HealthCare UnTold

Pam Cusick, Senior Vice President of Rare Patient Voice (RPV): Advancing Health Together — Patients, Caregivers, and Researchers

Our guest today is Pam Cusick Senior Vice President of Rare Patient Voice. Rare Patient Voice is a national community that connects patients and caregivers with researchers who genuinely want to learn from their lived experiences. Through this work, RPV ensures that people living with rare and chronic conditions have a direct voice in shaping studies, treatments, and health innovations. Their model is built on trust, respect, and fair compensation, creating a space where stories become data that can drive meaningful change. Pam Cusick is a leader in patient engagement with more than three decades of experience in research design, implementation, and advocacy. As Senior Vice President of Rare Patient Voice (RPV), she works to ensure that patient and caregiver experiences help shape the future of medical research. Beyond RPV, Pam contributes to the advancement of women in healthcare through her work with Women in Research (WIRe), the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA), and the International Society for Patient Engagement Professionals (ISPEP). She continues to mentor emerging leaders who share her dedication to connecting patient advocacy with meaningful scientific progress.

Mireya Gomez‑Contreras, Executive Director of Esperanza Community Farms: Building a Just Food System

Our guest today is Mireya Gomez-Contreras, the Executive Director of Esperanza Community Farms. Mireya reflects on her personal journey, the leadership lessons learned from working alongside immigrant and Indigenous farmers, and the deep collaboration required to build sustainable food systems. She highlights the farm’s commitment to economic opportunity, climate‑resilient agriculture, and honoring the lived expertise of local families who have long nourished California’s fields. #FoodJustice #CommunityLeadership #EsperanzaCommunityFarms.org #MireyaGomezContreras #HealthCareUnTold

Hector L. Torres‑Diaz: Building Bridges for Civil Rights and Community Empowerment

Our guest today is Hector L. Torres‑Diaz, the Civil Rights Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Human Rights Commission. He is also a law student specializing in immigration law, public policy, community engagement, and the ongoing movement for Puerto Rico’s sovereignty. As a leader in public service, Hector is dedicated to being a bridge builder amongst multi-ethnic communities to strengthen and expand their access to community involvement. #HectorLTorresDiaz #CivilRightsAdvocate #PennsyvaniaHumanRightsCommission #CommunityEngagement #PublicServiceLeadership #LatinoLeadership #EquityAndJustice

George Carillo: Co-Founder & CEO of the Hispanic Construction Council – Supporting Latino Construction Businesses and Workers

Our guest today is the Co-Founder and CEO of the Hispanic Construction Council. The Hispanic Construction Council is a national dual nonprofit organization, classified as both 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6), that addresses critical gaps in the construction industry. As a think tank, they utilize their board members and media presence to raise awareness and provide solutions for significant economic challenges and opportunities affecting the construction industry and its workers. #GeorgeCarillo #HispanicConstructionCouncil,com #Latino Construction Leadership PROTECT CONSTRUCTION WORKERS #LatinoBuilders #HealthCareUnTold

Jill Mather, Founder of Volunteers Cleaning Communities — “Cleaning the Streets of Los Angeles”

Our guest today is Jill Mather the Founder of Volunteers Cleaning Communities. This grassroots movement is transforming Southern California’s streets one cleanup at a time. Jill shares how her passion for environmental stewardship evolved into a thriving volunteer network that removes thousands of pounds of litter annually—without government funding. From organizing neighborhood cleanups to empowering youth and seniors alike, Jill’s story is a testament to the power of civic action and community pride. Tune in to hear how small acts of care can ripple into lasting change. #VolunteersCleaningCommunities #LitterFreeLA #CleanUpCrew #CommunityPower #EnvironmentalJustice #EcoActivism #GrassrootsMovement #UrbanSustainability