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 improved access and 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 ten 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 and love sharing my years of leadership and experience in mentoring our future healthcare leaders!
I'm passionate about equity, diversity, inclusivity and belonging for people-centered culture advocacy, justice and quality services. I'm an advocate for mental health and organ donation awareness and education. I enjoy traveling, cooking, photography and I'm trying to learn to play the guitar.
I am the Faculty Director for the Healthcare Management (HM) undergraduate program at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities' College of Continuing and Professional Studies, faculty representative for the HM Honors program, and mentor for our Upsilon Phi Delta undergraduate chapter as well as the Healthcare Management Student Organization and the HSM Alumni Association. I am also a consultant and speaker and currently serve as an AUPHA volunteer assistant reviewer for its undergraduate certification process.