About Our Team

Rafael Saenz, Pharm.D, M.S., F.A.S.H.P. | Executive Director: Rafael Saenz received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, and his Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration from the University of Wisconsin, while completing the Health System Pharmacy Administration Residency Program at the University of Wisconsin Hospital. To learn more about Rafael Saenz, click here.

Jeanne Duvall | Chief Financial Officer: Jeanne Duvall completed her Bachelor of Science in Accounting at American University. Jeanne has been the longest-standing staff member at NHMA, serving as NHMA’s head accountant for the last 14 years. Jeanne is passionate about serving Hispanic and Latino physicians as well as underserved communities.

Yvonne Malloy, MPP | Chief Operating Officer and Director of Special Projects and Programs: Yvonne is a passionate champion for inclusive communities, health equity, racial reconciliation and healing, and youth mentoring.  She holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Carleton College in Northfield, MN.

Vincent Gearity | Director of Strategic Partnerships: Vincent has a background in Community Health Education and Business. He completed his BS in Health Science in May 2020 and has been with NHMA since 2020. He was born and raised in Toms River, New Jersey.

LaShawn Maloy | Events, Meetings and Chapter Development Senior Manager: LaShawn manages all events and meetings, for the membership and programs staff, including NHMA's Annual Conference and Scholarship Galas. She also helps to manage NHMA's Chapters.

Indira Islas, MPH | Government Affairs and Policy Director: Indira comes to NHMA with a background in health policy research on the representation of Latinos in the health workforce. She earned her Master’s in Public Health from the Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washington University. Indira is passionate about improving diversity in the health workforce and improving access to healthcare for the Latino population.

Azucena Turcios, MS | UX/UI Developer & Web Communications Senior Manager: Azucena graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and holds a Master’s degree in Information Systems. In this role, she leads the design, development, and management of websites that enhance accessibility, user experience, and program impact. Passionate about leveraging technology to amplify critical health messages, Azucena is committed to reducing barriers to healthcare and bridging gaps in access and information for diverse and underserved communities.

Viviana Garcia, MPH | Manager of Special Projects and Programs : Viviana holds a Master of Public Health from George Washington University and is dedicated to advancing initiatives that empower individuals to lead their healthiest lives. Her passion for public health drives her commitment to fostering community well-being and promoting sustainable health practices, especially among the Latino community.

Felipe Rivadeneira | Senior Communications Coordinator: Felipe graduated from the University of South Florida with a B.S. in Marketing in 2020 and specializes in communications, marketing, and digital media. Joining NHMA in Feb. 2024, his work focuses on all digital marketing and digital media efforts. He has a diverse professional background, with experience in engineering, business management, finance, marketing, and communications. Born in Bogotá, Colombia, he immigrated to South Florida where he spent most of his adolescence and young adulthood. Felipe enjoys working on and modifying cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and other mechanical devices in his spare time.

Bethany Portillo | Senior Strategic Communications Specialist: Bethany Portillo is a graphic designer and media outreach specialist with a strong background in journalism. With a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Loyola University Maryland, she expertly combines graphic design skills with effective writing and communication strategies. Bethany is passionate about crafting compelling narratives and engaging content that connect with audiences, leveraging a blend of creativity and media expertise to elevate brand visibility.

Marcara Wright | Senior Program Operations and Research Analyst: Marcara holds a B.S. in Community and Global Health from George Mason University, with background in infectious diseases, field research, and social justice. Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, she is passionate about addressing health disparities and advancing healthcare equity for marginalized communities.

Ashley Funes | Senior Innovation and Educational Programs Strategist: Ashley holds a B.S. in Middle School Education from Towson University. She blends her solid educational background with extensive experience in community engagement and program management to deliver results and advance the programmatic goals of NHMA. Recognized for her dedication to health equity, Ashley is passionate about developing impactful, culturally responsive programs that empower underserved communities.

Adrian Coleman | Finance Assistant: Adrian joins NHMA with over 10 years of experience in finance and accounting. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Fisk University and a Master of Science in Accounting from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, College Park. His passion for advancing minorities and underserved and marginalized communities in healthcare is what drew Adrian to NHMA.

Ruth Orellano | Executive Assistant: Ruth is a first-generation college student and the first woman in her family to pursue a degree. Ruth's journey has been fueled by determination, resilience and passion for helping others succeed. She has spent 6+ years supporting executives and helping manage day-to-day operations while specializing in creating welcoming work environments where teams and individuals can thrive. She is currently finishing a degree in Public Relations while continuing her role as an executive assistant. In her free time, you'll find her listening to personal growth and leadership podcasts. Ruth remains committed to continuous growth—both personally and professionally—and looks forward to continuing to break barriers as she advances her career.

Priscilla Totten | JNHMA Managing Editor: Priscilla has more than 30 years' experience in publishing and communications, including as an editor, copy editor, writer and managing editor, and has worked at the American Bar Association, USA Today, USA Weekend Magazine, FamilyFun Magazine and U.S. News & World Report. A graduate of Georgetown University, she lives in Alexandria, Va.

Interns

Melissa Lopez Vasquez | Programs Intern: Melissa is a first-generation college student at American University earning a dual degree in Biology and Public Health on the premed track. She is also earning a certificate in leadership and ethical development program. Melissa aspires to become a cardiologist and work in public health policy to support marginalized communities and decrease health disparities. She is excited to join NHMA as a programs intern to delve deeper into projects that support Hispanic and Latino physicians and communities and to gain knowledge on the behind the scenes of nonprofit work. 

Yashvi Purohit | Membership Intern: Yashvi is thrilled to join NHMA as the Events and Membership Intern. As a junior at the University of South Florida majoring in Health Sciences with a minor in Public Service and Leadership, she's passionate about health equity and public service. Through this internship, she's excited to support NHMA’s mission by fostering engagement, growing membership, and contributing to advocacy efforts that uplift underrepresented communities in medicine. Long-term, she aspires to build a career at the intersection of healthcare administration and policy—leading initiatives that enhance healthcare delivery, improve accessibility, and drive lasting community impact. 

Camila Sotomayor | Communications Intern: Camila is a junior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is majoring in Political Science and Advertising & Public Relations. "My passion for politics began in 2019 after an unforgettable meeting with Congressman John Lewis. Hearing his stories about the civil rights movement and his work in Congress inspired me to explore how politics shapes society and drives public engagement."

Sissi Yu | Communications Intern: Sissi is a rising senior at The George Washington University and is pursuing a double major in Interaction Design and Public Health. Sissi is excited to join NHMA and deepen her understanding of health care communications by contributing to hands-on projects that support the organization’s mission. With a background in creative and research-driven fields, she is passionate about using design to make health information more accessible and impactful for diverse communities. Sissi looks forward to learning from and working alongside the communications team to craft strategies that inform, engage and inspire readers.