Senior Associate Dean of Research,

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Nursing

Originally from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, Hector holds a PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering along with a Master’s in Environmental Engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso, and a Graduate Certificate in Epidemiology from the University of Michigan. His professional experience spans both academia and community service, including his current role as Senior Associate Dean of Research at OHSU’s School of Nursing. He has led initiatives to increase research infrastructure, support faculty development, and enhance health equity science.

Hector has a deep commitment to improving health outcomes for Latino communities, reflected in his community service supporting Environmental Justice Communities across the nation. He also serves as chair of the external advisory board for the Center for Metals in Biology and Medicine at the University of New Mexico, supporting research in environmental health. In his spare time, Hector enjoys learning about the evolutionary origins of human behavior, particularly how humans experience happiness and joy.

Junior Clinic Coordinator, School of Dental Hygiene Studies,

Pacific University

Mónica was born in México and grew up in Washington County, Oregon. Her passion to serve others and her affinity to the sciences led her to pursue a career in healthcare. She is an expanded practice dental hygienist and among the first dental therapists. Prior to joining Pacific University, her alma mater, as a full-time faculty member in July 2018, Mónica worked in clinical practice at a federally qualified health center, delivering care to underserved and uninsured communities. As an educator, she is dedicated to creating a supportive and collaborative environment where students feel empowered to learn, grow, and develop into compassionate healthcare professionals and community advocates. In her free time, Mónica enjoys spending time outdoors, as well as with family and friends.

Project Manager, 

Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center

Fernando is from the beautiful Southern Oregon Coast. He was born in Coos Bay, OR, but was raised in Brookings, OR. Fernando holds a Bachelors in Business Administration focusing in Finance and Marketing. To add, he also holds a Master of Business Administration with focuses in Organizational Behavior and Leadership with a speciality in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in the Workplace. Fernando is an active servant leader, serving on a handful of nonprofit boards and Washington County Commissions. Fernando enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing sports, traveling, and trying new things.

Vice President of Enrollment and Student Success & Engagement, 

Warner Pacific 

Darilís García, Ph.D., hailing from Puerto Rico, is the Vice President of Enrollment and Student Success & Engagement at Warner Pacific University and also serves as an adjunct faculty member in communication at the University of Arizona Global Campus. With 25 years of experience in higher education, she has expertise in student affairs, student services, enrollment management, and instruction. Dr. García is a board member of Good N The Hood and co-founded Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Inc., a Latina-based sorority established at the University of Michigan. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, photography, and spending time with her daughter. Dr. García holds a Ph.D. in Educational Management in Higher Education from Hampton University, an MA in Communication from the University of Texas at El Paso, an MA in Counseling from Eastern Michigan University, and a BA in Communication from the University of Michigan.

Medical Operations Department Administrator, 

Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center

Juan’s family immigrated to Oregon in the early ‘90s, eventually settling in Hillsboro. He spent his childhood as an undocumented immigrant in the area until he enrolled at the University of Oregon. From there Juan went off to earn a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Washington. Juan currently works at Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center, a local Federally Qualified Health Center, as a department administrator leading medical operations. One of the highlights of Juan’s work includes being able to grow strong leaders, especially those from diverse backgrounds. Beyond his career in healthcare, Juan also serves on the board of directors of Project Access NOW! and the Domestic Violence Resource Center of Washington County. When not working to improve healthcare for the local community, Juan enjoys fishing, biking, and spending time with family, friends, and his dogs.