LEADERS SHAPING THE FUTURE
SCHEDULED TO APPEAR
Alicia Espinoza, DrPH(c), MPH, serves as Chief of the Office of Border Health within San Diego County’s Public Health Services, where she leads strategic binational initiatives that strengthen coordination across local, state, federal, and cross-border partners in the California–Baja California region. She oversees the development and implementation of a five-year binational strategic plan and co-chairs the Border Health Consortium of the Californias, a coalition of more than 260 academic, clinical, governmental, and community partners collaborating through workgroups focused on HIV, Tuberculosis, Obesity, Mental Health, Preventive Strategies, and Emergency Response. She also oversees the Partner Relay program, engaging more than 400 trusted community organizations to enhance emergency communication for Limited English Proficiency communities, and directs cross-border emergency communication activities in partnership with the Office of Emergency Services. Additionally, she chairs the Queso Fresco Task Force and co-leads the Binational Cross-Border EMS Task Force to strengthen data sharing and develop patient-centered transfer protocols.
Ms. Espinoza is recognized for delivering high-quality program leadership, convening binational forums and symposiums, and cultivating culturally informed partnerships that advance health equity across the U.S.–Mexico border. A first-generation Latina with 15 years of nonprofit experience, she holds an MPH from California State University, San Marcos, and is pursuing her DrPH at San Diego State University, where she also serves as the Events and Outreach Chair for the DrPH Student Association. Her leadership development includes completing the 2025 Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) Leadership Institute, and she was recently honored as a Distinguished Leader by the National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives (NALHE).
Cesar Arevalo is an epidemiologist born and raised in San Diego, California. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from San Diego State University. His career in public health began in 2017 in HIV services, where he worked across harm reduction programs, clean syringe exchange services, PrEP navigation, and mental health support for individuals with substance use disorders. Cesar has been a member of the San Diego LGBTQIA+ Latine Coalition since 2018, where he currently serves as the Chair.
In 2020, Cesar joined the County of San Diego’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) as an epidemiologist, later serving as the EOC Data Team Lead for the COVID-19 and Mpox responses. He later contributed to Drug Overdose Surveillance efforts before moving into his current role as an epidemiologist in the HIV/Hepatitis C Epidemiology and Surveillance Program within the Epidemiology and Immunization Services Branch. His work continues to focus on data-driven approaches to improve public health outcomes and support vulnerable communities.”
Brenda Huerta, SYHealth Director of Specialty Services Operations. As a Director of Specialty Services at SYHealth, Brenda oversees operations for medical specialties including the Infectious Disease and Special Programs Department. Brenda is responsible for the planning and oversight of operations for support services, behavioral health, clinical care, and research for HIV (including HIV Prevention), Tuberculosis, and Hepatitis B and C. Brenda has worked at San Ysidro Health serving the HIV community for 25+ years in different capacities—outreach worker, HIV testing coordinator, health support services manager, and now as director. Working in this community, Brenda gained experience implementing programs that are accessible and centered in meeting the needs of people living with HIV, the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, undocumented non-English speakers, people who are unhoused, and people who use drugs. She is committed to advancing policies and services in support of racial equity, gender diversity, and inclusion of people with lived experience in healthcare. She envisions a healthcare and support service community working together to dismantle systems of oppression and welcomes collaborations with champions and allies in this struggle. Brenda is a graduate of the California Primary Care Association’s Health Management+ and Leadership Equity Programs.
Felipe Ruiz, DrPH, MPH, is the Interim Assistant Chief of the HIV, STD, and Hepatitis Branch (HSHB) of Public Health Services at the County of San Diego, where he supports branch operations and programmatic services. Previously, Felipe served as a Health Planning and Program Specialist with HSHB, overseeing the planning, implementation, and monitoring of federal, state, and county-funded HIV programs, including Ryan White Parts A and B, HIV Prevention, Ending the HIV Epidemic, whole-person initiatives, and harm reduction services. Before joining the County, Felipe was a Senior Program Manager at the Boston Public Health Commission’s Infectious Disease Bureau. He holds both an MPH and a DrPH from the Boston University School of Public Health.
Erica Alfaro is an award-winning author, educational advocate, and keynote speaker. She gained global recognition when her graduation photos went viral and made headlines worldwide. She has been featured in CNN, The Huffington Post, Yahoo News, and many other media outlets. Erica has received honors from the U.S. Assembly, Congress, and Senate, along with multiple leadership awards. Her book, Harvesting Dreams, won the International Latino Book Award and the 7th Latino "Book into Movies" award. In 2023 San Diego County declared October 5th Erica Alfaro Day and National city honored her with a public mural. Her graduation photos are now dispalyed at the San Fransico Angel Island Immigration Museum.
José Juan López Ramos es Licenciado en Comunicación por la Universidad Autónoma de Baja California. Desde hace 13 años, se desempeña como Coordinador del Programa de Pruebas Rápidas de VIH para la región norte del país en AHF México A.C., liderando servicios de detección y vinculación médica en un ambiente digno y libre de estigma. Es un destacado activista y comunicador en Tijuana; fundador y vicepresidente de la Comunidad Cultural de Tijuana LGBTI A.C., director de Radio Arco Iris Tj (estación digital activa desde 2007) y encabeza la Comisión de Diversidad Sexogenérica en el Colegio de Comunicólogos de Baja California.
My name is Juana Ortiz Quezada, founder and Executive Director of EUNIME por Tijuana, A.C., an organization dedicated to supporting children and adolescents affected by HIV/AIDS. My journey began in 1995 when my sisters, Eunice and Noemí Quezada, were diagnosed with HIV. At a time when information was scarce and stigma was widespread, I learned firsthand the challenges faced by families living with HIV. This experience inspired me to help others through education, emotional support, and advocacy. In 2004, together with Dr. Patricia González, I founded EUNIME, named in honor of my sisters, with the mission of promoting dignity, inclusion, and access to healthcare for those affected by HIV.
Since then, EUNIME has provided educational programs, support groups, shelter, healthcare, psychological services, and opportunities for children and adolescents living with or affected by HIV. Over the past two decades, the organization has become a trusted resource in the Tijuana border region and a strong advocate for the rights of vulnerable children and families. The loss of my sisters—Eunice in 1999 and Noemí in 2013—strengthened my commitment to this work. Today, EUNIME stands as their legacy and a symbol of hope, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow up with love, dignity, and support.
Prisci Quijada is an accomplished professional with more than 30 years of experience managing programs and projects in Refugee Health and U.S.–Mexico Binational Health. She currently works for the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency as the Refugee Health Program Coordinator and Binational Tuberculosis Program Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a Master of Public Health from San Diego State University.
Prisci has a proven record of successfully managing both international and domestic research projects, demonstrating her ability to navigate complex health systems. Her in-depth knowledge of California’s health systems and U.S.–Mexico binational health systems ensures compliance with organizational policies and applicable laws. Her extensive experience also enables her to collaborate effectively with government officials in the United States and other countries.
Throughout her career, Prisci has played a key role in implementing administrative and policy initiatives that address critical issues affecting refugee and immigrant health. Her commitment to public health and her ability to foster cross-border collaboration reflect her dedication to improving health outcomes for diverse and underserved populations.
Sergio Luna, MPH is a Community Liaison at Gilead Sciences, where they lead community engagement efforts across Southern California to strengthen partnerships, improve health equity, and expand access to HIV prevention, treatment, and care services. Sergio works closely with community-based organizations, healthcare systems, public health departments, advocacy groups, and faith and cultural leaders to address disparities in healthcare access and improve outcomes for communities disproportionately impacted by HIV.
Sergio has also expanded Gilead's community engagement efforts throughout the Coachella Valley and Greater Palm Springs region, supporting organizations and programs that serve both long-standing residents and the area's diverse LGBTQ+ community. Through partnerships with local healthcare providers, community advocates, HIV service organizations, and public health stakeholders, Sergio has helped facilitate education, awareness, and resource-sharing opportunities that strengthen local HIV prevention and treatment efforts.
In addition to their professional experience, Sergio has dedicated many years to volunteering with LGBTQIA+ nonprofit organizations and community initiatives. They hold a Master of Public Health degree from California State University San Marcos, with a concentration in Health Education and Promotion. Sergio also brings the invaluable perspective of lived experience as a person living with HIV since 2012. This perspective informs their passion for empowering communities, advocating for equitable access to care, and helping create environments where people living with HIV can thrive.
Through their professional expertise, community leadership, and lived experience, Sergio remains committed to advancing health equity, strengthening community partnerships, and helping end the HIV epidemic by ensuring that prevention, treatment, and care resources are accessible to all individuals and communities.
Victoria Castro (she/her) is a transgender Asylee immigrant woman from Ahuachapán, El Salvador; she arrived in the U.S. in January 2017 seeking asylum. She currently lives in Chula Vista, CA, near the border with Tijuana, with over 15 years of experience in trans and migrant activism, such as providing HIV prevention / education workshops, fighting for the decriminalization of sex work, co-organizing end trans detention campaigns, and advocating with local and national-level politicians.
In recognition of her work, she was most recently In 2026, she was honored by the Transgender Day of Empowerment with a "Special Recognition Award" for her commitment to the trans community and awarded the Saturn's Wish Legacy Award By Satur's Wish Festival 2025 and the Colectivo Intercultural TRANSgrediendo in New York Slut Power Award 2025.
Victoria is currently the Executive Director of T4T Empowerment: Desde un Corazon Trans, an organization she founded to empower our trans and migrant communities through leadership development, trans ecosystem building, community advocacy, and TRANSformative storytelling. She is also pursuing her Associate Degree in Film, Journalism & Media Production at San Diego City College.
Victoria is also a talented make-up artist and gardener. Outside of organizing, she loves caring for her cat babies, Sandía and Minerva.