In celebrating Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, we asked some of our Hispanic and Latinx colleagues about their healthcare journey and what their heritage and cultures mean to them. The joy of family and food is prevalent in their responses, including tips for delicious dishes to try. Another consistent theme is the importance of representation in healthcare — and beyond. As we celebrate our colleagues, we recognize that the communities within this heritage month contain dozens of ethnicities and exponentially more languages and dialects.
Darinka Gil Menchaca (She/Her/Hers), Clinical Diabetes Research Coordinator, UW Medicine Diabetes Research Institute
My passion for health and nutrition began in Mexico, where food and family are central to life. As a dietitian, I saw how diet impacts well-being, and I wanted to help others improve their health. My journey took me to the U.S., where I had the opportunity to work on projects that combined my passion for nutrition with hands-on research. My current role focuses on culturally tailored approaches to health education and diabetes management. In diabetes research, I contribute to studies that aim to improve outcomes and quality of life for those affected by this condition. Helping patients manage chronic conditions through accessible, relevant education is incredibly rewarding.
Family and food are at the heart of my Mexican heritage. Meals aren’t just about nourishment, they’re a way to connect, share stories and celebrate life. Our cultural approach to food is about balance, creativity and community, which plays a big role in how I approach nutrition and patient care.
UW Medicine fosters cultural inclusivity by offering diverse patient care, providing language services and promoting cultural awareness among staff. More can be done by expanding culturally tailored healthcare programs and increasing the recruitment of staff from underrepresented communities.
Jeniffer Gonzalez (She/Her/Ella), Pediatric Clinical Social Worker, Harborview Medical Center
As the daughter of an educator working in the Head Start program, I was exposed to the trials many communities experience as they navigate systemic barriers. Being an American-born Latina with immigrant parents, I felt a calling to serve these communities.
I spent childhood summers in El Salvador, learning my family’s language and gaining a deep appreciation for our roots. There are misconceptions about the people of El Salvador due to stereotypes; the reality is that El Salvadorans are hospitable people whose love language includes caretaking.
In healthcare, I believe an environment of cultural inclusivity improves when staff can communicate in a patient’s native language. When clinical staff can speak the language a family speaks at home, it allows for rapport building and increased engagement.
If you’d like to try some great Salvadoran cuisine in Seattle, I suggest visiting La Cabaña and ordering El Plato Guanaco which is a platter with Salvadoran meal items, such as pupusas, tamales, pastelitos, yuca, chicharrónes and deep-fried plantains. Make sure you order horchata to drink with it!
Nora Coronado (She/Her/Ella), Program Manager, Center for Workforce Inclusion and Healthcare System Equity, UW Medicine Office of Healthcare Equity
I grew up in Eastern Washington in a community that is currently 43% Latine/x/a/o. My family didn’t have health insurance, nor do I remember any providers who shared my heritage. When my dad – who came to the United States as a migrant farm worker – had bladder cancer that was misdiagnosed as a kidney stone, I wondered what would have happened if he’d had a provider who understood his language and culture.
Today, we are still lacking diverse providers in rural Washington. I was a first-generation student, and I understand the barriers to health professions. We can encourage students who are interested in healthcare by sharing enrichment programs with them. The Center for Workforce Inclusion and Healthcare System Equity (WIHSE) has programs such as Doctor for a Day, UDOC, BRIGHT-UP, and Summer Health Professions Education Program. If some of these students return to their communities to practice, what a difference they’ll make in the lives of their patients.
I’m proud of the work that the Office of Healthcare Equity does to build and sustain inclusivity for students, employees, patients and the community. We need to continue to focus on the recruitment and retention of diverse hires and hiring that includes lived experience and is not just based on education.
We have so many providers in our UW Medicine system who give countless hours to our students and trainees. They want to make a difference, and I want to let them know that they do, every single day.
Christian Hernandez (He/Him/His), Data Analyst, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, UW School of Medicine
My interest in data analysis began during my undergraduate studies, when a single epidemiology course revealed the role health metrics play in shaping real-world outcomes. While I had aspirations of a medical career, as I delved deeper into data, its potential to drive impactful change – particularly in public health – became increasingly clear. This was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the critical need for timely and accurate data to inform health policies. I decided to focus my career on data analysis, blending my analytical skills with my interest in global health. I aim to continue embedding myself in the field of data analysis, using it to drive informed decisions and create meaningful impact.
As a first-generation Mexican immigrant, my heritage is deeply rooted in both Zapotec and Spanish influences, reflecting a blend of indigenous and colonial history. Born in Oaxaca, I hold great pride in my indigenous origins, particularly the traditions of the Zapotec people, which have shaped my identity and values. Family, food and religion are central to our way of life, and we cherish the connections these create within our community. From celebrating our rich cultural traditions to honoring the wisdom of our ancestors, my heritage instills in me a deep sense of belonging and respect for where I come from.
Karen Figueroa (She/Her/Ella), Health Services Manager, UW Medicine Primary Care (UWMPC) at Federal Way, UWMPC Administrative Lead for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Early in my career, I took a job in a community health center because I needed the experience for a master’s program. That experience changed my life. There is so much community need and not enough time to meet it all. I’m inspired by the stories of courage and resilience that I hear from our patients and the dedication, drive and creativity of our healthcare teams. As a health services manager, I come to work every day excited about the difference our team will make. Please don’t get me wrong, the job is hard, but also so rewarding.
I embrace UW Medicine’s efforts to create an inclusive environment for employees and patients of diverse identities and backgrounds. As the UW Medicine Primary Care Administrative Lead for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, I recognize that we have a lot of work before us, and I’m excited to be part of the change.
When it comes to my heritage, one thing to know about Peruvians, is that our food is amazing. If you haven’t tried it, drop everything and go try ceviche, arroz con pollo, and, my favorite comfort dessert, quinua con leche.
My traditions are mainly guided by the close bonds I’ve formed with my friends and family. During birthday celebrations at home, for example, we sing the traditional Mexican piñata song (Dale, Dale, Dale) while the children take turns hitting the piñata, and sing the English and Spanish version of the birthday song followed by the Venezuelan version before blowing out the candles. Yes! it takes a while, but it is all love.
Alejandra Ortiz Santana (She/Her/Hers), Medical Assistant, UW Medical Center – Northwest
Early in my career, I worked around cancer patients at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Being around them ignited my path to being in the medical field to help patients feel comfortable and safe during their, at times, scary visits. I saw that becoming a medical assistant would be a good path to start on. I’m currently in OB-GYN surrounded by the best and most supportive team.
My family — who are from Guadalajara, Mexico — celebrates everything! We love to get together and enjoy each other’s company. We pause and make time to catch up because life is more than working. We also support each other in whatever ways we can. I look at every new day as an opportunity to be a better human. Spread that kindness; you might just make someone’s day.
Orlando Ruiz Rivera (He/Him/His), Medical Laboratory Scientist, Transfusion Services Lab, UW Medical Center – Montlake
I’ve always had an interest in knowing how our bodies function and how science can help our communities to have a good life, which led me to my career as a medical laboratory scientist. I’m originally, and proudly, from Colombia. It’s important to me that UW Medicine continues to support diversity within all the different areas.
Editor’s Notes: Participating employees were nominated by their manager or colleagues. Nomination requests are sent to managers. If you have interest in participating in a future employee feature, please let your manager know. Participation is voluntary.
Responses were lightly edited for length, clarity and style. Any information or opinions shared in this article are personal views, and do not represent those of the University of Washington or UW Medicine in any way, shape, or form.
