Nurse Practitioner - Pediatric

AltaMed Health Services President and CEO Cástulo de la Rocha named to TIME's 2026 Latino Leaders list. Sep 16, 2026, 10:02 ET LOS ANGELES, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - TIME named AltaMed Health Services President and CEO Cástulo de la Rocha to the 2026 TIME Latino Leaders list recognizing 13 U.S.-based trailblazers changing their industries and communities. The recognition reflects de la Rocha's nearly five decades of leadership at AltaMed and his commitment to expanding access to quality, culturally responsive health care for communities throughout Southern California. AltaMed began in 1969 as the East Los Angeles Barrio Free Clinic, created to address the health care needs of a largely Latino community that faced significant barriers to care. Today, AltaMed is one of the nation's largest community health organizations, demonstrating the impact that trusted, community-rooted institutions can have on health, opportunity, and the well-being of generations of families. "Being recognized by TIME is an incredible honor, but this recognition belongs to the generations of patients, employees, caregivers, community leaders, and families who have built AltaMed over the past 57 years," said Cástulo de la Rocha, president and CEO of AltaMed Health Services. "Our story shows what is possible when we invest in our communities and build institutions that understand, respect, and reflect the people they serve. I am proud of how far we have come, but our work is not finished. We will continue opening doors, creating opportunities, and ensuring the next generation has access to the care and resources they need to thrive." For nearly five decades, de la Rocha has helped advance AltaMed's mission through a model of care rooted in trust, cultural understanding, and representation. Under his leadership, AltaMed has expanded its reach while remaining focused on the communities and families it was created to serve. Over the past year, that commitment has remained especially important as AltaMed and its communities navigated wildfires, economic uncertainty, changes in the health care landscape, and growing concerns among immigrant families. Throughout these challenges, AltaMed remained focused on ensuring patients could continue accessing the care and services they need. TIME's Latino Leaders recognition highlights leaders whose work and influence are helping shape the future of the United States. De la Rocha's selection recognizes a career dedicated to advancing health care access and strengthening the communities AltaMed serves. The full list and related tributes appear in the September 28, 2026 issue of TIME, available on newsstands Friday, September 18.and now at ti.me/latinoleaders. About AltaMed AltaMed understands that when people receive care that considers their individual health needs and respects their cultural preferences, they grow healthy - and help their families do the same. Since 1969, we have delivered complete medical services to communities across Southern California. Our team of qualified multicultural and bilingual professionals - from these same communities - is focused on eliminating barriers to primary care services, senior care programs, and essential community services. According to 2025 data, AltaMed operates more than 60 accredited health centers and service facilities and remains committed and ready to help you grow healthy at any age. For more information, visit www.altamed.org. SOURCE AltaMed Health Services

LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes to honor Latino trailblazers at 15th-anniversary gala. September 10, 2026 Actor Belissa Escobedo, Senator María Elena Durazo and PepsiCo executive Lupe De La Cruz III will be recognized at LA Plaza's Quinceañera Gala. From left to right, actor Belissa Escobedo, California State Senator María Elena Durazo, and PepsiCo executive Lupe De La Cruz III. LOS ANGELES - (Thursday, September 10, 2026) - LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes will celebrate its 15th-anniversary with a Quinceañera Gala on Saturday, October 10, honoring three Mexican American leaders for their contributions to public service, entertainment, and corporate leadership. The gala will recognize actor Belissa Escobedo, PepsiCo Vice President of Government Affairs and Corporate Citizenship Lupe De La Cruz III, and California State Senator María Elena Durazo. The event will take place on LA Plaza's campus in downtown Los Angeles during Hispanic Heritage Month. "Our honorees exemplify the many ways Mexican Americans and Latinos enrich life in Los Angeles and beyond," said Tracy Serrano, interim CEO of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes. "We are delighted to recognize their achievements as we celebrate this important milestone for LA Plaza." "Belissa Escobedo, Lupe De La Cruz III, and Senator Durazo, have elevated Latino voices across public service, entertainment and corporate leadership," said Gala Chair Blanca Aguirre. "Their accomplishments embody the leadership, representation, and commitment to community that LA Plaza seeks to celebrate." Escobedo is a Mexican American actor born and raised in East Los Angeles. She played Milagro in DC Comics' first Latino superhero movie, Blue Beetle, and Izzy in Hocus Pocus 2. She also starred in the Latino-led dramedy The Baker and the Beauty. Her additional credits include Ryan Murphy's series American Horror Stories; the Catherine Hardwicke-directed series Don't Look Deeper; and the films Sex Appeal and Sid Is Dead. She credits her success to the steadfast support of her mother, family, friends, and the Latino community. María Elena Durazo is a longtime labor and immigrant-rights leader who was born into a family of migrant farmworkers. She became involved in the Chicano Movement early in her life and has dedicated much of her career to the labor movement. She currently represents California's 26th Senate District. Receiving the Gloria Molina Champion Award is Lupe De La Cruz, who currently serves as PepsiCo's Vice President of Government Affairs and Corporate Citizenship. He leads public-policy and corporate-citizenship partnerships that strengthen the company's engagement with policymakers, community leaders, and Latino communities nationwide. He is a longtime supporter of Latino-led organizations and initiatives. The evening's Quinceañera theme, where they'll be honored, draws on the coming-of-age tradition celebrated by many Latino families and communities, marking LA Plaza's transition into its next chapter after 15 years of preserving and sharing the histories and contributions of Mexicans, Mexican Americans, and Latinos in Los Angeles. Guests at LA Plaza's Quinceañera Gala will enjoy a performance by Grammy-nominated band La Santa Cecilia, known for its distinctive blend of Latin music, rock, and world music. LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes' Quinceañera Gala is presented by AltaMed. First Citizens Bank is the exclusive reception sponsor. Additional sponsors include Bank of America, Corte de Honor Sponsor; Google and SoCalGas, Madrina de la Quinceañera Sponsors; Del Rio Family Foundation and PCI, Padrinos de la Quinceañera Sponsors; Los Angeles Community College District, Lupita Arriola, TELACU, Pepsi and Walmart, Familia de LA Plaza Sponsors; and AARP, Adventist Health White Memorial, Guernsey | Scheiner LLP, and Ramirez & Co., Inc., Círculo de la Comunidad Sponsors. For information on sponsorships and tickets, contact [email protected]. Images. Media contact. Veronica Diaz / [email protected] / 520-730-9331