Meet The HANM Team

Barbara has been the Executive Director of Health Action New Mexico since 2009. She holds an MS in Gerontology and Health Administration. She began her career working

on rural health and development issues in rural Brazil and West Africa. She has worked as a strong advocate for women’s issues including administering a rape crisis center, a county-wide domestic violence program with a shelter, a pioneer women’s health center which included on-site birthing centers, and full reproductive health care options. She has been part of the management team for a nonprofit hospice and a nonprofit hospital’s OB/GYN clinic. Before working at Health Action New Mexico, Barbara was an analyst at the New Mexico Health Policy Commission. 

Gabriella Rivera has been with Health Action NM in various roles since starting as an intern in 2018.  She received her BA in Political Science and International Studies in 2019, and her Masters in Public Policy in 2021, all from the University of New Mexico. She is passionate about policy especially, working to bring about systemic change toward a more equitable healthcare system that places people, health, and community over profit, greed, and individualism. 

Ms. Felipita C. Jacks, LAC. is a Counselor in Bernalillo, NM with special training and skills in identifying solutions to personal, social, and psychological problems. As a Counselor, Felipita performs therapies that offer support and guidance to individuals and groups, centering mental health, wellness, education, and career goals. Felipita has also been a certified Community Health Worker for the past eight years, working with her clients through clear health language, linking individuals and communities with resources, and advocating for those she serves. In her work with Health Action New Mexico, Felipita’s goal is to empower communities to advocate for their own needs.

Cesar Santos Lezama was born in Veracruz, Mexico, and has lived in Albuquerque for most of their life. Currently pursuing a degree in Psychology from the University of New Mexico, Cesar has dedicated their early 20s to organizing, and advocating for, the local immigrant community. Driven by a commitment to empathy and compassion, they center their work around community and solidarity. Outside of work, Cesar enjoys touring the country as a punk drummer, cooking, learning about archeology and geology, and spending time with their two cats, Phoebe and Theodore. 

Erin was born in Missouri and raised in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. In 2022, she graduated from UNM with honors and received her BA in Political Science with a minor in Communications. During undergrad, she interned for Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez in her D.C. office – solidifying her interest in health policy. She is currently in her second year as a graduate student in UNM's Master of Public Policy program. As a Policy Assistant at Health Action New Mexico, she researches policy and assists with communication. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, playing tennis, and spending time with her dog — Suki.

Guillermina Osoria is an Afro-Latina community leader born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, to first-generation Dominican immigrant parents. She is a bilingual, multi-heritage professional with a wealth of experience in healthcare, community support, and advocacy. For over 30 years, Guillermina has made a significant impact in the healthcare sector through her work as a Pathway Navigator with the International District Healthy Community Coalition, among other initiatives. Her career spans various roles, including Lifestyle Diabetes Coach, Zumba and Silver Sneakers Instructor, Certified Community Health Worker (S3), Certified Peer Support Worker, and Licensed Insurance Broker across 13 states. Guillermina has also served as a SOAR Representative for New Mexico, a Tax Preparer, and a Notary Public for the state. Guillermina’s work has directly benefited hundreds of individuals, from helping over 387 families access emergency rental assistance to securing Social Security benefits for 53 New Mexicans. She is passionate about empowering communities through self-advocacy, social justice, and addressing health inequities. Outside of her professional work, Guillermina enjoys traveling, dancing, cycling, growing her own food, and cooking. A proud mother and grandmother, she lives in the International District of Albuquerque with her fiancé, Raimundo. Her commitment to nurturing the mind, body, and spirit is central to her life’s work and her vision of sustainable, empowered communities.

Loren was born and raised in La Mesa community in Doña Ana County and is a graduate of Gadsden High School. She then went on to receive a degree in Criminal Justice from NMSU and Utility Management Institution Training from the University of Incarnate Word, as well as serving in the Army as an Administrative Specialist. She has over 28 years of community outreach, team leadership development, supporting youth for their success, and program implementation and budget management in Southern New Mexico. Currently as a member of Health Action New Mexico Team, Loren is focusing on outreach to local grassroot leaders and residents to engage them in increasing broadband access for low- and moderate-income families of Southern New Mexico. Furthermore, she is building pathways for success for youth with difficulty staying involved in school programs. Loren is currently teaming up with the Coalition of Agricultural Workers Association (CAWA) and other grassroots and faith-based organizations to conduct discussion group sessions with agricultural workers throughout Southern New Mexico. 

Krysia was born and raised in Albuquerque, NM. She holds a BA in Liberal Arts & Sciences with concentrations in Spanish, Anthropology, Community Organizing & Restorative Justice. She recently earned a degree in Health-IT broadening her knowledge in health policy, political science and information technology. Krysia is passionate about health and social justice issues, she is tenacious, creative, and committed to supporting individuals in healing on a peer level, and on a community level to create positive systemic change. Krysia is proud to be working with the HANM team towards the goal of bringing health equity and quality healthcare to all families in New Mexico.

Alma Olivas is the Central Regional Outreach and Enrollment Coordinator. She is one of the newest coordinators at Health Action New Mexico. Starting March 1 st , 2025. Alma began working as an advocate for the Community Coalition for Healthcare Access in 2001. As an advocate she worked with community members having trouble accessing medical services in Bernalillo County and the state of NM. Alma was awarded the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Community Health Leaders Fellowship, 2005. Alma is a strong advocate for medical interpretation and translation. She is currently a board member at the United South Broadway Corporation, a non-profit organization that works with low-income families and prevents families from losing their homes and ending up homeless.