Health Career Connection (HCC) proudly celebrated 35 years of building generations of health professionals on December 4, 2025 with a meaningful virtual anniversary event that brought together national leaders, partners, alumni, and supporters. Together, we reflected on the impact of the past three and a half decades and recommitted ourselves to building pathways for the next generation of health leaders.
The evening centered on a shared theme: leadership is often cultivated through community, mentorship, and someone else seeing your potential before you see it yourself.
A Keynote Rooted in Leadership and Belonging
We were honored to welcome Dr. Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, as our keynote speaker. As CEO and Executive Director of The Permanente Medical Group, President and CEO of Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, and CEO of Northwest Permanente, Dr. Ansari offered a deeply personal and inspiring reflection on her leadership journey.
Dr. Ansari shared that she did not initially see herself as a leader, though others did. Mentors and colleagues recognized her potential, encouraged her voice, and lifted her into leadership at pivotal moments. Her message resonated strongly with the HCC community, reinforcing the idea that leadership is often nurtured through intentional support and opportunity, exactly what HCC strives to provide emerging health professionals.
Honoring Our Health Pathway and Public Health Champions
The event also celebrated champions whose leadership and partnership have strengthened health career pathways and public health advancement across the country:
- Monica Valdes Lupi, Managing Director, Health Program, Kresge Foundation
- Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula, 31st Assembly District, California State Assembly
- Tara Westman, Senior Program Manager, The California Endowment
- Daniel E. Dawes, JD, Founding Dean, School of Global Health and Senior Vice President, Global Health, Meharry Medical College
Each honoree exemplifies a deep commitment to workforce development and ensuring that future health leaders are prepared to serve their communities with purpose and compassion.
Alumni Stories That Brought the Mission to Life
Two HCC alumni testimonials captured the heart of the evening, showcasing how early exposure, mentorship, and belonging can shape lifelong careers.
Martin Montes shared his journey through HCC and how the experience affirmed his path in health. In a truly unique and memorable testimonial, Martin also created an original song dedicated to Health Career Connection. A short clip premiered during the event, celebrating the creativity, gratitude, and personal impact of his HCC experience.
Watch the full video and song here: https://youtu.be/–QtryS6u5o?si=QKjeXkyO3RDabnug
Paloma Leal Perez reflected on returning to the very community where she grew up to complete her HCC internship, a place where she once felt she did not fully “belong.” Through her role, Paloma witnessed firsthand the pride and trust patients felt seeing someone from their own community in a leadership role within their care facility. Her story powerfully illustrated how representation, opportunity, and the HCC experience can transform both individuals and communities.
Listen to her story here: https://youtu.be/KwSV5qb-iRg
Thank You to Our Sponsor: Kaiser Permanente
We extend our sincere gratitude to Kaiser Permanente for sponsoring our 35th Anniversary Virtual Event. Kaiser Permanente has been a long-standing partner in strengthening the health workforce and supporting pathways that prepare future health professionals to lead with skill, empathy, and mission.
Watch the Full Event Recording
If you missed the live event or would like to revisit these inspiring moments, you can watch the full recording here: https://youtu.be/NVr8hXZA0pI
Health Career Connection remains committed to developing mission–centered health leaders and supporting alumni throughout their career journeys. Thank you to everyone who has been part of HCC’s story over the past 35 years and to those who will shape the next chapter.
Together, we are building the future of the health workforce.
