Our Team
We provide expert consulting and operational support to organizations delivering community-based programming, public health initiatives, and system-level strategies that require culturally responsive, community-trusted leadership.
CONSULTANT
Maria A. Valenzuela
Maria is a seasoned nonprofit leader with over 30 years of experience in community health, program development, and educational innovation. She has designed and led culturally responsive programs that have received national recognition for their impact. Maria excels in mobilizing resources, building partnerships, and advocating for social justice and health equity. In her previous role Maria served as Chief Program Officer, overseeing educational initiatives across seven countries and strengthening global health literacy. She also launched a youth program, empowering high school students in under-resourced communities to become Community Health Workers. As the Domestic Program Director, she led community-based health education efforts and deepened relationships with local leaders and families. Throughout her career, Maria has been a strong media voice for health equity and underserved communities. She holds multiple certifications, including a Community Health Worker Certificate and Lead Trainer for the Diabetes Empowerment Education Program. Her work has earned honors such as the 50 Over 50 Award and Phoenix Business Journal. Maria remains committed to advancing public health, leadership development, and community empowerment.
CONSULTANT
Cindy Quintero, MPH
Cindy is a bilingual and bicultural public health advocate with over 15 years of experience supporting community health, transportation equity, and nonprofit programs. She has worked across the public and nonprofit sectors, focusing on relationship-building, program development, evaluation, and community outreach.
Her work reflects a commitment to health equity, cultural humility, and expanding access to essential services for communities that have been historically overlooked. Cindy has helped design and implement community health programs, strengthen senior mobility services, support youth and family initiatives, and lead partnership-building efforts that improve the reach and sustainability of community-based programs.
Cindy is also a faculty associate at Arizona State University, where she teaches Latina/o Health Issues and mentors emerging public health professionals. Outside of work, she stays active in community events, leadership programs, and volunteer efforts that keep her connected to the people and issues that inspire her service.
Her leadership is rooted in trust, collaboration, and cultural understanding. She works alongside communities to strengthen systems, uplift voices, and move projects forward in ways that honor lived experiences.
CONSULTANT
Julieta Larios
Julieta is a community-focused professional with a deep commitment to service, equity, and fostering meaningful connections. Her experience spans Maricopa County and international work across Central and South America, where she has supported public health initiatives that strengthen communities and improve quality of life.
As a Community Health Worker, Julieta has worked at the intersection of healthcare access, education, food security, surgical missions, and preventative health- partnering with FQHCs, hospitals, ministries of health, and community organizations to remove barriers and empower individuals to manage their well-being and contribute to community development.
In addition to her community work, she brings extensive experience in executive office operations, human resources, and international program leadership, including serving as an international director. She leverages her administrative expertise to keep teams organized, streamline operations, and ensure programs run efficiently.
Julieta holds a degree in Global Health and leverages her academic training and hands-on experience to promote healthier, more equitable communities. Guided by a commitment to relationship-building and meaningful impact, she thrives in roles that unite people, foster growth, and enhance community well-being.