Emanuelle Dias

October 16, 2024

Emanuelle Dias, a proud Brazilian who grew up in Florida, has seen cancer affect her mom and grandma, which has driven her to dive into public health. Dias is a public health graduate student concentrating in public health education at the University of South Florida. She wants to work with at-risk communities and believes that […]


Elidia Tafoya

October 16, 2024

For Elidia Tafoya, calavera—the Spanish word for “skull”—has a positive connotation.   It reminds her that opportunities in life are abundant.   Tafoya is certainly taking advantage of growing opportunities to study health issues and promote healthy lifestyles among underserved populations.   After earning her master’s degree in public health from San Jose State University […]


Eliani Uc

October 16, 2024

“You’re never done, no matter how old you are. There’s always more you can do.”   Eliani Uc, inspired by these words from her mothers, has made the most out of the many changes and challenges in her life.   In fact, the Mexico City native moved to San Antonio, learned a new language and […]


Elena Martinez

October 16, 2024

Thanks to her spiritual “Lita” who was a friend to all, Elena Martinez was taught to love all.   And Martinez has already applied her caring attitude to the benefit of many people here in San Antonio, having actively participated in programs on obesity and cancer prevention, immunization education, health literacy, and youth mental health […]


Eduardo Santiago-Rodriguez

October 16, 2024

Despite growing up next to in poverty-stricken neighborhoods in Naranjito, Puerto Rico, Eduardo Santiago-Rodriguez was able to see the sincerity and beauty of the environments, people and culture—and he learned and important lesson:   “Great things can be done to help others with only giving your time.”   Motivated by his childhood experiences and family […]


Edianys Arlyn Velez

October 16, 2024

Edianys Arlyn Velez developed a passion for helping others from the constant support of her parents and her childhood experiences with family members diagnosed with cancer. Her passion particularly applies to women’s health issues. That’s why Velez currently is a master’s degree student at the University of Texas School of Public Health regional campus in […]


Edgar Rodriguez

October 16, 2024

Edgar Rodriguez, uncertain where his education would take him, was encouraged by his family to leave his native Mexico City and pursue the type of higher education that would provide him with the skills to develop a successful career. Buoyed by his family’s support and his never-give-up attitude, he successfully became a U.S. citizen and […]


Edgar Muñoz

October 16, 2024

Edgar Muñoz has a passion for uncovering multilevel aspects of cancer and disease among the Latino population in the United States and in his native Colombia. And he’s always willing to lend a hand and a smile whenever needed. Muñoz offers plenty of smiles and epidemiological support as a senior-level statistician at the Institute for […]


Donaji Stelzig

October 16, 2024

Contributing in several research studies at the University of Texas School of Public Health’s Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research in Houston, Mexico native Donaji Stelzig developed a desire to work with minority populations, promote opportunities, and foster team work with diverse background community members. Since then, she’s become a full-time senior health education […]


Diana Flores

October 16, 2024

Some of Diana Flores’ extended family members didn’t want her to go to college. They thought she should stick to a traditional Latina role—wife and mother—instead of “wasting” money and time on education. But Flores’ mother and father encouraged her to pursue the educational career path she was passionate about. With their support, she earned […]