El Paso’s Change Makers Celebration: Honoring Women in Health Care Leadership

Diverse group of women in health care leadership in El Paso, posing confidently.

Celebrating Health Leadership: Women at the Forefront in El Paso

The Change Makers: Borderland Women in Health event, organized by El Paso Matters and Progress 321 on March 26, 2025, saw over 270 attendees gathered at the Paso del Norte Hotel in Downtown El Paso to honor local female leaders in the health sector. This event, held in celebration of Women's History Month, cast a spotlight on the incredible contributions of twenty remarkable women who have significantly impacted health care in the region.

Keynote Insights from a Local Trailblazer

Dr. Nirma D. Bustamante, an accomplished El Paso native and the head of the CDC’s Mexico office, delivered an impactful keynote address. Her journey, from an emergency medicine physician to a public health visionary, is nothing short of inspiring. Bustamante shared her experiences, which include providing vital health care to displaced populations in Uganda and supporting vaccination efforts during the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With her words, she encouraged women to challenge societal expectations and pursue their dreams, candidly discussing the hurdles she faced while breaking into a male-dominated field.

Empowerment Through Recognition

The Change Makers event not only recognized individual achievements but also served as a powerful reminder of the collective strength women bring to the health sector. Honorees included Daisy Celeste Alvarado, a pediatric occupational therapist, and Alyssa C. Benavides, a mentor for future health professionals, among others. Their stories exemplify the resilience and dedication of women committed to advancing health care.

Creating a Legacy of Opportunity and Change

In her keynote, Dr. Bustamante emphasized a resonating truth: "Use the success you have earned to free yourself from who you think you should be." This message championed the idea that women can redefine success on their own terms, encouraging attendees to envision careers in health care as opportunities for reinvention and growth rather than fixed paths. Her words have the power to inspire a new generation of health leaders in El Paso.

As we celebrate these changemakers, it's essential to recognize their impact on future generations and how they contribute to a richer, more diverse community within the health sector.

El Paso News

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El Paso’s Change Makers Celebration: Honoring Women in Health Care Leadership

Celebrating Health Leadership: Women at the Forefront in El Paso

Keynote Insights from a Local Trailblazer

Empowerment Through Recognition

Creating a Legacy of Opportunity and Change

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