Summer 2023 Young Leaders of Legacy: Empowering a New Generation of Health Advocates in Southeast Texas

Legacy Community Health is pleased to announce the launch of a new project called Young Leaders of Legacy (YLOL). This initiative aims to inspire young professionals in Greater Houston and Southeast Texas to become champions for healthier change in their communities.

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Legacy Community Health

Naveen Pinglay Chairperson

Ryan Martin Vice-Chairperson

Allison Floyd Wells, M.D. Treasurer

Ronnie Kurtin Secretary

Mariana Chavez Mac Gregor, M.D. At-Large / Executive Committee

Cathy Easter

Taryn Hargrove Gore

Gary Hammett

George Hawkins

Bryan Hlavinka

Danilo Juvane

Rebekah Le

Johnson Olatunji

Neftali Partida

Cindy Scharringhausen

Legacy Community Health Endowment Board

Mike Holloman Chairperson

George Hawkins Vice-Chairperson

Ray Purser Treasurer

Bryan Hlavinka Secretary

Linda Cantu

Tripp Carter

Cyndy Garza Roberts

Sharon Land

Ryan Martin

Mark McMasters, M.D.

Board Members Emeriti

Melanie Gray

Melissa Mithoff

James A. Reeder, Jr.

Monsour Taghdisi

Claire Cormier Thielke

YLOL seeks to connect today’s ambitious philanthropists with Legacy, with the goal of ensuring a healthy future for all members of the community. Members are encouraged to participate in Legacy-sponsored outreach programs and promote Legacy Community Health professionally and personally. In addition, the organization intends to sponsor an annual crowdfunding campaign to benefit one of Legacy’s service lines. While YLOL primarily targets young professionals aged 21 to 35, individuals 21 and over are welcome. The annual membership fee is $75 for an individual and $125 for a two-person account.

Dr. Jerson Desiderio, an optometrist at Legacy Fifth Ward and a founding member of YLOL, revealed his enthusiasm for the initiative. He said, “While networking and participating in projects and fundraisers were rewarding experiences, I yearned for a deeper community engagement beyond direct care. Joining Young Leaders of Legacy presents opportunities to discover new passions, learn from others, and make a substantial difference beyond my patient care responsibilities.”

Co-director of Young Leaders Azjuri Aguebor echoed this enthusiasm for the new initiative’s unrealized potential. “There is no established plan for this brand-new endeavor. Early participants will shape the organization’s course and open up new opportunities,” she said. Aguebor went into detail about his plans to provide resources, such as help creating resumes and headshots, as well as networking and communication skills training, particularly in philanthropy and donorship.

Dr. Desiderio added, underlining the significance of mentorship, “Young professionals navigating the professional world will find immense value in this group. Personal guidance from seasoned professionals is irreplaceable; it offers insights that online resources cannot provide.”

Bella Villarreal, co-director of YLOL, shared her excitement about the community-oriented plans of the group, including a significant gardening initiative slated for 2023. “Our goal is to engage deeply with our community and positively impact as many lives as possible, leaving a lasting legacy,” she said.

Reflecting on the group’s origins, Villarreal highlighted the necessity to rejuvenate Legacy’s philanthropy efforts. “We are committed to ensuring Legacy’s prosperity and gaining recognition for the expansive community work we undertake, which often goes unnoticed,” she explained. YLOL seeks to establish Legacy as an integral part of Houston and Southeast Texas, inviting both Legacy employees and external individuals to join in these efforts.