ENRIQUE CARDIEL
enrique@healthequitycouncil.net
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Enrique has been a committed public health professional since January 2001 and currently serves as the Executive Director of the Health Equity Council. In this role, he leads strategic efforts to advance health equity by addressing systemic disparities and fostering collaborative solutions. His work is centered on developing an impactful organization capable of supporting equitable health outcomes across Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, and the state of New Mexico. With a focus on sustainable community engagement and policy advocacy, Enrique is dedicated to ensuring that all residents have access to the resources and opportunities necessary for optimal health and well-being.
LARRY HINOJOS
HEALTH PROMOTION SPECIALIST (PDO)
Larry Hinojos is a dedicated Health Promotion Specialist at the Health Equity Council (HEC), where he leads efforts to prevent prescription drug and opioid overdose-related deaths in Bernalillo County. During the 2023-24 fiscal year, Larry’s program distributed 2,279 naloxone/narcan kits and trained 325 individuals in overdose prevention, harm reduction, and naloxone/narcan administration. His work plays a vital role in equipping the community with the tools and knowledge needed to reduce overdose-related fatalities and promote public health.
DEANNA TAHA
deanna@healthequitycouncil.net
HEALTH PROMOTION SPECIALIST (PHI)
Deanna Taha is a Health Promotion Specialist at HEC, where she is committed to addressing health disparities and promoting social justice in underrepresented communities. With a strong focus on racial health equity, Deanna leverages her expertise to shape policies that drive systemic change and improve access to care for marginalized populations. She holds a Master of Public Health from Purdue University, where she specialized in racial health disparities and worked on key projects targeting inequities among minority populations.
RASHID AHMAD
rashid@healthequitycouncil.net
HEALTH PROMOTION SPECIALIST (PHI)
Rashid Ahmad is a dedicated public health professional with a Master of Public Health from Purdue University. He has completed graduate coursework in policy analysis, resource economics, and environmental sciences, and is currently pursuing his PhD. Rashid’s experience includes work with the University of New Mexico, New Mexico Asian Family Center, and the Health Equity Council, where he has contributed to community health improvement plans and program development.
MARIA BRAZIL
HEALTH PROMOTION SPECIALIST (HEALTHY HERE)
Maria Brazil brings a deep understanding of the systemic factors driving poverty and health disparities. With a focus on the intersections of race, homophobia, and sexism, she is committed to dismantling the barriers that perpetuate inequity. A proud queer Chicana and mother of two adult children, Maria’s lived experience enriches her approach to community engagement and advocacy. Before joining the Health Equity Council, Maria served in the City Office of Equity and Inclusion, where she fostered strong relationships across diverse communities. Her work is rooted in direct action, mentorship, and a profound connection to land-based traditions.
ALI ANDERSON
HEALTH PROMOTION SPECIALIST (SPFRX)
Ali Anderson (she/her) holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of Arkansas. In her current role, she works on the Strategic Prevention Framework for Prescription Drugs (SPF Rx) grant program, focusing on preventing and addressing prescription drug misuse. Her work includes raising awareness about the dangers of sharing medications, the risks of counterfeit pills, and the impact of overprescribing. Ali educates schools, communities, and healthcare providers while tracking opioid-related data to shape effective prevention strategies and programming.
LUIS VERA
HEALTH PROMOTION SPECIALIST (SPF/ABC)
Luis Vera is a Health Promotion Specialist at the Health Equity Council, deeply committed to advancing health equity and improving community well-being. With a degree in Population Health and a minor in Psychology from the University of New Mexico, he brings a strong understanding of the social determinants of health, with a particular focus on substance use prevention. Driven by a belief that everyone deserves access to resources that promote healthy living, Luis focuses on developing inclusive, harm-reduction-based programs that empower individuals to embrace healthier lifestyles.
BILL ASCHENBRENNER
billasch@healthequitycouncil.net
ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST
Bill Aschenbrenner manages key financial operations at the Health Equity Council, overseeing accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger functions. With a strong background in budgeting and grant billing, Bill ensures that the organization’s financial practices align with strategic goals and compliance requirements. He also serves as the audit lead, guiding the team through annual audits and ensuring accuracy in all financial reporting. Bill’s expertise supports the smooth and efficient financial management of HEC’s community health initiatives.
JANUS HERRERA
HEALTH PROMOTION SPECIALIST (PHI/CCHICA)
Janus Herrera is a Health Promotion Specialist at the Health Equity Council supporting the Public Health Initiative (PHI) through the development and authorship of public health policy recommendations. With a focus on harm reduction, Janus has extensive experience in Narcan distribution and data tracking. As a certified trainer, she provides instruction on Narcan administration and Mental Health First Aid, equipping communities with the knowledge and tools to respond effectively in critical situations.
DANIEL OSUNA
daniel@healthequitycouncil.net
OFFICE MANAGER
Daniel Osuna is the Office Manager at the Health Equity Council, where he plays a key role in ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. With a focus on efficiency and organizational support, Daniel helps facilitate the Council’s efforts to promote health equity and serve the community effectively. His dedication to operational excellence contributes to the overall mission of advancing equitable health outcomes for all.
CONTRACTORS
STEVE LUCERO
CONTRACTOR (OAI)
Steven Lucero is an independent consulting contractor specializing in healthcare policy; providing organizations the technical and management support to establish and meet their goals. He received a Master’s Degree from the University of New Mexico’s School of Architecture and Planning studying community engagement in healthcare planning. His clients include the New Mexico Hispanic Medical Association, the Health Equity Council, and the New Mexico Academy of Family Physicians.
DR. CARMELA ROYBAL
CONTRACTOR (CDC)
Dr. Carmela M. Roybal, Ph.D., MBGPH, is a health equity strategist whose work focuses on gender, medicine, indigeneity, and the intersections of state, tribal, and federal policy. She holds a Ph.D. in medical sociology from the University of New Mexico and a master’s in bioethics and global public health from American University of Sovereign Nations. Dr. Roybal is a senior advisor at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and a research professor at the University of New Mexico. At the Health Equity Council, she led efforts such as the “Salud y Querencia” podcast, highlighting community medicine and health equity, and helped distribute over 36,000 COVID-19 test kits.
SHAWN D. STOREY
CONTRACTOR
Shawn Storey is the IT Specialist at the Health Equity Council, where he provides essential technical support and manages the organization’s digital infrastructure. With a background in information technology and a commitment to supporting health equity initiatives, Shawn ensures smooth operations across all tech-related systems and projects.