has served, Cassie was grateful enough to hear the many stories and needs of our community as well as the struggles they endured with their health services. Becoming a Community Health Champion means a lot to her and supports her goal of being able to help serve her community more effectively, particularly being able to use the knowledge she gains to answer questions she wasn’t able to answer before.

Cathy’s life has been a search to become the most effective change agent. She has devoted her expertise and energy to improving the lives of young children and their families as a teacher, education specialist, home visitor, grant manager, and now as an advisor to nonprofit and school leaders. Recently, she began to focus on early relational health in pediatric settings. The disparities seen at school entry are rooted in what happens prenatal to age three. Simple daily interactions between parents and young children have an outsized impact on brain development and affect life-long health. Health settings offer the most universal access point to parents of young children. Cathy has incredible energy to learn about health care topics and work in this field.

Cathy believes that becoming a Community Health Champion will equip her with the knowledge and understanding to catalyze positive change in our health systems. Healthcare providers at all levels can affirm parents’ roles as brain architects and support them to engage in more of these powerful moments. Health clinics can take a larger role in connecting families to resources needed to minimize stress and maximize early learning. Developing a more in-depth understanding of health inequities, MAP, FQHCs, and effective community engagement will help her work smarter. She believes that listening to healthcare leaders, and those they serve, will help her become a more effective leader.

Christa is a Senior Medical Respite Manager supporting the National Institute for Medical Respite Care (NIMRC) a program of the National Health Care for the Homeless Council (NHCHC). She has had the opportunity to work in unhoused services for 10 years. During this time, she has worked in Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) supporting formerly chronically homeless clients through direct service, at the CoC level as the Health Care System Liaison for the Austin/Travis County Homelessness Response System (HRS), and now at the national level supporting Medical Respite Care programs across the country.

Being a Community Health Champion represents her personal commitment to continuing education and learning, as well as an ongoing commitment to our community. Christa hopes to take what she learns from the program to further advocate and support the advancement of access to high quality equitable health care for all.

Courtney Reina, CHW, CHES®️ is a Clinical Trainer for the Quality Axis and Trauma Informed Care programs at TACHC. In her role, she provides support in coordination and facilitation of Quality Axis and TIC in-person and online training events. Before joining TACHC, she worked as a Community Health Worker for Texas Health Action-Kind Clinic and specialized in helping people living with HIV (PLWHIV) navigate the healthcare system, access referral services, and adhere to and maintain access to their prescribed antiretroviral therapy (ART). Courtney is a Certified Community Health Worker (CHW) for the State of Texas and a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). She has a bachelor’s degree in Community Health from Texas A&M University and is currently pursuing a master’s in public health (MPH) at the University of Texas at Tyler. She is passionate about health education and disease prevention and works to help close gaps to care for marginalized groups in Texas. She lives in Austin with her boyfriend and her dog.

Daniel is originally from Fort Worth, Texas, and is currently a fourth-year biology major at the University of Texas at Austin. He is especially interested in identifying knowledge gaps and addressing accessibility barriers to both nutrition and health insurance among college students. He has pursued this interest through UT’s Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) where he has fostered collaboration with the 40 Acres Food Alliance and has helped develop free insurance modules that provide students with accessible insurance education and low-cost health resources. Outside of his academic pursuits, Daniel enjoys playing basketball and the saxophone and traveling with family. To Daniel, being a Community Health Champion is an exciting opportunity to further integrate himself into the Austin community to ensure that initiatives he pursues in his organizations, both now and in his future career, promote health care access and equity for all.

David believes that being a Community Health Champion is aligned with his passion to help others in achieving better health outcomes and meeting people where they are at.

David is a Community Health Worker through the Dell Medical School. He assists dialysis patients, people living with dementia, and their caregivers with their social needs. For David, being a Community Health Champion means being a health advocate for people who need support during the most challenging times in their lives. It also signifies his lifelong commitment to growing as a health leader who listens to community needs and understands the current health policies and changes in our healthcare system.

David also volunteers with the Travis County Sheriff’s Department and Pflugerville Police Department’s Victim Services Unit. In a similar way to his work as a Community Health Worker, he supports our community by creating safety plans and connecting them with community partners to help them navigate their life immediately after a crisis. In his free time, you can find him swimming at Barton Springs Pool early on Sunday mornings. David is also a competitive swimmer on the UT Master’s Swim Club.

David works as a Community Coordinator for the Community Coalition for Health (C2H.) His job is to connect the community he serves with the resources the city provides, which many people aren’t aware of or have issues accessing. Becoming a Community Health Champion aligns with the work David already does, and he believes the program will equip him to do greater work for his area.

Yhun is a Nutrition graduate from Texas Tech University with a dedicated interest in social determinants of health and health equity. She currently serves in Age-friendly Austin at Austin Public Health. Originally from Myanmar, Yhun was a Fulbright Foreign Exchange Scholar to the United States for the academic year 2020-2022. She has substantial experience in grant writing, project proposals, and developing technical reports. Yhun is actively seeking training opportunities to enhance her skills and knowledge in healthcare delivery. As a Community Health Champion, she looks forward to maximizing her efforts in reaching vulnerable communities, supporting them in using various resources, and promoting access to healthcare.

Dominique has been a Community Health Worker II in the maternal infant outreach program (MIOP) with APH for the last 7 years. She helped organize community health fairs with the APH COVID-19 Taskforce Team and the Monkey Pox Administration Team.

Veronica believes that being a Community Health Champion aligns perfectly with her commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of others. Through this program, she hopes to gain advanced knowledge and resources that will enhance her ability to advocate for others and implement effective health strategies.

Em Gray is a harm reduction advocate, activist, and former employee of the Austin Harm Reduction Coalition. She has organized around a variety of issues, including reproductive justice, prison reform, harm reduction, and access to healthcare for stigmatized groups since 2008. Emily is adamant that everyone – from transgender patients to drug users to sex workers to pregnant teens – must be believed, validated, and compassionately introduced to the full range of healthcare options. Her activism is centered on the belief that community engagement and disseminating education to people non-hierarchically can best address the fundamental need for stigma reduction at all levels. She also believes that positive change should be driven by – and resources should be turned over to – those who are most vulnerable to structural harm. Em is the founder of the N.I.C.E. Project, which lowers barriers of access to safer use supplies and overdose reversal medication. She hopes that being a Community Health Champion will increase her knowledge and help break down more barriers to access for her unhoused neighbors.

Fatima is a third-year medical student in Austin, who is also pursuing an MPH degree. She has been working with the CommUnityCare Clinic for one year and has been able to connect with many patients and families to understand their needs in the Austin Area. Fatima hopes to gain skills as a Community Health Champion to advocate for our patient’s health and well-being, and to create safe and secure medical homes for ease of access.

Francisco works as a Patient Access Representative for Central Health. He sees himself as a hard worker, who loves to help his community with his four kids, ranging from 12 to 22 years old. He is also very involved with his Church. Francisco believes that being a Community Health Champion means making sure that each patient that walks through our doors has their needs met in the best way possible. He wants to be able to grow with this program to gain the knowledge that he needs to be able to be a more effective healthcare advocate throughout the community.

Gaby obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees of Public Health from the Milken Institute at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She is currently an engagement manager at Optum, working with four clients to help improve their CMS HCC performance. Responsibilities in her role include analyzing data, providing insights, and guiding clients towards best practices for chronic condition management.

Gabriela has a background that includes a Bachelor’s in Health and Society with a minor in Sociology, as well as a Master’s in Public Health Education and Promotion. Her interest in public health was sparked during her sophomore year when she took a health disparities class, where she realized that many of the hardships she faced were rooted in systemic issues. This realization deepened her commitment to health equity and her determination to make a positive impact on people’s lives, no matter how small.

For Gabriela, being a Community Health Champion means being a voice for the voiceless and advocating for the well-being of everyone around her. She strongly believes in the power of education and hopes that her involvement in this program will provide her with the knowledge and resources to empower others.

Heidi (she/her) is a social worker at the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, a nonprofit that aims to provide access to affordable healthcare for greater Austin’s low-income, working musicians, with a focus on prevention and wellness. She is originally from Houston and has a BSW from UT Austin and an MSW from the University of Houston. Through this cohort, she hopes to connect with other health equity-minded professionals in Austin and find ways to reduce barriers to accessing health care, especially for those who are not well-served by the health care system. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to podcasts and spending time with co-residents at her housing cooperative.

Imelda is the DEI Specialist for Central Health, with a background in Education and Social Work. She has experience in facilitating Courageous Conversations and addressing anti-racism, and she has a strong interest in public speaking. Having been with Central Health for 7 months, Imelda anticipates that her participation in the Community Health Champions program will deepen her understanding of the health system and its offerings to the community. She believes that by learning as much as possible, she will become an even better representative of Central Health.

Dr. Joy Eguavoen is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Texas at Austin. She has extensive experience in clinical practice and healthcare innovation. Committed to advancing mental health care, Joy is an active member of several professional organizations and plays a vital role in evidence-based and innovation committees, contributing to the development of cutting-edge practices in the field. Beyond clinical work, Joy is deeply involved in humanitarian efforts, volunteering for both local and national healthcare agencies. As an avid lifelong learner, Joy continuously seeks to expand knowledge and skills to better serve patients and the community.

Kathy worked in the nail industry for nearly 20 years, where she frequently witnessed people struggling with language barriers in their daily lives. She noticed that many of her coworkers lacked knowledge about preventive healthcare, were unsure of where to find the right care, and didn’t know how to utilize their health insurance. She saw numerous instances of sudden deaths from heart attacks and strokes among middle-aged men in her community, as well as children missing annual check-ups and women neglecting wellness exams. Kathy longed for a role where she could educate her community about preventive healthcare and help them navigate to the right programs or healthcare services.

For over 2 years, Kathy has been working as a community health worker, a job she finds fulfilling because it allows her to help others. Being a Community Health Champion is deeply meaningful to her, and she hopes to gain more knowledge and learn about additional resources to better assist her community, as she continues to see many people struggling with healthcare, food, housing assistance, and transportation.

Lalit currently serves as the Senior Operations Manager in Network Services, where he leads a team that manages contracts with partnered providers to deliver various specialty services to the patient population. He has been in this role for 5 months. Before joining Central Health, Lalit worked for a large hospital system in Georgia, where he managed operations for all ambulatory sites and handled responsibilities related to Governance (Board of Directors).

Originally from India, Lalit and his family immigrated from Jamaica, and he has lived in five different states. These diverse experiences have given him a unique perspective on healthcare. Central Health provides him with the opportunity to assist both migrant and indigent individuals and families.

As a Community Health Champion, Lalit is eager to learn more about Central Health, its network, and how its mission supports healthcare services in Travis County. Since he is not a Texas native, this role also allows him to connect with the community he is now part of and to deepen his understanding of health equity.

Lesly is an optimistic Gemini who enjoys spending time with her beautiful Sun Conure bird at home. In her spare time, she loves reading fictional books with strong female leads. Raised in a Hispanic household where all her elders were immigrants who couldn’t speak English, Lesly grew up witnessing her family and community members struggling to access medical care and resources due to a lack of knowledge about what was available.

In her current role, Lesly conducts in-person interviews to screen clients for MAP eligibility. During these interviews, she often encounters clients asking about additional resources, such as food or housing assistance. She believes that being part of the Community Health Champions will expand her knowledge of the resources available to clients, enabling her to provide even more support to her community.

Madeline is a first-year medical student at Dell Med and a recent graduate of the University of Notre Dame. She is deeply passionate about the intersections between healthcare and policy, with a strong desire to use her medical training to identify gaps in research and create equitable solutions for underserved communities. Madeline is proud to be on the path to becoming a physician and an advocate for healthcare justice, committed to addressing gaps in care and promoting equity in healthcare.

Malika Dahal is originally from Nepal and holds a B.S. in Psychology and a B.S. in Human Services. She currently serves as a Supportive Housing Case Manager with Foundation Communities, where she provides intensive case management services to residents and regularly collaborates with other local organizations. Malika works extensively with health agencies and community resources, coordinating efforts to enhance the quality of life for Travis County residents.

For Malika, being a Community Health Champion is about advocating for people and improving their access to quality care. She is keen to familiarize herself with the complex healthcare system in Travis County and to learn how to dismantle barriers. Malika is especially interested in championing for individuals disproportionately affected by systemic racism and other forms of oppression.

Maria Ghaly graduated in Spring 2023 from The University of Texas at Austin with a BSA in biology, a field of study in psychology, and a certificate in social inequality, health, and policy. She is especially interested in community engagement, health education, health equity, and accessibility within research and medicine. As the C. D. Doyle Clinic Outreach Coordinator, she organizes need-based initiatives that support patients’ well-being beyond the clinic, studies barriers to care plan adherence, and develops partnerships with student groups, local organizations, and businesses. Outside of C. D. Doyle, Maria is an active leader and mentor with the Dell Medical School Health Leadership Apprentice Program, Osier Laboratory, and UT Austin Bridging Disciplines Program. She has also researched and published work on HIV-1 mediated acceleration of HPV-associated cancers.

Through the Community Health Champion Program, Maria is excited to learn more about the practical navigation of health care delivery systems, current Central Health initiatives, and ways to support Central Health’s work in the community. By gaining a better understanding of available resources and the historical and cultural contexts shaping health inequities experienced by Austinites, Maria hopes to serve as a better resource for patients and peers, network with local healthcare leaders, and become an informed advocate for access to high-quality, compassionate, and person-centered care for all, now and as a future physician.

Maria Nunez has been an advocate and translator for her family from an early age, along with her oldest sister, helping them navigate various situations and access necessary resources. These experiences taught her the importance of communication, empathy, and resourcefulness. As a Community Health Champion, Maria is eager to contribute to the well-being of her community and serve as a strong motivator. She sees this opportunity as a way to connect more deeply with her community, better understand their needs, and work towards addressing those needs. Maria is passionate about raising awareness of important health issues, continuing to develop her communication and leadership skills, and growing personally through this program.

Marshelda has resided in Central Texas since 2014. She has been in the field of Health Administration since graduating from the University of South Carolina in 2004. Her career has included various healthcare roles in management, support and administration within hospitals, group homes, and long-term care. Ms. Dozier is currently employed in the field of skilled nursing where she can continue her dedication to public service. In addition to her current role in skill nursing, Ms. Dozier is still serving proudly in the United States Army Reserves as an Army Medic. She feels that being a Community Health Campion falls in line with her beliefs and dedication to serving, giving back and improving the community by helping and empowering those who live in it.

Mohammed is a medical graduate from India with a strong passion for pursuing a career in primary care. His goal is to raise awareness and educate communities about health issues and lifestyle choices. He is dedicated to removing systemic barriers and fostering community networks that promote healthier lifestyles and improve access to healthcare services.

Naimisha is a Public Health student at the University of Texas at Austin. Through her work in substance use spaces, she has gained insights into the unequal access to healthcare. Understanding that access to care doesn’t always mean people can seek help without facing consequences, Naimisha was driven to become a Community Health Champion. She is eager to collaborate with diverse professionals to enhance equitable access to care for Travis County residents and work towards removing barriers that prevent individuals from seeking the help they need.

Paola has a diverse background with a strong focus on community engagement, education, and workforce development. Originally from Colombia, she has been residing in the U.S. for over 13 years. Paola brings a unique perspective to her work, blending cultural insights with a passion for improving community outcomes and connecting individuals to career and education pathways. Her experience at Goodwill Central Texas, United Way, and Indeed, combined with her personal life experiences, has provided her with a well-rounded view of community needs and preferences and a better understanding of how systems work in Austin.

For Paola, being a Community Health Champion means actively advocating for healthier lifestyles, promoting preventive care, and bridging gaps in healthcare access within her community. With the knowledge and resources gained from this program, she aims to implement effective health education initiatives, support local health campaigns, and empower individuals to take charge of their well-being. Her ultimate goal is to foster a healthier, more informed community that values and prioritizes health in all aspects of life.

Rick Astray-Caneda III is a Public Sector and Nonprofit strategy consultant focused on helping organizations use deeply collaborative approaches to engage staff and constituents to collaboratively build programs, policies, operating models, and IT systems. He approaches this with a mindset of reducing social vulnerability and building resilience. Rick is the President of the Friends of the David Powell Clinic, a nonprofit organization that funds health and other needs for people living with HIV served by the Austin-area public health system, as well as funding capacity building for the health system and investments using SDOH principles to create a more equitable and effective system of care for people living with HIV in the Austin area. He is currently leading implementation of the People Living with HIV Stigma Index 2.0 in Travis and the surrounding counties. Rick holds a PhD and Master of Public Affairs.

Being a Community Health Champion means leveraging his skills as an effective part of the system of organizations, government, professionals, and clients in Travis County in close collaboration with others to build a community that proactively collaborates for the health of all. Rick hopes to use the knowledge and connections gained in the program to help drive alignment of services for those living with HIV with the broader milieu of services in the area, creating more opportunities for people with HIV to stay healthy and well.

With over 20 years of dedicated experience in the healthcare industry, Rodger is a seasoned Licensed Nursing Facility Administrator with a deep passion for delivering high-quality care and advocating for underserved communities. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration from Texas State University and a Master of Science in Health Care Administration from Trinity University, equipping him with extensive practical and academic expertise in the post-acute field.

Rodger is enthusiastic about aligning his experience with Central Health’s mission, seizing the Health Champion role as an opportunity to gain valuable insights and contribute to the advancement of their goals. This position reflects Central Health’s ongoing commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery and advocacy. His extensive background and unwavering dedication position him as a leader in the healthcare industry, committed to fostering a more equitable and effective healthcare system for all.

Ryann is a dedicated Community Health Specialist whose passion for public health shines through in her innovative approach to improving community well-being. With four years of experience as a community health worker, Ryann excels in health education and crisis intervention. Her expertise lies in creating and implementing programs that address the unique needs of diverse populations, ensuring that everyone has access to vital health information and resources. Ryann’s commitment to her community is unmatched, as she tirelessly works to foster healthier environments and empower individuals to take charge of their health.

Sharon, M.A., is a national public health strategist with a proven track record in developing and implementing strategic initiatives that drive public health advancements, foster collaboration among stakeholders, and catalyze action at the critical intersection of research, policy, and practice. She specializes in ensuring that health equity strategies are scientifically sound, effectively communicated, and community driven.

Sharon brings decades of experience across federal, state, and local levels, having held pivotal positions at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School. At NIH, she utilized her journalistic expertise to support public health education efforts at three institutes. At HHS, she supported public health programs focused on women and minorities, and in her culminating federal role, she led and coordinated strategies to promote health equity for 65 million Americans in the 8 southeastern states. In 2020, she joined The University of Texas Dell Medical School, where she directs health equity strategy and transformation by advancing policies, establishing partnerships, and engaging in strategic communication to foster a health equity mindset and activate health equity principles.

Shechem Sauls is a passionate advocate for community health and well-being, with a proven track record of serving the Austin community. He has held key roles at United Way and the Austin Independent School District (AISD), where he oversaw the school mental health centers program, providing crucial support to over 1300 students, staff, and families each year.

Currently, Shechem serves as the Community Health Worker Program Manager at Central Health, continuing his dedication to championing health equity and access for all. He also holds two health education certifications from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, further demonstrating his commitment to community health. As a Community Health Champion, Shechem is eager to leverage the knowledge and resources gained from the program to develop and implement innovative, community-driven solutions that address health disparities and promote well-being for all Austin residents.

Shreya is a Patient Care Technician and a fourth-year student at the University of Texas at Austin studying Human Biology. She is passionate about the intersections between patient care, health policy, and technology when it comes to addressing health disparities, especially in the realm of women’s health and mental health care. To Shreya, being a Community Health Champion means constantly finding creative solutions and intersections to better empower the community in leading healthier, happier lives.

Shreya hopes to earn an MD after her undergraduate degree. She is determined to stay heavily involved in health policy as a physician in order to fully advocate for her patients, both inside and outside the hospital.

Stacy currently works as an admin in the COA Health Equity Unit. She is part of a dedicated team committed to serving the community and is passionate about learning how to better understand and address the needs of underserved populations.

In her previous role, Stacy worked on the other side of the healthcare system, where she coached rural healthcare providers on understanding and addressing the needs of underserved individuals in rural communities.

Michelle Osuna-Diaz is a doctor in psychology who graduated from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras campus. Osuna-Diaz holds a B.A. in criminal justice with a major in forensic psychology and a minor in law and society. She also pursued a master’s in social community psychology and has postgraduate certification in nonprofit business administration.

Osuna-Diaz worked as a research assistant, research coordinator, program coordinator, supervisor, program evaluator, and director in different settings but mostly in academic and nonprofit organizations. She has also taught math, sciences, and history for five years at two mostly Hispanic population charter schools in Austin, Texas. Osuna-Diaz works to make community-academic connections and is also co-developing an intervention to address social determinants of health in dialysis patients and high-risk populations prone to developing chronic kidney disease.

Susan Bareis has over 10 years of public health experience. Currently she’s the State Adolescent Health Coordinator at the Texas Department of State Health Services. Before moving to Texas, she spent eight years in Louisiana working in college health coordinating an interpersonal violence prevention and support program and implementing wellness programs to improve the wellness of young adults. Her professional interests include mental health, health equity, trauma survivor advocacy, and systems level change efforts. Susan earned her Master of Public Health in Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Florida and maintains Certification in Public Health.

Susan believes that being a Community Health Champion means that she will have the opportunity to better serve her community and improve the lives of people through public health. As part of the program, she hopes to enhance her knowledge and understanding of the community, network with other Health Champions, and make a positive impact in Travis County.

Tisha-Vonique hails from Dallas, but is rooted by birth from the U.S.V.I. Her decades of experience as a community organizer, educator, board member, and civic equity advocate all influence her community health work. She hopes being a Community Health Champion will expand and enhance a deeper connection of compassionate curiosity across her shared communities.

She holds an MBA, dual Bachelors, and multiple certifications, including Lean Six Sigma. She spends her spare time volunteering, advocating for marginalized communities, exploring cultural institutions, eating pizza, and traveling to the various communities she serves within Texas and beyond.

Nelly holds a Ph.D. in Social Welfare and both a B.A. and M.A. in Psychology from UCLA and UNAM. With over 30 years as a professor and community researcher, her work investigates social factors that determine vulnerability and risk for developing health and mental health problems among socially disadvantaged groups. Her research examines how inequalities in accessing personal, social, and institutional resources are created, and how culture and social support networks can promote resilience and favorable health environments. Nelly’s contributions help inform service providers and policymakers on best practices to address inequities and promote health initiatives for all.