NAHN 2025 Hispanic Health Policy Summit
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Roxana Chicas
PhD, RN, FAAN
Assistant Professor at Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing Emory University
Dr. Roxana Chicas, PhD, RN, is a nurse scientist who has dedicated her career to advancing health equity and labor policies with/for farmworker communities. Her leadership, teaching, prolific writing, and research have helped to cultivate national awareness of climate-health threats. Dr. Chicas conducted the first field-based intervention study of methods to reduce core body temperature using real-time biomonitoring among farmworkers in the United States.
Dr. Chicas currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. In this role, she is leading the field-based testing of a wearable biopatch for outdoor workers to gather physiological data, such as skin temperature, respiratory rate, and heart rate, which will eventually help AI predict when a person is at risk for heat-related illnesses.
Dr. Chicas will present on the Impact on Climate Change at #NAHNHHPS on February 18.
Gerardo Crespo
CNE
Patient Access Liaison - Amgen
Gerardo Crespo is a clinical nurse educator and a Patient Access liaison at Amgen, working with families impacted by Chronic Granulomatous Disease and Urea Cycle Disorder (UCD).As the only Spanish-speaking CNE, his work brings him around the United States educating and supporting families. He also covers Spanish speaking only patients in the northeast as a PAL educating patient and families about UCD. Prior to coming to Amgen, he had been a nurse at the University of Pennsylvania for more than 15 years. As a healthcare advocate, he is passionate about serving people and volunteers at a free clinic in Philadelphia to ensure Spanish speakers and the undocumented community have access to quality care. He is also a member of Amgen Latin Employee Network (ALEN). Prior to Amgen acquiring Horizon, he Co-Led Horizon’s multicultural support group where he contributed to Horizon’s education and advancement of multicultural needs in healthcare.
Crespo will participate in a panel discussion presented by Amgen on February 18.
Jeanette Contreras
MA
Founder of the Latina Health Collab
Jeanette is the founder of the Latina Health Collab, a boutique consulting firm focused on improving health outcomes in the medically underserved communities through strategic patient advocacy. She has held leadership roles in prominent non-profits, including the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), UnidosUS (formerly the National Council of La Raza), the National Consumers League, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Jeanette began her career in the legislative office of the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health and dedicated over a decade to public service in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Society for Hispanic Rare Diseases and Mom Congress. Jeanette holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from California State University, Los Angeles, and a Master's degree in Public Policy from American University in Washington, D.C.
Contreras will participate in a panel discussion presented by Amgen on February 18.
Mildred Espinoza
CEO & Founder
EBLA Digital
Mildred Espinoza is a two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and television executive with over 15 years of experience in the broadcast industry in New York City. She has been recognized with a silver medal from the United Nations Correspondents Association for her coverage of sustainability, climate change, and tourism in Honduras and is a recipient of a Journalism Scholarship from the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. Now based in Guatemala City, she is the Founder and CEO of Empowering Business Latin America, leading creative services through EBLA Digital. A trailblazing entrepreneur and documentarian, Espinoza has successfully transitioned from journalism to innovation in media, also serving as a University Professor of Media and Communication in Guatemala.
Espinoza will present Empowering Latinas in Nursing: Mastering Media for Advocacy & Impact on February 18.
Lana Frantzen
PhD
Vice President of Nutrition Affairs, National Dairy Council (NDC)
Dr. Lana Frantzen is the Vice President of Nutrition Affairs with the National Dairy Council, bringing over 25 years of expertise in nutrition, food, culture, and agriculture. Passionate about empowering diverse communities, she leads bilingual nutrition education initiatives, helping families make informed nutrition choices and supporting the next generation of health professionals. As part of Dairy MAX, she has conducted over 1,500 media interviews and collaborated with celebrities like DeMarcus Ware, Melissa D’Arabian, and Dr. Travis Stork to promote science-based nutrition messaging. Her research on breakfast and dietary intakes of Hispanic children has been published in top-tier journals, strengthening awareness of nutrition’s role in underserved communities.
Dr. Frantzen’s national role focuses on advancing dairy’s reputation among scientific, medical, and health professionals while ensuring its cultural relevance to an increasingly diverse U.S. population. She is a Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Bluebonnet Award recipient and a Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) member. One of the 1% of Latinas with a Ph.D., she holds degrees from Texas Woman’s University, the University of the Incarnate Word, and the University of Texas at Austin.
This speaker will participate in a nutrition-focused panel at #NAHNHHPS on February 19.
Andie Lee Gonzalez
PhD, MPH, RDN, LD, FAND
US Pediatric Medical Science Liaison, Abbott Nutrition
Dr. Andie Lee Gonzalez serves as a Senior Medical Science Liaison in Medical Affairs & Research at Abbott Nutrition specializing in Pediatric Nutrition. The Medical Science Liaison team is comprised of clinician scientists who support research and routinely present educational programs on behalf of Abbott. Her expertise includes malnutrition, pediatrics, maternal health, and nutrition and food insecurity.
Dr. Gonzalez earned her bachelor's, dietetic internship, and master’s in nutrition and Dietetics from Michigan State University, and her PhD in Organizational Leadership from Our Lady of the Lake University. Her research focused on nutrition and the health of migrant farmworker children. She has experience in inpatient and outpatient counseling for both adults and children and has taught as an adjunct Community Nutrition Professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and South Texas College. She also served as an AmeriCorps-Health Corpsmember.
Dr. Gonzalez is active in various community nutrition organizations, including roles as President of the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Public Advocacy Liaison for Latinos and Hispanics in Dietetics and Nutrition, and Co-chair for Publications with the Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group. Dr. Gonzalez has been invited to present on various nutrition-related topics as well as her research at both state and national conferences.
Dr. Gonzalez will moderate a nutrition-focused panel at #NAHNHHPS on February 19.
Ariel A. Gonzalez, Esq.
Principal, Head of Health Care Practice, The Vogel Group
Ariel Gonzalez, Principal, Head of Health Care Practice at The Vogel Group, has more than 20 years of government relations and public policy experience. Gonzalez was named by the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics as a Top 100 Lobbyist in 2021 and 2022. He is well-respected among both legislators and Administration officials, bringing a deep understanding of health policy as well as practical and effective strategy to his engagements. Prior to joining Chamber Hill Strategies, Gonzalez served as Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy at the March of Dimes, Chief of Government Affairs for the American Psychiatric Association (APA), head of the federal health and family team at AARP, and Director of Congressional and State Relations at the American College of Radiology.
Ariel Gonzalez will present "Preparation for Hill Day Visits - Conversations Workshop" at #NAHNHHPS on February 18.
Grace Grau
DNP
Assistant Professor at UAB School of Nursing
Grace Grau, DNP is an assistant professor at UAB School of Nursing. Her areas of expertise include: Health disparities, Cardiovascular disease, and Chronic and continuing care for adults and the elderly. Grace Grau is a nurse practitioner who specializes in acute care and chronic illness in adults and the elderly, with a specific interest in cardiovascular disease. Her research focuses on general and interventional cardiology and health disparities. She is fluent in Spanish and has served as the president of the Alabama chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses.
Grau will co-present Lessons Learned from Hill Day on February 19.
Cynthia Hicks
Senior Director of Public Affairs
PhRMA
Cynthia Hicks is a Senior Director of Public Affairs at PhRMA focusing on polling and opinion research that supports advocacy communications and strategy. Prior to joining PhRMA, Cynthia worked as a consultant, marketer, and head of polling for a civic technology company where her work supported issue advocacy organizations and state and federal policy makers on both sides of the aisle. Cynthia is a proud Los Angeles native and outside of the office she enjoys a good workout chasing around her two toddlers.
Hicks will co-present Industry Updates for Providers on February 18
Vincent Guilamo-Ramos
PhD, MPH, LCSW, RN, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FAAN
Director of The Institute for Policy Solutions at the John Hopkins School of Nursing
Dr. Vincent Guilamo-Ramos is Executive Director of the Institute for Policy Solutions and the Leona B. Carpenter Chair in Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. He is also the founding director of the Center for Latino Adolescent and Family Health (CLAFH). Dr. Guilamo-Ramos is a nurse practitioner dually licensed in adult health (ANP-BC) and psychiatric-mental health nursing (PMHNP-BC).
Widely regarded as an expert, scholar, and leader in SDOH and developing, evaluating, and translating family-based interventions designed to address Latino health inequities, Dr. Guilamo-Ramos’ research has been funded externally for two decades by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Center for Disease Control (CDC), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and various federal agencies.
Dr. Guilamo-Ramos is a member of the ad hoc NASEM Committee on Unequal Treatment Revisited: The Current State of Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Healthcare, the HHS Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents, the CDC/HRSA Advisory Committee on HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STD Prevention and Treatment, NASEM Standing Committee on Reproductive Health, Equity, and Society, and the Board of UnidosUS. He also serves on the Latino Commission on AIDS Board of Directors as vice chair, the Power to Decide Board of Directors, and the Ending the HIV Epidemic Working Group of the HIV Medicine Association as co-chair.
Dr. Guillamo-Ramos will present on Access to Equitable Health Care at #NAHNHHPS on February 18.
Rubi Alva de Hickson
DNP, RN, ACNP-BC, CCRN, PHN
Critical Care Nurse Practitioner, University of California
Rubi Alva de Hickson is a Critical Care Nurse Practitioner with the University of California Department of Critical Care Medicine/Anesthesia, where she has been practicing since 2015. Born and raised in El Centro, California, to migrant farm workers, she attributes her success to the values of hard work, mentorship, and education in pursuit of the American dream. Her career trajectory reflects her dedication to professional growth, beginning as a bilingual receptionist in 1990, progressing to a nurse’s aide (1992), registered nurse (1995), and nurse practitioner (2011). In June 2024, she will earn her Doctor of Nursing Practice.
With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by underserved communities, Alva de Hickson is committed to supporting and advocating for individuals striving to achieve their goals. She is proud to be an active member of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN), contributing to its mission of promoting professional excellence through nursing leadership.
Hickson will co-present Lessons Learned from Hill Day on February 19.
Christine Suzette Pérez Jiménez
MSc
Director of Programs, National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA)
Christine Suzette Pérez Jiménez was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Industrial Microbiology with a Curricular Sequence in Food Science and Technology from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus. In June 2016, she completed a Master of Science (MS) in Environmental Health from the School of Public Health at the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus. During graduate school, she conducted public health research on environmental factors affecting health among older adults in Puerto Rico, managed health databases, performed literature reviews on relevant health issues, and volunteered with the environmental program at the Veterans Affairs Caribbean Healthcare System in San Juan.
Ms. Pérez also participated as a Health Equity Fellow in the 2016 Youth Health Equity Model of Practice (YHEMOP) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health (OMH) in Rockville, MD. Her fellowship placement was at the National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA) in Washington, DC, where she contributed to a literature review on the health status of Hispanic older adults, highlighting health inequities within this population in the U.S.
Ms. Pérez currently serves as the Director of Programs at the National Hispanic Council on Aging, a national organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of Hispanic older adults, their families, and caregivers. With more than eight years of experience as a program specialist, she leads the implementation and management of social and public health programs, with a focus on fundraising, expanding partner membership, and securing support from government agencies and corporations. Passionate about addressing health disparities within the Hispanic community, particularly among older adults, Ms. Pérez advocates for their well-being, dignity, and optimal aging, while remaining actively engaged in community outreach efforts.
This speaker is participating in a nutrition-focused panel at #NAHNHHPS on February 19.
Julio Lainez, MA
Vice President, NVG LLC
Julio Lainez, Vice President of NVG, is an experienced bridge builder and policy wonk with deep understanding of technology, appropriations, foreign, and labor policy. Julio is at ease negotiating bill revisions and devising legislative strategy and development. He also has strong relationships within the Congressional Tri-Caucus.
Prior to joining NVG, Julio was deputy director for legislative affairs for the Transport Workers Union of America (AFL-CIO), worked as Rep. Seth Moulton’s (D-MA-06) legislative director, and in various roles for former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) including systems administrator and legislative aide for foreign policy. Julio also has experience in political campaigns at the presidential and state levels. His experience also includes serving as communications and operations manager for ProsperoLatino.
Julio Lainez will present "Preparation for Hill Day Visits - Conversations Workshop" at #NAHNHHPS on February 18.
Sharon A. Lamberton
MS, RN, FAAN
Deputy Vice President, State Policy and External Outreach, PhRMA
Ms. Lamberton is the Deputy Vice President of State Policy and External Outreach at PhRMA, where she provides policy analysis, strategic guidance, and lobbying efforts on state and federal healthcare issues, including Medicaid, drug pricing, insulin, vaccines, and clinical trials. With 25 years of policy and advocacy experience, she has worked with a seniors’ organization on Medicare, served a Virginia Senator on Capitol Hill, and conducted clinical research at the National Institutes of Health. A graduate of Texas Woman’s University-Houston School of Nursing, she was President of both the Texas and National Student Nurses Associations. She holds a Master of Science in Health Policy from George Mason University, serves on its College of Health and Human Services Advisory Board, and teaches a policy course to doctoral students at Georgetown University.
Lamberton will co-present Industry Updates for Providers on February 18.
Lois Lopez
DNP, MSN, RN
Senior Manager, Academic Success
Chamberlain University
Dr. Lois Lopez is a Senior Manager of Academic Success at Chamberlain University and a dedicated advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in healthcare. A first-generation Cuban-American, she is committed to increasing Latino representation in nursing and advancing equity for underserved communities. Her expertise is reflected in her innovative curriculum development, including Chamberlain’s first RN-BSN course on DEI in nursing and an implicit bias course impacting over 18,000 healthcare providers nationwide. As DEI Chair for Chamberlain’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council and Co-Chair of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses’ DEI Committee, she actively promotes social justice and mentorship. A Fellow of the National League for Nurses Social Determinants of Health LEADS Academy and recipient of multiple accolades, including two Daisy Faculty Awards, she shares her expertise globally as a speaker and subject matter expert for Nurses International, supporting nurses in over 150 underserved countries.
Lopez will co-present Anti-DEI Legislation: Be Informed, Embrace the Power of Advocacy on February 18.
Patricia Nece
JD
Past OAC Chair, Obesity Action Coalition (OAC)
Patricia Nece, J.D., is a passionate advocate for patient access to science-based obesity treatments and the eradication of weight-based bias, stigma, and discrimination. She is a Past Chair of the Obesity Action Coalition, the nation’s leading 85,000-member non-profit giving a voice to people affected by obesity, and currently chairs OAC's Weight Bias Committee. She is also a member of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine's Roundtable on Obesity Solutions and the World Obesity Federation’s Policy and Prevention Committee. Patty retired from the U.S. Department of Labor after 37 years of service in the Solicitor's Office. She encourages change by sharing her own experiences with lifelong obesity.
Nece will present Breaking Barriers to Obesity Treatment: The Case for Expanding Healthcare Access on February 18.
Elena Rios
MD, MSPH, MACP
President, National Hispanic Health Foundation (NHHF)
Dr. Rios is the Founder and President & CEO of the National Hispanic Health Foundation (NHHF), leading efforts to transform the healthcare system through leadership, research, and education to improve Hispanic health equity. She serves on several national boards, including the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, Better Medicare Alliance, and the Health Equity for Chronic Diseases Board. A recognized leader in health policy, Dr. Rios has lectured, published extensively, and received numerous awards, including honors from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Congressional Black, Hispanic, Asian and Native American Caucuses, and the American Public Health Association Latino Caucus. She has been inducted into the Stanford University Minority Alumni Hall of Fame, recognized as a Fellow and Master of the American College of Physicians, and appointed to prestigious committees such as the Institute of Medicine Global Forum for Health Professions Education.
Previously, Dr. Rios served as Founder and President & CEO of the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) from 1994 to 2024 and held leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health and the National Health Care Reform Task Force. She has been an influential voice in health equity, cultural competency, and public policy, serving on advisory committees for NIH, CDC, AMA, and ASU Health Futures Council. Dr. Rios earned her B.A. in Human Biology/Public Administration from Stanford University, an MSPH and MD from UCLA, and completed her Internal Medicine residency and Primary Care Research Fellowship at UCLA.
This speaker is participating in a nutrition-focused panel at #NAHNHHPS on February 19.
Claudia Romo Edelman
Founder, We Are All Human
Claudia Romo Edelman is a social entrepreneur, an inspiring data-driven speaker, and a determined catalyst for positive change. Romo Edelman is a leader for equity, diversity, and inclusion, focused on unifying the U.S. Hispanic community and promoting sustainability and purpose-driven activities particularly within brands, tech and the creative industries.
Romo Edelman has collaborated and worked on humanitarian causes for 25 years with organizations such as (RED), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. Romo Edelman is the Founder of the We Are All Human Foundation, a New York-based non-profit foundation dedicated to advancing the agenda of diversity, inclusion and equity through developing and hosting regional and local events, conducting research, developing research pieces/publications, creating content, and corporate activation.
Romo Edelman will present on mobilizing the Latino vote to support healthcare and nursing at #NAHNHHPS on February 18.
Katelyn Snider, MPH
Head of Strategic Alliances - Rare Disease at Amgen
Katelyn Snider is the Head of Strategic Alliances - Rare Disease at Amgen, one of the world's leading independent biotechnology companies. In this new role, Katelyn partners with external groups to advance policies that improve the lives of people living with rare disease and encourages biopharmaceutical innovation.
Katelyn joined Amgen in 2022, leading policy communications focused on value and access across U.S. and international markets. Prior to Amgen, Katelyn was at UCB Biopharma where she spearheaded policy and digital communications and supported patient advocacy efforts across rare disease, immunology, neurology, and bone therapeutic areas. Before UCB, Katelyn was a scientist doing biomedical bench research.
Katelyn holds a master’s degree in public health (health policy) from The George Washington University - Milken Institute School of Public Health, and a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Georgia.
Snider will participate in a panel discussion presented by Amgen on February 18.
Veronica Vital
PhD, MLS, RN
President, National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN)
Dr. Veronica Vital has 26 years of nursing experience spanning academia, research, pediatrics, women’s health, and community health. She earned her PhD in Nursing in 2013 and a Master of Legal Studies in 2021 from the University of Arizona, following her BSN (1998) and MSN (2005) from Arizona State University. She is currently an Assistant Professor at Alverno College. A dedicated leader in nursing, Dr. Vital has been an active member of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) since 1997 and now serves as its President. She previously held key roles on NAHN’s Board of Directors, including Bylaws Committee Chair, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee Chair, and Nominating Committee Chair. Locally, she has led the Phoenix Chapter as President and Vice President, spearheading national initiatives such as MueveteUSA, SEPA, and the All of Us Research Program in Latino communities.
Dr. Vital is committed to advancing health equity and addressing disparities through leadership and advocacy. She serves on community advisory boards and holds leadership roles, including Executive Committee member of the Nurses on Boards Coalition and Board Director for the National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations. She has also contributed to national health initiatives through the U.S. Office of Minority Health. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2022 March of Dimes Arizona Distinguished Nurse of the Year Award and the 2014 Profiles of Success Latino Excellence in Health & Sciences Award.
Dr. Vital is participating in a nutrition-focused panel at #NAHNHHPS on February 19.
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