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 Association was established in 2022 to foster the development, presence, and belonging of VP&S’ Latino community. The word “Latino” includes the full Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging spectrum of gender identities. Membership is open to 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 objectives of The Association include, but are not limited to, achieving the following goals:

  • Assist in recruitment, retention, and promotion of Latino physicians, allied health professionals, and trainees
  • Increase representation of Latinos in leadership positions at VP&S
  • Provide mentorship to Latino physicians, allied health professionals, and trainees
  • Promote wellbeing of Latino physicians
  • Engage with and advocate for the Latino community at large
  • Facilitate social connections for Latino physicians
  • Participate in the formulation of VP&S policies related to the Latino community
  • Develop and facilitate partnership opportunities with Latino physicians and allied health professionals nationally and internationally
  • Connect with other under-represented minority (URM) groups at 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

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
  • David Ramos, MD