Staff
Executive Director
Enrique Cardiel
enrique@healthequitycouncil.net
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.
Health Promotion Specialist (PDO)
Larry Hinojos
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.
Health Promotion Specialist (PHI)
Deanna Thabatah
deanna@healthequitycouncil.net
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.
Health Promotion Specialist (Healthy Here)
Maria Brazil
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.
Health Promotion Specialist: Urban Agriculture
Zia Martinez
More to come.
Health Promotion Specialist (SPF Rx)
Corey Herrera
chererra@healthequitycouncil.net
and enjoys working with communities to help create equitable change that's meaningful. He also works in his community to ensure traditional crafts and practices are continued. When he's not in the office he's busy at home raising his kids. Additionally, he also enjoys entertaining as a stand up comedian.
Health Promotion Specialist (SPF/ABC)
Luis Vera
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.
Accounting Specialist
Bill Aschenbrenner
billasch@healthequitycouncil.net
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.
Office Manager
Daniel Osuna
daniel@healthequitycouncil.net
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
Contractor: Behavioral Health Initiative
Jess Bess
With over a decade of experience designing impactful visuals across digital and print media, Jess specializes in translating ideas into designs that connect and inspire. With a strong foundation in branding, event collateral, and marketing assets, she brings clarity, consistency, and personality to every project.
Contractor (CDC)
Dr. Carmela Roybal
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.
Contractor (IT Specialist)
Shawn D. Storey
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.
Board
Chair
Kindra Hill
After earning a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Virginia, they honed their skills in marketing, communications, and outreach through the New Mexico Public Allies AmeriCorps program. They later completed a Post-Baccalaureate Paralegal Studies Program at Central New Mexico Community College and served as Deputy Director of the New Mexico Black Leadership Council. Currently, Kindra is the Communication & Outreach Specialist at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center Office for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and chairs the Bernalillo County Health Equity Council, working to advance health and social equity in New Mexico.
Member
Erin Ashlock-Romero
She also contracts as a Program Evaluator with SBS Program & Evaluation Specialists. Erin brings extensive experience in public health, data analytics, communications, and community engagement, and serves on multiple statewide and local committees, including the Maternal Mortality Review Committee, the City of Albuquerque Homelessness Coordinating Committee, and Healthy Climate New Mexico's Policy & Advocacy Workgroup.
Member
Jacque Garcia
She holds a BA in Psychology and Spanish and a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Community Health from the University of New Mexico (UNM). Jacque has extensive public health experience, including research on substance use disorders and leadership roles like Co-President of the New Mexico Public Health Association. She later pursued her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at Samuel Merritt University, becoming a Nurse Practitioner in 2021. Jacque is passionate about serving her New Mexico community and enjoys yoga, salsa dancing, and spending time with her family.
Member
Angelique Tenorio
With a strong foundation in clinical practice, Angelique brings both compassion and critical expertise to her work with young people navigating complex emotional and behavioral challenges.
Her experience spans across community-based mental health services, where she has advocated for trauma-informed care and culturally responsive support systems for underserved youth and families. Angelique is deeply committed to addressing disparities in mental health access and outcomes, particularly within historically marginalized communities.
As a member of the Health Equity Council, she brings a vital perspective rooted in direct practice, equity-driven advocacy, and a passion for creating inclusive systems of care that prioritize mental wellness from early childhood onward.
Her experience spans across community-based mental health services, where she has advocated for trauma-informed care and culturally responsive support systems for underserved youth and families. Angelique is deeply committed to addressing disparities in mental health access and outcomes, particularly within historically marginalized communities.
As a member of the Health Equity Council, she brings a vital perspective rooted in direct practice, equity-driven advocacy, and a passion for creating inclusive systems of care that prioritize mental wellness from early childhood onward.
Member
Andy Rivera
Through his professional and community work, Andy is committed to helping others and making a positive difference in the lives of those around him.
Andy is a longtime New Mexico boxing advocate, writer, and community leader. He has covered more than 250 boxing events and writes for Boxing New Mexico and MaxBoxing, bringing fans stories and insight from fighters, promoters, and events across the state.
A proud Albuquerque High School graduate, Andy serves on the board of the New Mexico Boxing Hall of Fame and is president of the Albuquerque High School Letterman’s Club. He has also been recognized for his dedication to community service and was a recipient of the Roger Diers Memorial Award.
Outside of his professional and boxing careers, Andy enjoys hiking New Mexico’s mountains, staying active, and supporting his favorite sports teams. Whether through wellness, boxing, writing, or community service, Andy is passionate about giving back and making a difference in New Mexico.
A proud Albuquerque High School graduate, Andy serves on the board of the New Mexico Boxing Hall of Fame and is president of the Albuquerque High School Letterman’s Club. He has also been recognized for his dedication to community service and was a recipient of the Roger Diers Memorial Award.
Outside of his professional and boxing careers, Andy enjoys hiking New Mexico’s mountains, staying active, and supporting his favorite sports teams. Whether through wellness, boxing, writing, or community service, Andy is passionate about giving back and making a difference in New Mexico.