Latinas Contra Cancer Celebrates
School
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Welcome
Welcome! Bienvenidos!
Just over 20 years ago, Latinas Contra Cancer was born out of necessity and hope—with a bold mission to educate, support, and advocate for Latinos facing cancer, while confronting a healthcare system that has too often left our community behind.
Since then, we have built far more than services. We have cultivated leadership, built power, and carried forward a vision of a more just and equitable future.
On behalf of our board, staff, and the communities we serve, THANK YOU for standing with us—for showing up for our people and for this shared work. Your presence strengthens everything we are building together and helps us honor the leaders who have shaped this journey.
At the heart of our mission is a truth that continues to guide us. As Audre Lorde reminds us:
“There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives.”
We know that cancer care is not separate from racial justice, language justice, or economic justice. It is all connected—and our work reflects that every single day. We are here because we believe that the leadership of Latina patients will change the future of healthcare—reshaping it into a system where community comes first, dignity is non-negotiable, and patients are always put before profit; where true health justice is not just the absence of disease or sickness, but also the presence of well-being, liberation, and joy.
This year, we stood side by side with community members and partners to protect East San Jose’s Regional Medical Center, ensuring vital healthcare access remains in one of our most vulnerable neighborhoods. Victories like this don’t come easy, but they come when we organize, when we act, and when we refuse to be silent.
Tonight, we celebrate 20 years of service, resilience, and impact. And while we honor how far we’ve come, we also recommit to the fights ahead—to fight for our human right to healthcare and to ensure that no patient is left to navigate this struggle alone.
We are honored to recognize those who embody these values and light the way forward:
Ysabel Duron, our founder and inaugural Corazón Award honoree, Dr. Leilani Jones, our Esperanza Award recipient, and our Alma Awardees: Al Castellano, Teresita Garcia, Jacqueline Mora, and Ingrid Sanchez.
Enjoy reconnecting with friends, meet someone new, and know that you belong here. You are part of the Latinas Contra Cancer family—and part of the powerful story we are writing together.
In solidarity,
Darcie Green Executive Director
It is an honor to be supporting Latinas Contra Cancer on the occasion of your Veinte! celebration. Your work on behalf of community members and their loved ones is priceless –I wish you strength over the next 20 years!
– William E. Szymczak
Program
6:00 pm Welcome Reception
Music by Son Patricios
7:00 pm Buffet Dinner provided by Wild Tastes Catering
7:40 pm Program & Awards Presentation
Emcee – Edlimar Delgado
Veinte! – Darcie Green, Executive Director
Invitation to Give – Evita Anaya Bryden, Board Chair
AWARDS
Alma Awards presented to Alcario “Al” Castellano
Teresita Garcia
Jacqueline Mora
Ingrid Sanchez
Corazón Award presented to Ysabel Duron
Esperanza Award presented to Dr. Leilani Jones
8:30 pm Dessert
Music by Dulce Fernandez, Mas Dulce Sol
9:00 pm Event Conclusion - GRACÍAS
It is an honor to serve the community as a member of our board of directors.
I raise my glass to our Veinte! and look forward to our next 20! h
Ron Lind
Our Sponsors
Thank you to our Veinte! Event Sponsors!
VEINTE!
ORO
William E. Szymczak Frederick J. Ferrer
PLATA
BRONCE
Ron Lind
Alcario Castellano and Carmela Castellano-Garcia
Corazón Award
Ysabel Duron
Ysabel Duron is a pioneering, award-winning Latina journalist, a cancer survivor, and for the past 25 years, a leading patient activist around Latino community engagement. Her encore career as a cancer patient advocate and non-profit agency builder commenced when she was diagnosed with cancer in 1999.
Duron describes her “work in and with community,” as a learning classroom and credits the experience with preparing her for her advocacy role. Between 2008 and 2016, under her leadership at Latinas Contra Cancer (LCC), Duron convened 5 unique National Latino Cancer Summits, turning its lens on cancer issues in the Latino community, collaborating with advocacy groups, researchers and health care providers to investigate, and address cancer-related impacts.
In 2017, Ms. Duron launched her third and current agency, The Latino Cancer Institute (TLCI), to amplify Latino voices about the cancer burden - acting as a force multiplier through a nationwide network of stakeholders; dedicated to promote the work of Latino community service agencies; to provide collaboration with the global cancer research community; and to drive policy to improve health outcomes and diminish disproportionate Latino cancer mortality. The Institute has since convened 5 National TLCI Forums as Duron continues to bring together researchers, clinicians, advocates, government and industry officials across the cancer landscape. The 5th annual Forum, “The Turbulent Ecosystem: Climate Change’s Impact on the Latino Cancer Burden,” was held virtually on October 27, 2023.
TLCl’s robust engagement has resulted in two invitations to the White House, once for a re-launch (Feb 2022) of President Joe Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative to drive cancer screenings and decrease cancer mortality by 50% in 25 years. The 2nd White House event (Oct 2022) spotlighted the American Cancer Society launch of the newly formed National Breast Cancer Roundtable (NBCRT) on which Duron was invited to serve.
Duron has been a frequent speaker at high-profile events. She is sought after for her passion and expertise in the field. And she has been honored for her leadership and work – in journalism, her career for 43 years, and in the non-profit sector. Some of these prestige awards include two Emmys, a Radio-TV News Director Award, the Girl Scouts Juliette Gordon Award for her Trouble with Teacher Series, the Silicon Valley NAACP Chapter
W.E.B. Dubois Award, as well as the Living Legacy Award from the Chicana- Latina Foundation, the 2005 Bay Area Most Influential Latino from the SF Business Times, and the 2011 Latino Spirit Award from the Latino Caucus of the California Legislature.
Latinas Contra Cancer is thrilled to present Duron with our inaugural Corazón Award for her vision, expertise, and drive to make a difference where it counts!
Esperanza Award
Leilani Michelle Jones
Leilani Michelle Jones, a Los Angeles native, is a passionate leader in the realm of health equity, with a distinguished career spanning across various sectors of healthcare and public health. As the inaugural Chief Health Equity Officer for Santa Clara County, she spearheads an innovative office focused on learning and development, equitable access and outcomes, and community engagement.
With a profound commitment to improving healthcare disparities, Leilani’s career trajectory has been marked by impactful contributions to organizations such as the Children’s Health Council, the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative, and the Los Angeles County Public Health Department. Her work is characterized by a holistic approach that addresses the intersectionality of health determinants and social factors, ensuring comprehensive solutions to complex health challenges.
Currently residing in Willow Glen with her husband and their cat Moon and dog Angel, Leilani brings a deeply personal understanding of community dynamics to her professional endeavors. Her expertise extends beyond her professional roles, as evidenced by her scholarly contributions to the field. Her research, featured in publications like the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, has significantly influenced discourse and policy surrounding maternal and reproductive health disparities.
Recognized at both the county and state levels for her unwavering dedication to advancing health equity, Leilani has received numerous accolades and awards for her transformative work. Her innovative strategies and collaborative initiatives have earned her widespread acclaim, positioning her as a respected leader in the pursuit of health equity.
With a steadfast commitment to creating a more just and inclusive healthcare landscape, Leilani Michelle Jones continues to inspire change and drive progress toward a future where equitable access to quality care is a reality for all.
Advocate Learning
Health
Education
Health
Justice
Fellowship
Patient Navigation & Advocacy
20 years of Support Education,
Survivor Support
Community Health Workers (CHW)
Education, and Advocacy
Alma Award
Alcario “Al” Castellano
Alcario “Al” Castellano, a long-time resident of San Jose, and his late wife, Carmen Castellano, made their home in the city for over 50 years. During their time in San Jose, their three children attended local schools and developed a strong sense of appreciation for their cultural heritage, actively participating in various local Mexican folklorico dance organizations.
Al Castellano has always been an active member of his community, serving on the board of directors for Latinas Contra Cancer, the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, and the American GI Forum. Al curated several art shows during Fiestas Patrias and Cinco de Mayo celebrations and is an avid videographer and photographer, documenting many local community events, including parades, music and dance performances, youth events, and public interest gatherings.
Al made headlines in June 2001 when he won the California State Lottery’s Super Lotto Plus, taking home a prize of $141 million, the largest single winner prize in the history of the California State Lottery. This monumental win enabled Al and Carmen to establish the Castellano Family Foundation in November 2001 which supports organizations serving Santa Clara County, focusing on values of diversity, community, family, social change, empathy, and integrity. The Foundation works to promote Latino arts and culture, help Latino youth and youth of color achieve their educational goals, and invest in the leadership development of Latinos and their nonprofit partners. Over a period of 20 years, the Foundation has awarded more than $8.8 million to over 150 organizations.
Al and Carmen’s dedication to their community has earned them numerous accolades, including the “La Familia” award from the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, the Youth Alliance Change Maker Award, and the National Association of Arts and Culture Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2012, San Jose City College honored Carmen by naming a new campus building the Carmen Castellano Fine Arts Center. These and other accolades reflect their deep commitment to supporting the Latino community and cultural preservation efforts that were central to their life’s work.
Al and Carmen are very proud of all their children and the work they do in the fields of art, music, law, and more. They also cherish their five grandchildren.
Al’s lasting legacy is one of community, cultural preservation, philanthropy, and dedication to his family, which continues to inspire those around him. Carmen’s influence and the couple’s shared commitment to giving back will forever be remembered. Latinas Contra Cancer is thrilled to honor Al this evening with an inaugural Alma Award.
Alma Award
Teresita Garcia
Teresita Garcia was born October 18, in Puebla, State of Puebla, Mexico.
She was the daughter of Antonio and Lucila and had seven siblings.
She grew up working from the age of 8, packing tortillas, cleaning windows, babysitting, and doing household chores.
She did not attend school. The family of teachers for whom she cleaned windows taught her how to read and write.
At 18, she married Arturo García, and at 23, she moved to the United States.
A mother of three in San José, she was a homemaker for a year. After that, she worked in office maintenance, a packing company, and an aluminum machinery workshop.
In 2018, she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. It was a difficult year of full-time treatment. At the end of 2019, Susana Burgos invited her to participate in Veggielution, a nonprofit organization that teaches people how to cook healthily and grow their own vegetables.
The former director of Veggielution, Cayce, invited her to join “Warriors Against COVID,” walking through neighborhoods to educate people on how to protect themselves against COVID and packing 1,200 boxes of vegetables daily for community distribution. She also cooked between 50 and 60 meals twice a week to feed Section 8 housing residents.
Later, Teresita became a “Promotora” at Stanford University, teaching the Spanish-speaking population about COVID-19, brain function in Alzheimer’s, and dementia.
Now a grandmother of three, Teresita continues working with Stanford University to this day and has spent four years working with Latinas Contra Cáncer, providing educational workshops.
Teresita García is a fighter, a determined person, and a community servant. She is highly positive and resilient. She has faced her cancer diagnosis with tenacity and has been an extraordinary example to all by turning her challenges into success and her passion into community service. She knows that success requires education and action to prevent diseases.
Teresita García nació el 18 de octubre en Puebla, México.
Siendo hija de Antonio y Lucila, y teniendo siete hermanos.
Creció trabajando desde los 8 años empacando tortillas, limpiando ventanas, cuidando niños y haciendo tareas domésticas.
Ella no asistió a la escuela. La familia de profesores a la que les trabajaba limpiando ventanas la enseñaron a leer y escribir.
A los 18 años se casó con Arturo García y a los 23 años se mudó a los Estados Unidos.
Madre de tres hijos en San José, ella fue ama de casa durante un año. Después, trabajó en mantenimiento de oficinas, una compañía de empacar y en un taller de maquinaria de aluminio.
En el 2018, le diagnosticaron cáncer de mama en la etapa 3. Fue un año difícil de tratamiento al cien por ciento. A finales del 2019, Susana Burgos la invitó a participar en Veggielution, una organización sin fines de lucro, que enseña a cocinar de forma saludable y a plantar tus propias verduras.
La exdirectora de Veggielution, Cayce, la invitó a participar como “Guerreras contra El Covid”; caminando por los vecindarios y educando a la gente sobre cómo protegerse contra el Covid, y empacando 1,200 cajas de verduras por día para entregarlas a la comunidad. También cocinaba entre 50 y 60 comidas dos veces por semana para alimentar a las viviendas de la sección 8.
Luego, Teresita pasó a ser “Promotora” en la Universidad de Stanford, enseñando a la población de habla hispana sobre el COVID-19, la función cerebral del Alzheimer y/o la demencia.
Teresita, ahora una abuela de 3 nietos continúa trabajando con la Universidad de Stanford hasta el día de hoy y tiene 4 años trabajando con Latinas Contra Cáncer brindando talleres educativos.
Teresita García es una luchadora, una persona con determinación y una servidora comunitaria. Ella es muy positiva y resiliente. Ha manejado su diagnóstico de cáncer con tenacidad y ha sido un ejemplo extraordinario para todos al convertir sus desafíos en éxito y su pasión por el servicio comunitario. Sabe que para tener éxito se necesita educación y acción para prevenir enfermedades.
Jacqueline Mora
Alma Award
Hola mi nombre es
J a c q u e l i n e Mora
I am from Mexico, and I consider myself blessed to have a family that serves as the driving force of my life—my four children and my husband. They are my greatest strength and inspiration. For over a decade, I had the blessing of working in cleaning offices and homes. Eventually, I seized the opportunity to receive 40 hours of training in domestic violence, which led me to start advocating for those who suffer in silence. I offered support, filled out forms, and stood by their side.
Soy de México y me siento bendecida por tener una familia que es el motor de mi vida: mis cuatro hijos y mi esposo quienes me inspiran y me dan fuerza cada día
Durante más de una década, tuve la bendición de trabajar limpiando oficinas y casas, un trabajo que me enseñó mucho sobre el esfuerzo y la dedicación Llegó un momento en que decidí tomar una oportunidad que cambió mi vida: recibí un entrenamiento de 40 horas en violencia doméstica A partir de allí, comencé a abogar por las personas que sufrían en silencio, brindándoles apoyo, llenando formularios y estando a su lado en todo momento
As time passed, I became a Promotora for the “Safe, Secure, and Loved” program, where I continued learning how to assist more families in partnership with Santa Clara County. Today, I am the Coordinator of Parents at SHCS, where I support families learning a new language while empowering them with leadership, faith, and hope.
Con el paso del tiempo, me uní como Promotora al programa “Seguro Protegido y Amado”, donde continué aprendiendo a apoyar a más familias en colaboración con el condado de Santa Clara Hoy me desempeño como Coordinadora de Padres en SHCS, donde ayudo a familias que están aprendiendo un nuevo idioma brindándoles empoderamiento liderazgo, fe y esperanza
Every day, I remember my roots and the paths I’ve walked, which is why I love helping others with so much love. Many angels have passed through my life, and I strive to do the same for those who cross my path.
Soy de México y me siento bendecida por tener una familia que es el motor de mi vida: mis cuatro hijos y mi esposo, quienes me inspiran y me dan fuerza cada día.
Cada día recuerdo mis raíces y el camino que he recorrido, y por eso amo ayudar con mucho amor a las personas que llegan a mi vida porque sé que muchos ángeles han pasado por la mía
Durante más de una década, tuve la bendición de trabajar limpiando oficinas y casas, un trabajo que me enseñó mucho sobre el esfuerzo y la dedicación. Llegó un momento en que decidí tomar una oportunidad que cambió mi vida: recibí un entrenamiento de 40 horas en violencia doméstica. A partir de allí, comencé a abogar por las personas que sufrían en silencio, brindándoles apoyo, llenando formularios y estando a su lado en todo momento.
Con el paso del tiempo, me uní como Promotora al programa “Seguro, Protegido y Amado”, donde continué aprendiendo a apoyar a más familias en colaboración con el condado de Santa Clara. Hoy, me desempeño como Coordinadora de Padres en SHCS, donde ayudo a familias que están aprendiendo un nuevo idioma, brindándoles empoderamiento, liderazgo, fe y esperanza.
Cada día recuerdo mis raíces y el camino que he recorrido, y por eso amo ayudar con mucho amor a las personas que llegan a mi vida, porque sé que muchos ángeles han pasado por la mía.
“Soy de México y me siento bendecida por tener una familia que es el motor de mi vida: mis cuatro hijos y mi esposo, quienes me inspiran y me dan fuerza cada día.”
Alma Award
Ingrid Sánchez
I am Ingrid Sánchez, I am the mother of three loving children from different seven-year periods, an empathetic wife originally from Colombia, a woman of faith, dreamer, resilient and determined, a breast cancer survivor.
I have been leading behavioral psychology projects for 15 years, intervening from family, individual, community from the field of corporate social responsibility and cultural responsibility of organizations, (behavior-based safety programs, commitment to life).
Founder of Safe & Happy Healthy Children, she accompanied fatherhood through coaching sessions, workshops, programs based on three pillars Recognize, Connect and Transform a more conscious and present parenting being a PC (Conscious Father).
Creator of the Love-Learn-Be Method. Comprehensive education methodology to promote the social and emotional development of children, as well as the transmission of values, fundamental principles. achieving a positive impact on families, thus strengthening the social and emotional fabric of the community.
My purpose and commitment toimmigrant families, mothers who are going through some treatment for cancer, degenerative disease or mental disability by providing comprehensive programs and services in Parenting, Free and/or Low Cost Education we are sustaining a present building a future with hope by being supportive of these families and the children of the Community We Are Instrument of Lives which was born as an initiative from the transition of treatment, recognizing that each being is light for the other in the midst of challenges, darkness that are walked.
Edlimar Delgado
Edlimar Delgado is a community organizer, patient advocate, and dedicated leader in the fight for health equity. She began her journey with Latinas Contra Cancer (LCC) in 2023 through the Defensoras Program, a 10-week healthcare advocacy and public policy training, which led her to join the 2024 Irma Ferrer Health Justice Fellowship. There, she was part of the Organizing team where she helped mobilize community members, uplift patient voices, and challenge healthcare inequities. Most notably, she played a key role in restoring essential services at Regional Medical Center through the Rescue Our Medical Care Campaign, leading biweekly coalition meetings and planning actions for over five months.
Now a Patient Organizer at LCC, Edlimar continues pushing for grassroots efforts that put patients over profits and fight against corporate-driven healthcare. Originally from Caracas, Venezuela and raised in Miami, FL, she has called San Jose home for the last ten years, finding a deep sense of purpose at Latinas Contra Cancer.
Beyond LCC, she works as a Clinical Research Coordinator and CREST Research Scholar at UCSF’s Hematologic Malignancies department, championing Latine access to clinical trials. As a bilingual Spanish speaker, she supports patients navigating cancer treatment and systemic barriers. With a passion for oncology, she aspires to be the first Latina physician in her family, integrating grassroots organizing and patient advocacy to advance health equity and ensure that Latine patients and all underserved communities receive the high-quality care they deserve.
Entertainment
Son Patricios
Son Patricios is made up of Tomas, Jackie, Isidro, and David. They appear in Northern California performing traditional Mexican and Irish music on acoustic instruments and have generously given of themselves to be with Latinas Contra Cancer for Veinte!
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070147124230
Thank you to our very generous wine donors for this evening!
Danette Green & Bob Escobar
LATINAS CONTRA CANCER
BOARD MEMBERS
Evita Bryden, Chair
José Luis Pacheco, Vice-Chair
Ron Lind, Treasurer
Darlene Torres, Secretary
Robert Beltran
Alejandro Espinoza
STAFF
Darcie Green, Executive Director
Susana Burgos
Dennise Castaneda
Kathy Córdova
Evelyn Cruz
Edlimar Delgado
Jessica Diangson
Damiana Flores
Melissa Gonzalez
Isela Luna
Laisha Martinez
Samantha Rojas
Laura Vasquez
Nancy Villarreal
Maria Zeledon
Natalia Zeledon
Yamilet Zuniga
