Statement 1: I am determined to make a difference in my community because of the struggles my Abuelita has endured navigating culturally unresponsive healthcare in Los Angeles. As a future healthcare executive, I plan to transform health systems into spaces that prioritize patient dignity and health equity for marginalized communities. My healthcare journey started as an advocacy and research intern at a rare-disease non-profit, GBS|CIDP Foundation International. At the foundation, I advocated on behalf of patients in meetings with the FDA and congressional members on capitol hill. In addition, my research helped Annexon Biosciences advocate for the FDA’s approval of GBS research conducted in Bangladesh in hopes of improving treatments for GBS. My leadership is rooted in service and overcoming adversity. I found joy in volunteering at Puentes de Salud, a health non-profit in South Philadelphia serving Mexican Americans, as well as community service farming in Puerto Rico. These experiences taught me that true leadership requires listening to community needs and turning systemic barriers into actionable advocacy. Now as a first generation graduate student at USC’s MHA program and operations interns at CHLA, I will make a difference in my community as a future COO. Statement 2: ACHE of SoCal’s mission to advance healthcare leadership, foster diversity, and improve community health directly reflect my personal values and professional aspirations. Growing up in Inglewood, I witnessed my family struggle with dismissive care in local public hospitals that forced my Abuelita to seek medical care in Mexico. After her passing, a fire sparked in me to pursue health administration and improve care for others, so that other families avoid the same issues my family has endured. My professional background reinforces this dedication to community health and DEI. Through my operational experience at CHLA, I have gained direct insight into administrative workflows required to deliver efficient, compassionate care to patients and their families. As the GBS|CIDP foundation, I found ways to integrate diversity and inclusion into our patient registry and marketing campaigns. Additionally, serving on the ACHE Student Council has already allowed me to actively contribute to ACHE SoCal’s mission by engaging with future and current leaders while promoting professional development in healthcare administration. My work as an advocate, volunteer, and community member will continue as I work towards becoming a hospital COO. I am determined to improve access and equitable quality of care in Southern California.