Group photo featuring individuals who helped establish the inaugural Northern California chapter of the National Association for Latino Healthcare Executives. Back Row: Josue De Avila, Dennise Rosas, Marissa Hernandez, Daniela Almeida, Dana Beckton, Marysol Morales. Front Row: Patricia Carrera, Romelia Garcia, Selendi Gonzalez Hernandez, Diana Martinez, Shanthal Ferreyra.
By Emma Dugas, Vitals contributor
Selendi Gonzalez Hernandez and Josue De Avila two members of the core team that established the inaugural Northern California chapter of the National Association for Latino Healthcare Executives
Selendi Gonzalez Hernandez and Josue De Avila know firsthand how difficult it is to break into management roles in business. Both are children of immigrants and first-generation college graduates. Each overcame early career obstacles thanks to support from their family and Latino community. Growing up, they vowed to improve the lives of others and found their fit in healthcare.
The pair share another success in common: with Sutter colleagues Dennise Rosas, Diana Martinez and Marysol Morales, and Stanford Health Care administrative fellow Joseph Mendoza, they launched the first Northern California chapter of the National Association for Latino Healthcare Executives. It is a professional membership organization that opens doors for up-and-coming leaders like De Avila and Gonzalez Hernandez, while giving existing executives the opportunity to ‘pay it forward.’
Check out the Northern California chapter of the National Association for Latino Healthcare Executives on LinkedIn
The rigorous process to form a chapter started about six months ago, with a focus on prerequisites necessary to gain recognition by the national association. “Our core team established the leadership structure, developed a membership recruitment plan, organized and executed on events, conducted outreach, and shaped the chapter’s communication strategy, with valuable support from Joseph Mendoza,” remembers Gonzalez Hernandez.
Key leadership roles including chapter president and membership chair were filled by core team members Dennise Rosas and Josue De Avila, respectively. Dana Beckton, Sutter Health’s chief diversity and inclusion officer, acted as chapter advisor throughout its inception and Sutter Health was named the chapter champion organization. The remaining core team organizers including Gonzalez Hernandez, Martinez, and Morales were honored as co-founders in recognition of their hard work.
More than filling roles and meeting requirements however, the team’s goal has been to build a base, so they could achieve dual aims: a close-knit support network, that extends across a broad swath of healthcare organizations. “When executives join, they become mentors and advisors. When folks who are more junior in their career journey join, they can use the resources offered to shape their future while positively impacting their community,” remarks De Avila.
That philosophy of inclusion should dispel any hesitation people might have about joining a group that includes the word “executive.” As Gonzalez Hernandez describes it: “You are the executive of your own leadership journey, so if you’re interested in growth or simply interested in diversity, equity and inclusion, this chapter is for you.”
The first year of membership is free for Sutter employees.
Standing up the chapter has been personally rewarding for the entire core team, because they are motivated to support rising talent and increase Hispanic/Latino representation in leadership roles.
“I want people who might come from a similar background to my own to know that leadership is a pathway that is attainable to them,” says De Avila. “I see this chapter as a family or familia, and through it I want to support others as I’ve been supported.”
Gonzalez Hernandez agrees. “I have a deep desire to contribute to my community while also advocating for the needs and aspirations of individuals with stories like mine,” she said. “Helping elevate and grow people while supporting them to be change agents is one way I hope to influence the transformation of healthcare delivery, making it more equitable and accessible for the Hispanic/Latino community.”
Already 70 members strong, and growing quickly, these leaders will now turn their efforts toward strategic planning for 2025 and beyond.
Latino Coalition for a Healthy California (LCHC) – Based in Sacramento, this organization advocates for health equity for Latino communities through policy, education, and leadership development.
Chicano/Latino Medical Student Association (C/LMSA) – A network of Latino medical students in Northern California, focusing on increasing the number of Latino health professionals.
Health Education Council (HEC) – Located in Sacramento, HEC works on health equity and empowering underserved communities, including Latino populations, through education and advocacy.
National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) – With chapters in Sacramento and the Bay Area, NAHN is devoted to ensuring high-quality health care delivery to Hispanic communities and promoting professional excellence among bilingual and bicultural nurses.
National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) – Empowers Hispanic physicians and improves health equity through educational programs, impactful internships, and the College Health Scholars Program, providing resources and mentorship to Hispanic students in medicine
National Minority Health Association (NMHA) – Not-for-profit organization working to bring about health equity and close the disparity gap in health and healthcare for underserved, marginalized, hard-to-reach, and minority communities. Annual membership is available.
California Association of Healthcare Leaders (CAHL) – An independent chapter for the Northern and Central California Region, chartered by the American College of Healthcare Executives. The chapter represents a merger of three previous chapters; Bay Area Healthcare Executives, Healthcare Executives of Greater Sacramento Valley, and Sierra Pacific Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
