Inclusion & Belonging at CUIMC

The VP&S Latino Association

We are committed to the well-being and success of all community members. Columbia complies with all applicable civil rights laws and does not engage in illegal preferences or discrimination.

The VP&S Latino Association was established in 2022 to enhance the support, presence and belonging of the VP&S’ Latino community. The word “Latino” is used inclusively and recognizes the wide range of cultures, lived experience, and linguistic backgrounds of those who identify as Latino or Latina. Membership is open to all VP&S physicians and allied health professionals who support the purpose of the association. Read more about our inaugural reception from CUIMC news.

Objectives

The VP&S Latino Association aims to provide support, development, advocacy, and increase the visibility of the Latino Physician community at VP&S in the following ways:

  • Support inclusive departmental recruitment, retention, and promotion efforts of faculty, physicians, and allied health professionals and trainees
  • Develop and provide mentorship opportunities for faculty, physicians, allied health professionals, and trainees
  • Promote and support the well-being of the community
  • Develop opportunities to enhance visibility
  • Facilitate opportunities for community-building
  • Develop and facilitate partnerships with external networks
  • Connect with other affinity networks across CUIMC  

Leadership

The VP&S Latino Association is led by co-presidents Ana Cepin, MD, associate professor of obstetrics & gynecology and director of community women’s health in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at VP&S, and Mara Minguez, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics at VP&S.

Founding Board of Directors

  • Ana Cepin, MD, Co-President
  • Mara Minguez, MD, Co-President
  • Jerard Z. Kneifati-Hayek, MD, MS, Secretary
  • Linda Aponte-Patel, MD, Treasurer
  • Rafael A. Lantigua, MD, Senior Advisor to the Board, Professor Emeritus

Community Affairs Committee Chairs 

  • Hilda Elena Fernandez, MD
  • Ana Esteban, MD
  • Wilson A. Quezada, MD
  • Ileana Vargas-Rodriguez, MD

External Affairs Committee Chairs

  • Mercedes Martinez, MD
  • Lucille M. Torres-Deas, MD

Faculty Affairs Committee Chairs

  • Laura Geraldino-Pardilla, MD
  • Luz Adriana Matiz-Zanoni, MD

Social Affairs and Communications Committee

  • Cristina Fernández, MD
  • Maria Salgado Guerrero, MD, RhMSUS

Trainee Subcommittees

  • Angel Rosario, MD, MPH
  • Yardelis Diaz, MD