At the heart of every thriving community is someone who listens deeply, acts intentionally, and leads with both empathy and resolve. In this exclusive interview, I had the privilege of sitting down with Roxana, a Program Director at the Health Education Council (HEC), whose work embodies the essence of community-centered public health. From her early roots in Napa Valley to her leadership in food security, vaccine equity, and chronic disease prevention across Sacramento and Placer counties, Roxana’s story is a powerful reminder that lasting change begins with human connection.
We spoke about her journey into public health, the lessons she’s gathered along the way, and her unwavering belief that collaboration—and compassion—are the cornerstones of progress.
“I wanted to be where the people are.”
Roxana, what originally drew you to public health, and how did your journey lead you to the Health Education Council?
Before I fully understood what “public health” meant, I was already part of it. From supporting migrant students and survivors of domestic violence to promoting wellness through dance, I was living out the core of prevention work without even naming it.
I discovered public health formally while studying at UC Davis and interning at the Betty Irene School of Nursing. A turning point came when I assisted in a migration study and recruited participants at the Mexican Consulate. That’s where I first encountered the Health Education Council’s Ventanilla de Salud program—and I knew immediately: I want to do that.
Years later, I joined HEC after grad school, and since 2018, I’ve worked on initiatives spanning food access, mental health, school wellness, emergency response, and more. Every day since, I’ve been reminded that this is where I’m meant to be.
Before I fully understood what “public health” meant, I was already part of it. From supporting migrant students and survivors of domestic violence to promoting wellness through dance, I was living out the core of prevention work without even naming it.
I discovered public health formally while studying at UC Davis and interning at the Betty Irene School of Nursing. A turning point came when I assisted in a migration study and recruited participants at the Mexican Consulate. That’s where I first encountered the Health Education Council’s Ventanilla de Salud program—and I knew immediately: I want to do that.
Years later, I joined HEC after grad school, and since 2018, I’ve worked on initiatives spanning food access, mental health, school wellness, emergency response, and more. Every day since, I’ve been reminded that this is where I’m meant to be.
Equity in Action
As a Program Director, what drives your passion for health equity?
What drives me is presence—truly being with the community and listening. Equity means more than fairness; it’s about meeting people where they are and centering their needs in every decision.
Public health isn’t effective without equity. We embed this in every program, from planning to delivery. We ask ourselves: Are we responding? Are we inclusive? Are we building with—not just for—the community?
What drives me is presence—truly being with the community and listening. Equity means more than fairness; it’s about meeting people where they are and centering their needs in every decision.
Public health isn’t effective without equity. We embed this in every program, from planning to delivery. We ask ourselves: Are we responding? Are we inclusive? Are we building with—not just for—the community?
Meeting People Where They Are
HEC is known for this philosophy. How do you embody it in your leadership?
We remove barriers. That’s our compass. Whether it’s language access, trust, transportation, or timing, we ask: How can we make it easier for someone to get what they need?
Our programs succeed when we listen first and adapt. That’s how we stay rooted in the real world—not just in theory.
We remove barriers. That’s our compass. Whether it’s language access, trust, transportation, or timing, we ask: How can we make it easier for someone to get what they need?
Our programs succeed when we listen first and adapt. That’s how we stay rooted in the real world—not just in theory.
On Leadership
What does leadership mean to you in public health?
It means showing up—consistently and authentically. Leadership is aligning actions with values, building partnerships that last, and knowing when to step up and when to uplift others.
I try to lead by example, to be someone who listens, who advocates, and who doesn’t forget why we started in the first place.
It means showing up—consistently and authentically. Leadership is aligning actions with values, building partnerships that last, and knowing when to step up and when to uplift others.
I try to lead by example, to be someone who listens, who advocates, and who doesn’t forget why we started in the first place.
A Moment That Mattered
Can you share a story that reaffirmed your purpose?
During the height of the COVID-19 shutdowns, we launched Family Meal Roseville—a rapid-response program addressing food insecurity and local business collapse.
In just three weeks, we mobilized partners and served 16,000 meals in six weeks. It was intense and deeply rewarding. Seeing handwritten notes from families, and the gratitude from restaurant owners, reminded me: This is what community health looks like.
That program’s legacy lives on in new food security efforts across Roseville.
During the height of the COVID-19 shutdowns, we launched Family Meal Roseville—a rapid-response program addressing food insecurity and local business collapse.
In just three weeks, we mobilized partners and served 16,000 meals in six weeks. It was intense and deeply rewarding. Seeing handwritten notes from families, and the gratitude from restaurant owners, reminded me: This is what community health looks like.
That program’s legacy lives on in new food security efforts across Roseville.
On Partnership and Trust
You often work across many sectors. How do you build meaningful collaborations?
It takes time and trust. Sometimes alignment doesn’t happen immediately, but relationships grow when we show up for each other. Connecting partners to resources, being a consistent ally, and seeing the bigger picture—these are all ways we build the public health ecosystem together.
It takes time and trust. Sometimes alignment doesn’t happen immediately, but relationships grow when we show up for each other. Connecting partners to resources, being a consistent ally, and seeing the bigger picture—these are all ways we build the public health ecosystem together.
Staying Energized in the Work
Public health work can be challenging. How do you stay grounded?
I’m naturally curious and always ready to learn. I thrive in environments that push me and that support my ideas. And working for an organization like HEC—where my values are reflected in our mission—that’s what keeps me going.
Three Lessons for Emerging Public Health Professionals
1. Growth happens outside your comfort zone.
2. Surround yourself with people who uplift you.
3. Never lose sight of what matters most to you.
Even early in your career, you can lead with purpose.
I’m naturally curious and always ready to learn. I thrive in environments that push me and that support my ideas. And working for an organization like HEC—where my values are reflected in our mission—that’s what keeps me going.
Three Lessons for Emerging Public Health Professionals
1. Growth happens outside your comfort zone.
2. Surround yourself with people who uplift you.
3. Never lose sight of what matters most to you.
Even early in your career, you can lead with purpose.
Roots That Guide the Work
How has your personal background influenced your leadership?
I’m a first-generation Mexican-American from Napa Valley. I grew up understanding economic disparities firsthand.
My path wasn’t traditional—I started at community college before transferring to UC Davis as the first in my family to attend university.
That journey taught me humility, resilience, and the value of staying grounded. Today, I’m proud to be part of a network of Latinx leaders reimagining what equity looks like in our systems.
I’m a first-generation Mexican-American from Napa Valley. I grew up understanding economic disparities firsthand.
My path wasn’t traditional—I started at community college before transferring to UC Davis as the first in my family to attend university.
That journey taught me humility, resilience, and the value of staying grounded. Today, I’m proud to be part of a network of Latinx leaders reimagining what equity looks like in our systems.
The Role of Community Events in Public Health
In your view, how do events like the International Kids Festival advance public health?
Events like these are more than fun—they’re powerful entry points. They bring families together and connect them with education, services, and new opportunities.
Events like these are more than fun—they’re powerful entry points. They bring families together and connect them with education, services, and new opportunities.
Not everyone will engage with every booth, but meaningful impact happens in small moments—a conversation, a smile, a trusted connection. These events foster visibility and trust, and they build bridges for future engagement.
•••
Closing Reflections
Roxana’s work reminds us that public health is not confined to clinics or policy tables. It thrives in parks, at community centers, on porches, and in shared meals. Her story is proof that equity begins with showing up—with purpose, with humility, and with heart.
Connect with Roxana Garcia-Ochoa, MPH
Program Director, Health Education Council
(916) 556-3344
rgarciaochoa@healthedcouncil.org
www.healthedcouncil.org