Shiann Moraida currently serves as Cameron County Public Health’s – Healthy Brain and Aging Program Director and brings several years of public health experience supported by a Master of Public Health degree and a background in biomedical science, patient care, health education and community health. Shiann has both lead and assisted in the planning and implementation of healthy aging related initiatives that target reduction of chronic conditions and development of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias in Cameron County. With the help of her team and community partners, she plans to continue improving the availability and access of community services, education and resource connection for better quality of life.

Rose Timmer is a respected community health and environmental advocate with over 20 years of leadership in nonprofit management and public service. Since 1999, she has served as Executive Director of Healthy Communities of Brownsville, partnering with schools, local organizations, and city institutions to improve quality of life for all residents. She advances senior wellness, environmental sustainability, and health education through community-driven programs and public-private partnerships. A champion for older adults, she founded and chairs the Senior Advocacy Coalition, serves on the Area Agency on Aging board, and represented the region in the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature from 2017–2021.

Leslie Martínez Ramírez, MA is the Latino Engagement Manager at Compassion & Choices, where she leads national outreach to expand awareness of end-of-life planning and equitable access to care in Latino communities. With over 25 years of experience in public health and community advocacy, she previously served as National Coordinator of Ventanillas de Salud for the Government of Mexico, strengthening a network of 51 health centers across the U.S. Leslie is a recognized Health Content Expert who has partnered with major health organizations to train Community Health Workers and advance culturally responsive health education nationwide.

María D. Ulloa-Otero is a nationally recognized public health educator, grassroots activist, and immigrant leader advancing health equity. She serves as National Director of Priority Populations at Compassion & Choices and Executive Director of the New Mexico Community Health Worker Association. She co-developed DEJELO YA, the first Spanish-language, community-led tobacco cessation campaign in the U.S., recognized by the CDC and adopted nationally. A pioneer of Photovoice, she uses storytelling to uplift Hispanic families. Maria is a founding member of several national coalitions, a self-taught artist, and a proud mother and grandmother who centers resilience in both life and leadership.

Luis Aceves, a proud native of Jalisco, Mexico and proud American citizen, is an Emmy Award-winning professional with a strong background in communications, public health, and community engagement. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Universidad Panamericana in Guadalajara and a Master of Arts in TV & Public Speaking from CEA Televisa in Mexico City, along with certifications in Public Health and Research. Since 2017, Luis has served as Director of Marketing & Business Development for R.E.A.C.H., leading programs such as Ventanilla de Salud and Salvando tu Salud, reaching over 100,000 individuals and advancing health equity across Nevada.

Dr. Rose M.Z. Gowen, a physician and four-term Brownsville City Commissioner, is a leader in smart growth, quality of life, and health equity. She has pioneered partnerships between public health, city government, and community organizations to combat obesity and chronic disease. Dr. Gowen helped create the Brownsville Farmers’ Market and launched transformative programs such as Cyclobia (Open Streets) and Challenge RGV, engaging thousands in active living and healthier choices. Her leadership helped Brownsville earn national recognition as a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health community. She continues to champion vibrant public spaces, active transportation, and accessible nutrition for all.

Dr. Lisa Mitchell-Bennett, born in Mexico City, is a public health leader, researcher, and community advocate dedicated to advancing health equity along the U.S.–Mexico border. With advanced degrees in public health and international development, she has worked across Latin America and the U.S., co-founding a binational Community Health Worker project and managing school-based health centers in Texas. For over two decades, she has led community engagement at the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in Brownsville, directing initiatives such as Tu Salud ¡Sí Cuenta! and programs addressing social determinants of health. Her work emphasizes participatory research, cultural strengths, and sustainable, community-driven change.

Dr. Belinda Reininger is the Regional Dean and professor of Health Promotion and Behavioral Science for the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in Brownsville.  Dr. Reininger leads research projects to address chronic diseases faced by Hispanic populations. Dr. Reininger, in partnership with the Community Action Board in South Texas, has supported policy and environmental changes including tobacco-free ordinances, complete street ordinances, building bike/ped trails, community gardens, farmers’ markets, chronic care management programs and community wide campaigns. Dr. Reininger is dedicated to mentoring students in the Lower Rio Grande Valley including serving as the director for the RGV Summer Science Internship.  She is also the contact PI for the All of Us Project through UTHealth in Brownsville.

Moises Arjona Jr. brings over two decades of experience in healthcare, with more than nine years dedicated to community-based public health along the U.S.–Mexico Border. His work focuses on addressing health disparities and improving outcomes for vulnerable populations in the Border Health region. As the Collective Impact Director for Unidos Contra La Diabetes (UCD) in the Rio Grande Valley, Moises leads collaborative efforts to raise awareness and prevent Type 2 Diabetes. He works closely with Community Health Workers and grassroots organizations to implement sustainable health and wellness initiatives. In addition to his role at UCD, Moises is the founder of Leading The Way Forward, LLC, a consulting firm that empowers local organizations to drive change within their communities. Known for his strategic leadership and problem-solving skills, Moises is passionate about building healthier futures through equity-driven, community-led solutions.

Jason Wright serves as President of the Access to Health Foundation (501(c)(4)) and Agility Cares (501(c)(3)), where he leads national efforts to expand healthcare access, promote innovation, and advance value-based care across rural and underserved communities. Under his leadership, both organizations have become catalysts for reform—bridging the gap between policymakers, providers, and insurers to improve outcomes and reduce costs for millions of Americans.

A member of the Board of Directors for Agility Holdings Group, one of the largest health insurance organizations in the U.S., Jason plays a key role in shaping the company’s advocacy, innovation, and corporate responsibility strategy. His work unites public and private partners around one mission: to make quality healthcare more accessible, efficient, and sustainable.

Before entering the private sector, Jason spent more than a decade as a U.S. Senate staffer, where he built deep expertise in healthcare policy, rural economic development, and government affairs.

In addition to his leadership in healthcare, Jason is a podcast host, writer, and entrepreneur, producing The Jason Wright Show and The Healthy CEO, where he explores the intersection of longevity, performance, and leadership. His guiding philosophy—“Improve Always in All Ways”—reflects his lifelong commitment to helping individuals and institutions reach their highest potential.

Mauricio Piña, a native of Brownsville, Texas and former U.S. Navy technician on F/A-18 Super Hornets, brings decades of technology and entrepreneurial experience to his role as Co-Founder and CTO of Cobalt Digital Marketing. After launching his first business at age 21 and working with major tech firms in Austin, he co-founded Cobalt in 2016 with Stephanie Hawk. Mauricio now leads the technical development team, crafting integrated digital solutions for business growth. Outside of work, he serves on the board of a local affordable-housing nonprofit, presides over a regional fathers’ support organization, and is deeply committed to giving back to his Rio Grande Valley community.

Iris Sanchez is the Founder and Executive Director of Impress Genius, providing special education advising and consulting for families of children with disabilities. With over 20 years of experience as a bilingual speech-language pathologist and educator, she is a passionate advocate who blends empathy and expertise to drive meaningful change. Iris empowers parents to move from silent observers to confident partners in their child’s education, offering guidance, mentorship, and resources that foster clarity and collaboration. Her mission is rooted in purpose and compassion: turning disABILITIES into possibilities.

Dr. Arturo Rodriguez, Director of Health, Wellness & Animal Services for the City of Brownsville, oversees public health efforts including disease prevention, wellness advocacy, and animal services. He has played a key role in responding to major health threats such as H1N1, Zika, and COVID-19, helping Brownsville earn national recognition through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Culture of Health prize and the All American City: Healthy Communities award. Through collaborations with UTHealth School of Public Health, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, UTRGV, and TSC, he has expanded community initiatives. Dr. Rodriguez co-leads the Brownsville-Matamoros Bi-national Health Council and chairs the DSHS Task Force of Border Health Officials, addressing cross-border health challenges. With over 20 years of healthcare experience, he holds advanced degrees and certifications in nursing, public health, sanitation, change management, and executive coaching.

Christie Gonzalez is the Founder and Director of InnerSpark Performing Arts, a mobile dance studio bringing high-quality performing arts education directly to childcare centers, preschools, and schools across the Rio Grande Valley. With a lifelong passion for arts education and early childhood development, she designs inclusive curricula that build creativity, confidence, and teamwork in young learners. Christie is an accomplished entrepreneur and community leader recognized for her innovation and leadership. Formerly a 21st Century Grant Administrator for IDEA Public Schools, she has extensive experience in program development, community engagement, and sca ling youth initiatives. She is dedicated to expanding access to arts and nurturing future leaders.

Involved in Medical Field for 40 years with 32 plus years as a nurse with extensive expertise in population health, excelling in team collaboration, patient education, and clinical decision-making. Proven track record in managing complex healthcare projects and optimizing service delivery to meet stringent regulatory standards. Demonstrates exceptional leadership and communication skills, driving innovative health solutions and patient advocacy.

Jessica Cabrera-Martinez currently serves as the Pastor/President at Mount Calvary Christian Church in La Feria, Texas. She resides in Weslaco, Texas, with her wife, two daughters, and their grandson. Jessica obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice in 1996, her Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice—Executive Management/Leadership in 2014, and a Master’s in Education-Family and Marriage Therapy. Jessica has worked in the criminal justice field for over 25 years and is currently self-employed, completing home study assessments for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Jessica became an Ordained Minister in 2020 and has been an active member at an affirming church in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas since 2016. Jessica is involved in community outreach and works closely with the LGBTQIA+ community and individuals living with HIV. Jessica is a Board Advisor with the South Texas Equality Project, the Outreach Coordinator for NAMI-South Texas RGV, a member of the RGV Deanery, a member of the Hidalgo County Family Violence Task Force, and the Administrator for RGV LGBTQIA+ Parenting.

Yaziri Gonzalez is a Medical Entomologist and Vector Control Supervisor with the City of Brownsville, where she leads mosquito surveillance and integrated vector management initiatives along the Gulf Coast of Texas. She established the first city-operated RT-PCR laboratory in the Rio Grande Valley, enhancing regional capacity for rapid mosquito-borne pathogen testing. Gonzalez coordinates surveillance, resistance testing, and public education to reduce disease risk. She holds degrees in Entomology from Texas A&M University and the University of Kentucky and is an active member of TMCA, AMCA, and NACCHO. Guided by innovation and equity, she advances science-driven public health solutions for South Texas.

Dr. Aaron Salinas is an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) in Edinburg, Texas. With ten years of experience in academia, Dr. Salinas plays a key role in shaping the next generation of nurses through his leadership and commitment to nursing education.

In addition to his academic role, Dr. Salinas is a practicing Nurse Practitioner, holding dual board certifications as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). He is an active member of the UT Health Rio Grande Valley team, where he provides patient care at the University Health Center. He also collaborates in consultation with a local psychiatrist and pediatrician, extending his clinical expertise across multiple disciplines in the Rio Grande Valley.

Dr. Salinas is deeply involved in professional service and leadership, participating in numerous nursing and healthcare organizations at the local, state, and national levels. He currently serves on the boards of several of these organizations, contributing his experience and insight to advance the field of nursing and healthcare delivery.

Elaine has worked in the field of emergency preparedness and response, with experience in facilitating the development of the Metropolitan Medical Response System as Director of Border Health with the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council 2004-2005, managing international public health projects with the American Red Cross (Tuberculosis) 2005-2008, the Canadian Red Cross Maternal and Child Health Program in Honduras (2008-2012) and assisting the Honduran Red Cross in developing an emergency technical health unit post hurricanes ETA and IOTA (2021-2022). She also assisted in establishing a system of emergency feeding for Internally Displaced Persons in Ukraine, involving shelters, mobile kitchens, and feeding stations through a network of churches in 2023.

Dr. Charles F. Mild is a board-certified cardiologist and experienced clinical research investigator specializing in cardiovascular medicine and metabolic health. With over three decades of medical experience, Dr. Mild has served as Chief of Cardiology and Acting Medical Director of the Catheterization Lab at Valley Diagnostic Medical and Surgical Clinic and currently practices with the Gomez Cardiovascular Group.

He has contributed to numerous Phase I–III clinical trials focused on cardiovascular disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, diabetes, and vaccine development. Dr. Mild earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Illinois School of Medicine and completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Texas School of Medicine, followed by a cardiology fellowship at the University of New Mexico.

A Fellow of both the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the Society for Cardiac Catheterization and Interventions (SCAI), and a past president of the American Heart Association’s Cameron-Willacy Chapter, Dr. Mild continues to advance patient care through clinical research and leadership in cardiovascular innovation.

Dr. Paulina Sosa-Quintanilla is the Founder, President and Executive Director of Latinx Voces, a national nonprofit with the goal to amplify all Latino voices and achieve equity in health and cultural representation. Paulina has worked for more than 15 years in public health, including policy, advocacy, data analytics and community outreach. Her work has revolved around infectious disease transmission and epidemic/pandemic preparedness, including influenza and COVID-19. Paulina has also completed her doctorate in the DrPH Public Health Informatics program at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, with a research focus on data informatics, dashboard development, and health equity.

Paulina has worked at the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) as the Lead Data Analyst in the Influenza team. She has worked with the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH), the American Public Health Association (APHA) COVID-19 Response Team, and the Access Smithsonian’s See Me program. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Paulina provided consulting services for PAHO and other key partners in data, surveillance, and health communications.

Rubén Cantú is a heart-centered social entrepreneur, educator, and AI leader who fosters
peace through understanding and love. He believes that compassionate leadership is essential
in the fast-moving world of AI. He empowers underserved communities and has been
recognized with honors like the Presidential Volunteer Community Service Award from the Biden
Administration (2024).

Marlen is a passionate advocate for health promotion and health equity,
evidenced by her work with Community Health Workers and the development
of community health programs. As a Community Health Worker, Marlen has
served as a navigator, connecting individuals to public health resources and
helping them make informed medical decisions. As a Community Health Worker
Instructor, she has significantly improved health education in the communities
she serves. In 2016, she launched Better Futures Forever, a health education
training center for Community Health Workers and healthcare professionals.
Better Futures Forever has trained organizations across the country and is
family-operated under Marlen’s leadership.

Marlen has been recognized for her work in adolescent health by the Texas
Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancies, receiving the David C. Willey Award
in 2018, and in 2023, when she was awarded the Outstanding Former Young
Parent Award by the Health Teen Network for being a former young parent who
has risen to the challenges of early parenting, achieved extraordinary personal
and/or professional success, and demonstrated phenomenal leadership.

Through her work, Marlen aims to continue to improve the health and well-being
of children and families, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations.
Currently, Marlen continues to serve as a CHW, a CHWI, a project
administrator, and a community health outreach specialist. Better Futures
Forever continues to be part of her family’s legacy as it is fully family-operated
and continues to make an impact in community health education.

In addition to her CHW and CHWI certifications, Marlen also holds a bachelor’s
degree in social sciences from Sul Ross State University.

Dr. Hansapani Rodrigo is an Associate Professor of Statistics at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Her research spans statistical data mining, deep learning, Bayesian data analysis, survival modeling, and cancer research, with applications in health, biomedical, and environmental sciences. Over the past five years, she has published sixteen peer-reviewed research papers and has incorporated advanced machine learning methods—including artificial neural networks, support vector machines, and SHAP-based interpretability—into her work.

Dr. Rodrigo has contributed to securing major NIH R01 and NSF grants exceeding $5 million and currently serves as a Co-Investigator on federally funded projects in healthcare and artificial intelligence. She has mentored undergraduate and graduate students across different disciplines, including Biomedical Sciences, Environmental and Social work. Her commitment to interdisciplinary research and student success reflects her broader mission of advancing data-driven insights to improve health outcomes.

As CareMessage’s Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Cecilia spearheads the CareMessage strategy and vision, and ensures its execution throughout the organization. Driven by her experiences growing up in a low-income immigrant household in the Rio Grande Valley, Cecilia brings a unique perspective to the design of technology for health equity. Over the last decade she’s been the lead inventor on multiple patents on the use of sequential messaging to support people in meeting health goals, and has been a contributor to key research on validating the effectiveness of text messaging in improving health outcomes.

Outside of her work at CareMessage, she is an advocate for Diversity and Inclusion in the tech industry through collecting and publishing data on Latina Tech Founders. Cecilia was on the 2019 Forbes 30 under 30 list for Healthcare and was recognized as a Social Entrepreneur of the Year in 2025 by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship at the 2025 World Economic Forum. She graduated with a B.S. in Product Design Engineering from Stanford University. She was one of the first students at PSJA ISD to graduate with a dual-enrollment degree in Engineering from South Texas College.

Stacy Carrizales is a bilingual digital creator, marketing strategist, and proud San Antonio native with over seven years of experience in social media and brand storytelling. She began her journey through her Instagram handle @strawberry.stacyy, where her “come with me” videos gained attention for their approachable, community-centered style. Her platform evolved into Vemos Vamos, a multicultural brand studio.

Stacy has worked with brands like Samsung, Texas Public Radio, and the City of San Antonio, using her marketing expertise and lived experience to create authentic campaigns. She currently serves as the Creative Director of Vemos Vamos at 434 Media, where she leads bilingual content strategy and creative direction across digital platforms.

Marcos Resendez is the founder of 434 Media, a strategic media and brand innovation company connecting enterprise with community to drive scalable growth platforms. A U.S. Air Force veteran with over 25 years in tech, entertainment, and marketing, Marcos designs the systems and ecosystems that empower creators, brands, and communities to scale together. He also serves on the board of Alamo Angels, expanding access to capital and mentorship across Texas.

Honorable Mayor John Cowen, Jr. is a distinguished public servant whose vision and dedication have significantly impacted the City of Brownsville. He is a 6th generation Brownsvillian, who comes from a family with a history of service to the Brownsville community. He is dedicated to advancing the City’s prosperity, competitiveness, and quality of life.

Mr. Cowen was elected Mayor of Brownsville in 2023 after serving as City Commissioner At-Large “A” starting in 2019.

In addition to his role as Mayor, Mr. Cowen is President of Cowen Group, Ltd., a company specializing in customs brokerage, warehousing and distribution, real estate, and development. His expertise in economic development and cross-border trade has positioned him as a respected voice at national and international forums, including the Texas Tribune Festival, Yale School of Management, and the North Capital Forum.

Mayor Cowen serves in key leadership roles across regional and national organizations, including the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative; the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Criminal & Social Justice Standing Committee; the South Texas Alliance of Cities (STAC); the Border Trade Alliance (BTA); the Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization; the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council; and the Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB).

A licensed U.S. Customs Broker, Mayor Cowen is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance. Through his work, he continues to champion initiatives that strengthen Brownsville as a hub for business, investment, and binational cooperation.

Helen Ramirez, ICMA-CM, AICP is the City Manager for the City of Brownsville, the largest City in the Rio Grande Valley and the 18th largest City in the State of Texas, serving approximately 190,000 residents. She is the first female to serve the City of Brownsville as City Manager since its incorporation in 1853.

Ms. Ramirez is an ICMA Credentialed Manager that brings more than 20 years of experience in municipal government, urban planning, and economic development, including 10 years of experience working in the private sector. She joined the City of Brownsville in March of 2019 as Deputy City Manager while simultaneously serving, for a short period of time, as Executive Director & CEO of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC).

In her role as City Manager, Ms. Ramirez has been instrumental in accelerating economic growth, downtown redevelopment, overhauling development codes, preparing the City’s first Mobility Transportation Plan and Capital Recovery Fee, and strengthening its organizational culture.

Ms. Ramirez is leading the municipality of Brownsville and its workforce of more than 1,200 employees under a ONE CITY philosophy, in which the organization is creating partnerships and collaborations with external agencies to realize Brownsville to its fullest potential. She continues to strengthen the City’s economy, creating employment opportunities for its intergenerational workforce, building upon a Strategic Vision that values Quality of Life, and creating a legacy for generations to come.

Ms. Ramirez earned a Bachelor of Science in City & Regional Planning from California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo, is a Credentialed Manager with the International City/County Management Association, and holds an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification. She is a member of the Texas City Managers Association (TCMA), American Planning Association (APA), and is a founding board member of the Texas City Manager’s Leadership Circle.

State Representative Erin E. Gámez, J.D

Representative Erin Elizabeth Gámez was born and raised in Brownsville, Cameron County.
She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in December 2010, and received her
J.D. from South Texas College of Law in May 2014. After graduating Law School and passing
the Bar, she returned to Brownsville to practice law and serve her community. She is an
associate attorney with the Law Offices of Ernesto Gamez, Jr., P.C. and has served as a
defense attorney for the Cameron County Mental Health Diversion Court. She is a member
the Cameron County Bar Association, Cameron County Women’s Law Section, National
Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and served as a Board Member of the
Brownsville Community Health Center.

Representative Gámez was first elected in a special election to the Texas House of
Representatives and was sworn-in on March 30, 2022. At the time of her election, she was
the youngest serving member. She is the first female representative of Texas House District
38.

Representative Gámez is Vice Chair of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus, a Deputy
Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, and a member of the Criminal Justice Reform
Caucus, Texas Water Caucus, Innovation and Technology (IT) Caucus, the Transportation
Excellence Caucus, the Texas House LGBTQ Caucus, and the Climate and Energy Caucus.
Representative Gámez’ has received several honors including being named the Mexican
American Legislative Caucus’ (MALC) Freshman of the Year. She is Vice Chair of the Texas
House Committee on General She also serves on the House General Investigating
Committee on the July 2025 Flooding Events, House Committee on Transportation, and the
House Committee on Natural Resources. She was one of the 12 members to serve on the
Texas House Board of Managers to present articles of impeachment against Warren
Kenneth Paxton to the Texas Senate.

Eric Quintero

Born and raised in Brownsville, a proud husband and father, Eric serves as Community Development Manager for the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation. He works to enhance quality of life, champion local small businesses, and help nonprofits reach new heights. Driven by a desire to give back and be part of something bigger than himself, Eric partners with his team and local stakeholders to find new ways to tell Brownsville’s story and elevate the community it represents.

Luis Torres-Hostos, PhD

Dr. Luis R. Torres-Hostos is Founding Dean and Professor of the School of Social Work (SSW) at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, TX. Under his leadership, the SSW is playing a key role in promoting health equity and social justice in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) and beyond. Among other initiatives, the School of Social Work has significantly increased the number of faculty; expanded community-engaged research; developed bilingual courses; established new partnerships with agencies throughout the RGV, including the Latin American consulates; launched the Office for International Social Work and the Human Mobility Institute; developed and launched a new online master’s in social work and a dual Master’s in Social Work and Master’s in Public Health; and is working on a doctoral program in social work. His research focuses on health disparities, social determinants of health, and community engagement with minority communities, and has been funded by federal, state, and private entities. Dr. Torres-Hostos has secured partnerships and collaborations in Mexico, Central and South America, and Puerto Rico. He serves on local, national and international boards, including the American Red Cross South Texas Chapter; Hidalgo County Community Service Agency, a Community Action Partnership Organization that serves the most vulnerable populations in Hidalgo County; the National Alliance for Hispanic Families; Rotary International District 5930, and the Red Internacional de Investigación e Intervención en Migración (RIIIM) at Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, México. A native of Puerto Rico, Dr. Torres has a doctorate in clinical psychology from Fordham University in New York City and over 35 years of clinical, teaching, administrative, and research experience at the intersection of social work, psychology, public health, medicine, and faith-based communities.