Julissa Molina Soto

Julissa Molina Soto’s leadership in Latino immigrant health equity is deeply personal, shaped by her own experiences growing up in a Latino immigrant community. Witnessing the barriers her family and others faced in accessing healthcare fueled her passion for advocacy. She dedicated herself to creating more inclusive and accessible healthcare systems, drawing from hands-on experiences in community health clinics, public health research, and direct engagement with immigrant families. These experiences provided her with a profound understanding of the cultural, linguistic, and systemic challenges underserved Latino populations face. Her leadership has been driven by the need to ensure that immigrant voices are heard and public health strategies are tailored to their unique needs.

One of her most impactful initiatives was developing a community-based health education program aimed at reducing chronic disease rates among Latino immigrants. By forging partnerships with local health organizations, she helped provide culturally relevant health education, increase awareness of preventive care, and improve access to screenings. This initiative not only reduced health disparities but also empowered individuals to take charge of their well-being and navigate the healthcare system more effectively. Additionally, Julissa spearheaded advocacy efforts that led to policy changes expanding Medicaid coverage for undocumented immigrants in certain states, setting a precedent for healthcare accessibility and equity nationwide. Her work has directly contributed to improved health outcomes and serves as a model for other regions striving to implement similar reforms.

Looking ahead, Julissa envisions a future where healthcare equity is a reality for all, regardless of immigration status, socioeconomic background, or cultural identity. She believes in dismantling systemic barriers, fostering cultural competency among healthcare providers, and implementing policies that prioritize the health needs of marginalized communities. Stronger collaborations between public health organizations, community leaders, and policymakers are essential to achieving these goals. Additionally, she emphasizes the need for investing in the training of healthcare professionals to effectively address the unique needs of immigrant populations. For Julissa, true healthcare equity requires an unwavering commitment to justice, systemic change, and the courage to challenge inequities that have persisted for generations.