David Rivas

October 16, 2024

David Rivas’ grandfather was not only like a father to him while growing up.   He was also a mentor who guided him and taught him the valuable skills of adaptability, entrepreneurship and showed him the importance of being “educado” (educated).   Rivas puts those life lessons into use and is now studying epidemiology and […]


Brenda Frutos

October 16, 2024

Growing up as “the minority kid” in school isn’t easy, but it helped Brenda Frutos develop a passion for fighting for health equity among Latinos.   Frutos not only earned her master’s degree in public health from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, she also is working as a certified health education specialist.   She provides […]


Blanca Chavez

October 16, 2024

In a world in need of optimism, Blanca Chavez is a shining beacon of positivity.   Based on her upbeat grandfather’s legacy and her father’s goal-oriented example, Chavez believes that good health is a human right. She wants to reframe negative concepts into stigma-busting, health-boosting solutions.   Before starting her master’s degree in public health, […]


Ana Maria R. Hernandez

October 16, 2024

Guided by her heritage and the “coqui,” support from her parents, and wisdom from God, Ana Rosa Hernandez always strives to help others.   Healthy food is her main utensil for assistance.   In fact, Hernandez has helped many people live healthier lives as a registered dietician who focuses on functional foods.   Hernandez, who […]


Angelika Gutierrez

October 16, 2024

When she needed more money to support her own private-school education, Angelika Gutierrez became the youngest teller at a New Jersey bank at age 16.   That’s how hard Gutierrez will work to achieve her goals.   Now, buoyed by her resilient upbringing by her abuelita (grandmother), the Ecuadorian-Puerto Rican went on to become a […]