About Our Team

Rafael Saenz, PharmD, MS, FASHP | Executive Director.

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 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.

Yanecia Green | Director of Membership and Chapter Development: Yanecia has worked in the membership, marketing and communications capacity for a number of professional organizations for more than 25 years. She holds a BS in Communications Media Studies from Bowie State University.

Fernanda Durand | Director of Communications: With over a decade of leadership in Latino advocacy, Fernanda has successfully implemented marketing and communications campaigns for numerous non-profit organizations. Starting as a journalist, she’s applied her expertise in bilingual communication to causes and issues close to her heart for over two decades. Fernanda earned a Master’s in Communications and Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science. She lives in Maryland with her family, including her dog Hal.

Vincent Gearity | Associate Director of Programs and Director of Interns: 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 Manager: 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 | Programs Manager: Azucena graduated from the University of Maryland College Park with a BS in Public Health. Azucena was born and raised in Rockville, Maryland. She is passionate about helping her community and reducing existing barriers to healthcare.

Maegan Samuel, MPH | Membership Development Manager: Maegan comes to NHMA with 6 years of public health experience. She has a variety of experience including HIV/AIDS, Health Equity, and COVID-19 response. Maegan completed her Master's degree in Public Health from George Washington University and a Bachelor's degree in Human Development from Howard University.

Viviana Garcia, MPH | Senior Program Coordinator: 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 | Communications Coordinator: 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 | Program Coordinator: 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 | Program Coordinator: 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.

Rose Parker | Program Coordinator: Joining NHMA in Nov. 2024, Rose helps oversee NHMA’s leadership fellowships and Tobacco-Free Kids program. She has a background in fellowship and event coordination and communications, and she has helped run dozens of science and health policy fellowships and events domestically and internationally. She holds Bachelor’s Degrees in Political Science and Hispanic Studies from Vassar College, as well as a Minor in Women's History.

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.

Nikki Scott | Finance Assistant: Nikki is a dedicated accounting and payroll professional with 12 years of experience in office administration and accounting. She holds a B.S. in Accounting and has a proven track record of accuracy, efficiency, and confidentiality in payroll administration. She is highly skilled in resolving payroll discrepancies and ensuring compliance with tax regulations. Passionate about diversity and supporting the Latino communities, she strives to contribute her expertise to facilitate inclusive and efficient workplace operations.

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

Camila Sotomayor | Programs Intern: Camila Sotomayor 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."

Anna Pinkerton | Communications Intern: Anna Pinkerton is a junior studying Philosophy and Political Science at George Washington University. "I'm thrilled to join the team at NHMA and hope to continue to learn how to use my voice to achieve better outcomes for all. I'm passionate about equity and representation, especially in health. I'm incredibly excited to learn more about effective communication strategies in areas that really matter."

Yeileemar Santana Miranda | Communications Intern: Yeileemar Santana Miranda has experience focusing on strategic communications such as public relations, social media management, graphic design, and radio, television and event production. 

Claudia Arroyo Diaz | Membership and Events Intern: Claudia Arroyo is a senior at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus and is currently pursuing a Dual Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations & Advertising and in Audiovisual Communications, along with a Minor in Business Communications. "I’m excited to join NHMA as a Membership and Events Intern to learn more about nonprofit work and to share my experience in the field."