I’m originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico and began my undergraduate career at Marquette University in Wisconsin, completing my Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration at the InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico. After earning my undergraduate degree, I moved to Miami, Florida where I obtained my Master's Degree in Health Services Administration from Florida International University. My graduate dissertation / capstone focused on access and delivery to healthcare services in minority-focused environments.
I began my love for and career in health care leadership and administration in Miami, Florida where I taught as adjunct faculty for a minority-serving college. My work experience includes working at Mercy Hospital in Miami where I served as home health administrator and later as executive director of Miami-Dade County's second largest HIV medical and ancillary services provider where I was humbly recognized by the Miami-Dade County Mayor for quality services and dedication to the HIV/AIDS population. I also served as the executive director of the South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education in Miami, where I led a foundation serving veteran-centered research studies. We moved to Minnesota over seven years ago and although we miss the sun and the flavors of Southern Florida cuisine, we love Minnesota! I worked at Ecumen as executive director of their home health service line, Ebenezer where I served as executive director of one of their senior living communities and later worked at BAYADA, an international home health provider where I led their Minneapolis pediatrics home care operation. I transitioned to academia full time in 2020.
I'm passionate about equity, diversity, inclusivity and belonging for people-centered culture advocacy, justice and quality services. As an advocate of mental health awareness and education, particularly for youth, I'm part of a proactive leadership team developing partnerships in the community to continue to raise awareness and provide resources for mental health education and suicide prevention and also speak on behalf of organ donation. I enjoy cooking, photography and I'm trying to learn to play the guitar.
I am the Faculty Director for the Health Services Management undergraduate program at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities' College of Continuing and Professional Studies, faculty representative for the HSM Honors program, and mentor for the HSM Student Club as well as the HSM Alumni Association. I also serve in our college's DEI Council's as co-chair of the Faculty / Instructor Committee and serve in other committees including Student Retention and Student Success teams. I am also a consultant and speaker and currently serve as an AUPHA assistant reviewer for its undergraduate certification process.