Our guest today is Pam Cusick Senior Vice President of Rare Patient Voice. Rare Patient Voice is a national community that connects patients and caregivers with researchers who genuinely want to learn from their lived experiences. Through this work, RPV ensures that people living with rare and chronic conditions have a direct voice in shaping studies, treatments, and health innovations. Their model is built on trust, respect, and fair compensation, creating a space where stories become data that can drive meaningful change. Pam Cusick is a leader in patient engagement with more than three decades of experience in research design...

Our guest today is Mireya Gomez-Contreras, the Executive Director of Esperanza Community Farms. Mireya reflects on her personal journey, the leadership lessons learned from working alongside immigrant and Indigenous farmers, and the deep collaboration required to build sustainable food systems. She highlights the farm’s commitment to economic opportunity, climate‑resilient agriculture, and honoring the lived expertise of local families who have long nourished California’s fields.
#FoodJustice
#CommunityLeadership
#EsperanzaCommunityFarms.org
#MireyaGomezContreras
#HealthCareUnTold

Our guest today is Hector L. Torres‑Diaz, the Civil Rights Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Human Rights Commission. He is also a law student specializing in immigration law, public policy, community engagement, and the ongoing movement for Puerto Rico’s sovereignty. As a leader in public service, Hector is dedicated to being a bridge builder amongst multi-ethnic communities to strengthen and expand their access to community involvement.
#HectorLTorresDiaz
#CivilRightsAdvocate
#PennsyvaniaHumanRightsCommission
#CommunityEngagement
#PublicServiceLeadership
#LatinoLeadership
#EquityAndJustice

Our guest today is the Co-Founder and CEO of the Hispanic Construction Council. The Hispanic Construction Council is a national dual nonprofit organization, classified as both 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6), that addresses critical gaps in the construction industry. As a think tank, they utilize their board members and media presence to raise awareness and provide solutions for significant economic challenges and opportunities affecting the construction industry and its workers.
#GeorgeCarillo
#HispanicConstructionCouncil,com
#Latino Construction Leadership

Protect Construction Workers

#LatinoBuilders
#HealthCareUnTold

Our guest today is Jill Mather the Founder of Volunteers Cleaning Communities. This grassroots movement is transforming Southern California’s streets one cleanup at a time. Jill shares how her passion for environmental stewardship evolved into a thriving volunteer network that removes thousands of pounds of litter annually—without government funding. From organizing neighborhood cleanups to empowering youth and seniors alike, Jill’s story is a testament to the power of civic action and community pride. Tune in to hear how small acts of care can ripple into lasting change.
#VolunteersCleaningCommunities
#LitterFreeLA
#CleanUpCrew
#CommunityPower
#Enviro...

Our guest today is Sehila Mota Casper, Executive Director of the Latinos In Heritage Conservation. With deep roots in historic preservation and community advocacy, Sehila shares her inspiring journey from grassroots organizing to leading a national movement that centers Latinx stories, sites, and cultural memory.
Under her leadership, the Conservancy recently unveiled the first-ever national list of Endangered Latinx Landmarks—a groundbreaking initiative that shines a spotlight on 13 culturally significant sites across the U.S. and Puerto Rico that are under threat from gentrification, neglect, demolition, and climate change. This campaign marks a pivotal moment in cultural preservation, an...

Our guest today is Dr. Gena Castro Rodriguez, a licensed marriage and family therapist, educator, and nationally recognized thought leader with over three decades of experience in mental health, trauma-informed care, and community wellness. Based in San Francisco, Dr. Castro Rodriguez has spent her career expanding access to culturally responsive services and building resilience in underserved communities.
Her leadership spans roles such as Executive Director of the National Alliance for Trauma Recovery Centers at UCSF, Chief of Victim Services for the SF District Attorney’s Office, and Co-Founder of the Youth Justice Institute. Today, she continues her mission as...

Our guest today is Kwamane Liddell, JD, MHA, BSN, the visionary CEO of ThriveLink—a healthcare technology company revolutionizing access to social safety-net programs and health services through telephonic AI. With a unique background as a trauma nurse, attorney, and health administrator, Kwamane brings a rare, multidimensional perspective to the healthcare space. Through ThriveLink, he has pioneered the use of telephonic AI to empower human service organizations and healthcare providers with always-available bots that assist individuals in completing applications for essential benefits like insurance and food assistance—anytime, day or night. Kwamane is dedicating his career to one powerful mission: ensu...

As a podcast host, I have had the profound honor of listening to and documenting the powerful stories of community members who have dedicated their lives to advocating for justice. Tina Cordova, the Co-Founder of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium, is a tireless advocate who has brought attention to the long-ignored consequences of nuclear testing in New Mexico. Her work illuminates the untold experiences of multiple communities who, in the aftermath of the Trinity Bomb detonation and subsequent nuclear tests conducted in New Mexico between 1945 and 1962, were unknowingly exposed to radiation. This exposure, carried by the wind and lingering in...

Matthew Feltrop serves as the Executive Director of The Patachou Foundation, a visionary nonprofit organization based in Indianapolis dedicated to fighting childhood hunger through transformative food initiatives. The foundation is committed to not only providing nutritious, scratch-made meals to children impacted by food insecurity but also fostering a deeper connection to food by sparking excitement and awareness. Under Matthew's dynamic leadership, the foundation has experienced remarkable growth, delivering over 500,000 meals to children in need and spearheading impactful programs. These include PataSchool, which brings the art of scratch cooking into school cafeterias, and the Food Fellowship—a paid summer program de...

Our guest today is, Dr. Ann López is the Executive Director of Center for Farmworker Families. The Center for Farmworker Families provides support to farmworker families in the central coast of California. The Center for Farmworker Families is a 501(c3)nonprofit at www.farmworkerfamily.org . The website is designed to provide updates on the status of binational farmworker families and provides ways in which those who are interestedcan become involved with the work of improving their life circumstances.
She is an emerita professor and taught courses in biology, environmental science, ecology and botany in the biology department a...

Our guest today is Elizabeth Bachman, CEO of Strategic Speaking for Results. Elizabeth is a renowned authority in advanced speaking, presentation skills, sales, and leadership training. With decades of expertise, she empowers high-level clients to craft impactful messages that secure funding, build alliances, and earn well-deserved recognition. As an internationally sought-after speaker and strategist, Elizabeth helps leaders present with confidence, relatability, and even a touch of humor—while maintaining credibility.

Elizabeth hosts the acclaimed podcast Speakers Who Get Results, where she delves into topics like leadership, visibility, and cross-cultural communication with industry experts. Having directed opera legends li...

Our podcast today features Jasmine Najera and Barbara Garcia, who provide us with statistics regarding the economic power of US Latino communities. In addition to exploring these vital statistics, they delve into the critical role of uplifting and supporting the dedicated staff of our Latino community organizations, especially during these challenging and uncertain times. Keep our Latino Organizations strong by donating and volunteering. Si Se Puede!
#LatinoEconomicPower
#StrengthInCommunity
#SupportLatinoOrganizations
#DonateAndVolunteer

Our guest today is Aaron Painter, the CEO of Nametag. Aaron shares his journey from a 14-year career at Microsoft, where he held various leadership roles across multiple countries, to founding Nametag. Driven by his personal experiences with online fraud and identity theft, Aaron has created cutting-edge technology that offers unprecedented protection from digital manipulation and impersonation fraud.
Aaron discusses the evolution of fraud, from simple check scams to sophisticated digital impersonation using deepfakes, and highlights the surge in remote work-related security threats, especially in health care. He explains how Nametag's DeepFake Defense technology verifies authentic identities. Aaron...

Our guest today is, Devon G. Peña the Founder and President of the Acequia Institute, a non-profit grant-making foundation dedicated to supporting environmental and food justice. The Institute is based on a 181-acre acequia farm in Viejo San Acacio, CO, situated on the ancestral lands and waters of the Nuchu, Dinè, Tewa, and Genizaro peoples.
Established in 2006, the Acequia Institute focuses on the protection and preservation of acequia farming communities in the Upper Rio Grande region. Its key areas of focus include Water Democracy, Resilient Agriculture, and Environmental Justice.
HealthCare UnTold celebrates Devon as a national tr...

Las Fotos Project’s mission is to elevate the voices of teenage girls & gender-expansive youth from communities of color through photography and mentoring, empowering them to channel their creativity for the benefit of themselves, their community, and future careers.
Several of the Las Fotos Project members have been impacted by the LA Fires, in response they have begun documenting the stories of artists who lost their equipment and studios in the fires.They are calling on artists impacted by the fires to share their stories on their website: lasfotosproject.org. By reading these stories, you can connect with an...

Our guest today is Dante King, M.ED, CHRMP, Dante is an incredible speaker, author and consultant known for his work in the fields of diversity and anti-racism. He is particularly focused on addressing systemic racism, bias, and discrimination within organizations and institutions. King leverages his expertise to help organizations understand and dismantle structural inequities, foster inclusive environments, and implement transformative change. As a consultant, he provides training, workshops, and strategic guidance to help leaders and teams recognize and address implicit biases and historical patterns of exclusion.
#DanteKing.com quity
#RacialEquity
#StandAgainstRacism
#UnityinDiversity
#Diagnosing...

Our guest today is Vanessa Villaverde, the senior program investment officer at the CHCF Innovation Fund, which invests in technology and service companies with the potential to significantly lower the cost of care or to improve access to care for Californians with low incomes. Vanessa is an exceptional health leader with her eye on expanding the contributions of Latina/o/x innovators in health technologies,
Before joining CHCF, Vanessa worked at health tech companies Caresyntax and Remedy Partners, where she developed value-based care programs and products. She worked at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for 10 years advising...

Our guest today is Jacob Kendall, Jacob is a dedicated health advocate and a multifaceted expert. With a strong background in demographics, Jacob excels at analyzing health trends and identifying community needs. In this podcast he provides us with important insights about the roles and importance of immigrant health providers. His personal experiences as a patient within hospital and health systems as a patient, give him a unique perspective.
Jacob is a speaker and educator and supports families who are in need of advocacy, you can contact him at:
jacobevanskendall.com

We are honoring the Loma Prieta Earthquake which took place on October 17, 1989 in Watsonville, California, by recasting our original podcast. We want to honor those who lost their lives and to those who responded to save lives and servethose who were impacted.
You will hear about the fundamentals of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery particularly for vulnerable communities.  Our podcast features Interviews with medical providers and Watsonville community leaders who responded immediately after the earthquake; these local heroes provide their first-hand oral histories of the creative steps they took to quickly outreach to and serve farmworkers and the W...

Our guest today is Mayukh Choudhury, the Co-founder of Milaap and GetCopayHelp. Milaap is one of India’s leading crowdfunding platforms, connecting individuals and organizations with supporters to raise funds for medical emergencies and other critical causes. Through Milaap, thousands have received financial support for their medical needs.
As a co-founder of GetCopayHelp, Mayukh has enabled US patients to access high-cost medications affordably. The platform simplifies the process by identifying medication assistance programs and managing the administrative tasks involved.
Mayukh is deeply passionate about ensuring that financial barriers do not stand between life and death, hope and de...

Our guest today is Itzel Maganda Chavez, the Civic Engagement Director for San Diego Alliance. Itzel shares her inspiring journey from growing up undocumented in San Diego to becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen. Her story, transitioning from undocumented to DACAmented, and finally to citizenship, highlights the resilience and strength of immigrant communities. As the Civic Engagement Director at Alliance San Diego, she is responsible for promoting civic participation, organizing community efforts, and enhancing voting literacy. Alliance San Diego is a community organization dedicated to building collective power and creating an inclusive democracy. HealthCare UnTold honors Itzel and the...

Our guests today are Carolyn Pritchard and Lorie Spence the Co-Founders of Bridge Medical Communications. Carolyn and Lorie have committed their work to bridge the gap between the health industry and the patient. They believe that specialized communications to healthcare professionals play a pivotal role in optimizing the potential impact of medical innovations on the healthcare landscape and—ultimately—on the patient. Their vision is to empower healthcare professionals to optimize patient outcomes through innovative communication tools, creativity, and strategic collaboration.
#bridgemedcomms.com
#patient voice
#providerprofessionaldevelpment
#medicalinovations
#empowerhealthcareprofessionals
#healthcareuntold@gmail.com

We are recasting our podcast on Smokey the Bear and our Indigenous firefighters. Help them by being safe and keeping your family safe with these safety precautions if you live in fire prone areas:
*Create a fire escape plan

Our guest today is, Mario A. Guel who is a South Texas native with a background in nonprofit grant management, community economic development focusing on rural & underserved communities and higher education. At Build Healthy Places Network (BHPN) Mario serves as Senior Program Manager, providing oversight and coordination of community of practice and field building in alignment with BHPN's goals. He creates, develops, and sustains national, regional, and local (including indigenous nations) partnerships across sectors. Mario earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a Master of Jurisprudence in Business Law and Compliance from Texas A&M University.
HealthCare...

On August 4th, 2024, we lost a remarkable community leader, Profe. Armando Vasquez Ramos. In his honor, I wanted to recast the podcast we recently recorded. I reconnected with Armando through John A. Taboada’s photo exhibit at the Historical Society Center of Long Beach, which showcased the community work of El Centro de la Raza.
Armando’s podcast interview holds a special place in my heart. I first met him when I was fourteen, when he was the Director of El Centro de la Raza. I worked as a student worker at El Centro from fourteen until I was...

Our guest today is Rebecca Hernandez, PhD, who is the Community Archivist at the UC Santa Cruz University Library. With a rich background as the former director of the American Indian Resource Center, Rebecca brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to her role. She is dedicated to ensuring that the diverse and untold histories of Santa Cruz County are not only preserved but also celebrated. Learn how to preserve your historical documents or gift your historical materials, by contacting Dr. Hernandez at: rhernandez@ucsc.edu

Today, we’re joined by Janet Johns, Artistic Director, and Ruby Vasquez, Assistant Artistic Director from the Esperanza Del Valle Baile Folkorico in Santa Cruz County. They’re excited to announce the First International Folklorico and Music Conference, taking place in Santa Cruz County from August 15th to 25th. During our conversation, we’ll delve into the conference’s history and the meaningful relationship they’ve built with the University of Veracruz.
Esperanza del Valle and Cabrillo College are hosting the Ballet Folklórico del Puerto de Veracruz de la Universidad Veracruzana who will be teaching at the Folklorico...

Our guest today is Gabriela Rodriguez-Gomez who is a Ph.D. candidate in Chicana/o Studies & Central American Studies at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) with a specialization in the history of murals created during the Chicana/o art movement and the Mexican mural movement. She holds a B.A. in Art and History of Art and Visual Culture from the University of California Santa Cruz, an M.A. in Art History from the University of California Riverside, and an M.A. in Chicana/o Studies from UCLA. She received the Edward A. Dickson Fellowship in the History...

Kateri Lopez serves as a Project Manager at Cornerstones in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Cornerstones is committed to safeguarding the architectural heritage and cultural traditions of New Mexico. Through collaborative efforts with local communities, Cornerstones restores historic structures and cultural landscapes while promoting traditional building practices. Kateri’s upbringing in a community and multigenerational family deeply rooted in land and farming in the South Valley of Albuquerque informs her dedication to this important work.
HealthCare UnTold honors Kateri's commitment to place and tradition for the New Mexican communities.
#Cornerstones.org
#adobe structures
#restorations
#preservations

Armando Vazquez-Ramos, an advocate for Chicano/Mexican and Latino education, has been promoting educational opportunities for over 50 years. As a student leader at California State University Long Beach (CSULB) in 1969, he co-founded the Chicano and Latino Studies department. Armando also became the Director of El Centro de la Raza in Long Beach which was a community service agency that provided thousands of families and youth, employment, and community resources. For the last decade Armando has been leading the Dreamer Study Abroad Program which provides Dreamer's the opportunity to study in Mexico and this program allows the Dreamers to return to...

Jon is the Founder and Director of Migrant Media Productions. Jon is a visionary filmmaker, educator and advocate for social justice. John has been capturing and documenting the stories of Migrant Farmworkers for over three decades. He has committed his career to the struggles and the beauty of Migrant Farmworker lives. Jon's work captures the stories of musicians, strikers, educators and community advocates. His recent work, "Living in Exile", tells the untold story of Carlos Mejia Godoy a musician. poet of Nicaragua's Sandinista Revolution.
HealthCare UnTold honors Jon Silver for his career and commitment to telling the untold...

In 2013, Wes founded Rare Patient Voice to provide patients and their caregivers with the opportunity to voice their opinions through surveys and interviews to improve medical products and services. As with any new business, the initial days were challenging. Wes knew that he wanted to be able to share this resource with all clients, so he purposely did not accept investments from clients or other related sources. He spent time traveling across the country and meeting patients and caregivers at events such as awareness days, fundraising walks, meetings, and conferences. Eventually, the business grew and Wes was able to...

"Joy Power and Pride"
Brian Chavez, from the Historical Society of Long Beach, joins us today to share his thoughts and reflections on the new exhibit titled "Centro de la Raza: John A. Taboada’s Photo Legacy 1970-1985." John’s exhibit captures the Chicano Movement in Long Beach and the community work of Centro de la Raza through a beautiful collection of over 3,000 meticulously preserved photos. John's artistry will continue to have an impact on multiple generations to come.
*This exhibit holds immense significance for me. As a teenager, I had the privilege of working at Centro de l...

Dr. Geeta Nayyar, a remarkable health and technology leader, has authored the book “DEAD WRONG: Diagnosing and Treating Healthcare’s Misinformation Illness”.
In our podcast Dr. G emphasizes the importance of accurate information in empowering patients, providers, and policymakers. By embracing transparency, trust can be fostered, informed decision-making facilitated, and patient outcomes enhanced. Dr. Nayyar advocates for open data sharing, clear communication, and responsible handling of privacy concerns. Transparent practices pave the way for actionable insights, evidence-based care, and reduced inefficiencies.
Remember, in our digital landscape, double-check your facts, verify sources, and be vigilant against the power of mis...

Our guest today is Dr. Haghighian (Dr.Cyrus), Dr. Cyrus is deeply committed to patient care, aligning seamlessly with the mission of providing comprehensive and personalized healthcare. Specializing in Sleep Medicine, he strives to help patients achieve better sleep and overall well-being. He has experience working with both adults and children and his services address conditions such as Sleep Apnea, Narcolepsy, Insomnia, and Circadian Rhythm disorders. Today Dr. Cyrus share with us about Sleep Hygiene and ways to get a restful night sleep.  

We thank Dr. Cyrus for sharing his advice and how to improve our sleep h...

Our guest today is Chris Thompson, the CEO of Sober Sidekick.  Chris developed his application for those seeking sobriety and support. Chris wants a world where no one is alone in their battle of sobriety and his app does just that, it is 24/7 and if you reach out, others will reach out to you and give you empathy and support. Chris believes that it only takes a few people to believe in you to find the strength to overcome your struggles and turn your setbacks into comebacks. His innovative app is  free and it provides an incredible opportunity to bu...

Our guest today is Luká Yancopoulos, CEO and co-founder of Grapevine. Under Luká’s leadership, Grapevine is providing cost-effective and timely access to millions of healthcare supplies for our healthcare systems. Grapevine is dedicated to frontline workers, aiming to reduce waste by implementing effective supply management and ensuring equitable healthcare access. We commend Grapevine for its charitable initiatives during Covid-19, which ensured that vital supplies were distributed to nonprofits, preventing medical supplies from going to waste.
Listen in to Luká Yancopoulos, CEO and co-founder of Grapevine our Innovator of the Month!

#go-grapevine.com
#elimantedmedicalwaste
#reduc...

The Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium (TBDC) is a group of activists who seek justice for the victims of the Trinity Test, the first atomic bomb detonation on July 16, 1945. The test exposed thousands of people living in nearby communities, largely Latino communities to harmful radiation, causing cancers and other diseases. The TBDC was founded in 2005 by Tina Cordova and Fred Tyler, along with other residents of Tularosa, to collect data and raise awareness about the health effects of the test.
The Trinity Test was part of a series of 200 atmospheric nuclear tests conducted by the United States between 1945 and 1962...

Our guest today is Tracy Weaver, Executive Director of Saranam. Since 2004 SARANAM has served over 180 families offering them opportunities to break the cycles of generational poverty. Saranam’s two-year, residential program, and integrated services – housing, education, and community – help families escape from homelessness and poverty permanently with a proven 88% success rate. Many programs addressing homelessness focus on immediate needs such as shelter, food, or addiction treatment. Saranam works holistically, tackling the causes of homelessness and poverty by working with the entire family over time. In 2022 Saranam broke ground for a new campus housing 20 more families and they are about ready...