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On June 9, 2008, TCWF will honor these three leaders at its sixth annual"Champions of Health Professions Diversity Award" ceremony in San Francisco.In recognition of their efforts to reduce entry barriers and to ensure thesuccess of underrepresented minorities in the health workforce, the honoreeswill each receive a cash award of $25,000.
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"These three leaders have proactively addressed barriers to enteringhigher education and training programs and developed support systems that haveensured the success of thousands of students who are now delivering culturallycompetent, language-proficient health care," said Gary L. Yates, TCWFpresident and CEO. "However, given the changing demographics of our state andthe current shortage of health workers, we must encourage and support youngpeople in California to consider pursuing jobs or careers in health fields."
Juanita Barrena
Juanita Barrena, PhD, is currently a professor of biological sciences atCalifornia State University, Sacramento (CSUS), and director of the ScienceEducational Equity (SEE) program, which provides academic support in an effortto redress inequities in access to higher education and careers in thesciences and health professions. Since 1975, Barrena has helped studentsstatewide improve access to health care in underserved communities through heradvocacy efforts and through her many leadership positions, including CSUSdepartment chair and chair of the faculty senate.
"I truly believe that our students are the real champions because they'rethe ones who take the tests and struggle with tremendous obstacles," saidBarrena. "We are merely the ones who provide support and try to ensure thatthey have a safe place where they can develop and realize their potential."
David Hayes-Bautista
David Hayes-Bautista, PhD, is currently a professor of medicine anddirector of the Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture (CSLAC) atthe David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, LosAngeles. He established CSLAC, which houses his research and provides animportant resource for medical students, health care providers, and publichealth officials working to care for Latino patients. He is also the directorof Drew Center, dedicated to increasing the number of minority physicians inclinical and academic careers.
"The peak year for underrepresented minority enrollment in medical schoolswas 1992 and since then it has dropped off dramatically for Latinos,African-Americans and American Indians," said Hayes-Bautista. "My big messagethis year is the disappearing, underrepresented minority medical student. Ourcommunities need those providers."
Linda Squires-Grohe
A staunch believer in the power of community college education, Dean LindaSquires-Grohe has led efforts to create, develop and expand 24health-occupation programs that graduate more than 430 students per year, themajority of whom are from underrepresented minority communities. Workingwithin the community-college system for more than 38 years in a variety ofroles, she has served for over a dec
