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Event Description

There is no doubt that the COVID pandemic has served to exacerbate the healthcare challenges in the Inland Empire. Racial and ethnic disparities in access and care have resulted in significantly higher rates of illness and death in the most marginalized communities. Effective healthcare delivery and health workforce development initiatives and collaboratives will be showcased to highlight the region’s innovations.

Additional Sessions

Caring for our Inland Empire Communities: Health Disparities & Workforce Solutions is part of a three-session series happening from April to May. This series includes:

  • Context Matters: Changing Demographics and the Importance of the Inland Empire in California
    Wednesday, April 6, 2022 | 1:30 – 2:30pm
    Learn More >>>
  • The Evolution of the Inland Empire Social Justice Ecosystem
    Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | 1:30 – 2:30pm
    Learn More >>>

The Inland Empire: A Region on the Rise

The IE is rich in diversity, culture, history, and economic opportunity, attracting residents from across the country. In 2020, the Inland Empire showed one of the biggest population gains from migration nationwide. People moving to Riverside and San Bernardino Counties increased by 50 percent over the previous year. It is estimated that the Inland Empire is one of the fastest growing regions in the country, growing by 9% in the last Census and topping off a decade of inland movement.

The impacts of these changes on the Inland Empire, along with the COVID pandemic of the last two years, have reverberated through every system, institution, and community, deepening challenges for the most vulnerable.

Join us for a 3-part series to learn about the IE and the resiliency of its communities through its creative, resourceful, and collaborative mission-driven nonprofit organizations that work together to transform lives, communities, and the region as a whole.

Speakers

Headshot of Lina Paredes, a middle-aged woman with short silver hair, smiling.

Lina Paredes

Consultant, Guillermo J. Valenzuela Foundation

Lina Paredes has been an Independent Nonprofit Management / Philanthropic Consultant since 2014. Her more than 25 years of experience includes implementing high quality grantmaking programs and capacity building services; as well as leading boards of directors through strategic planning and governance transitions.
Lina functions as the executive director of the Guillermo J. Valenzuela Foundation, which works to expand access to healthcare and improve the quality of care through investing in women’s health and increasing the number of healthcare providers in the Inland Counties, San Bernardino and Riverside. She manages all aspects of the Foundation’s operations, including implementation of the grantmaking program, technical assistance to grantees, and community relations.
Lina serves on the Advisory Board of the Inland Empire Funders Alliance (IEFA). She works with her colleagues to implement the IEFA’s strategic plan that emphasizes Advocacy, Equity, and Systemic Change. As Vice Chair, Lina provides leadership on governance, infrastructure, fundraising and membership.
From 2010-14, Lina led the Connecticut Health Foundation’s program team to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities through grantmaking, capacity building, convening, and research. Prior, Lina was the Director of Grantmaking at the Liberty Hill Foundation (1997-2009) where she developed a profound respect for the importance of community organizing in achieving social justice.
Lina has served on several nonprofit boards including A Window Between Worlds (2014-19), Funders for LGBTQ Issues (2006-12), and Asia Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (2004-10).
Lina earned her BA degree from UCLA and is a Certified Professional Coach.
A photo of Ruben Gonzales

Ruben Gonzales

Director, Q093

I have a 35-year career that showcases a devotion to empowering youth and advocating for underserved communities in improving the public systems that form the foundations and fail-safes for their collective wellbeing. I am particularly devoted to vulnerable and underserved populations which have been adversely impacted by systemic economic and racial inequities or system involvement. I am committed to supporting community action that results in public system reform, and policy change that supports children and families to thrive.
Bill Thomsen, Middle aged with graying hair, and a smile.

Bill Thomsen

Chief Executive Officer, Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health, Inc.

I began my career with RSBCIHI in February 1996 as a temporary Property and Supply Clerk for several months before being hired to that permanent position. I then served as the Materials Management Officer for about three years. From there, the position of Quality Management Coordinator became available and I received a promotion to work in that capacity . Since February 2006, I have been honored to serve as RSBCIHI’s Chief Operations Officer under the leadership of the CEO. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from the University of Maryland and a Master’s Degree in Health Administration from the University of La Verne. I am a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps honorably discharged at a rank of Sergeant in 1980.
Close head shot of Salomeh Wagaw

Salomeh Wagaw

Health Equity Program Director, Riverside University Health System- Public Health

Salomeh Wagaw is the first Program Director of Health Equity for Riverside County Department of Public Health. Ms. Wagaw’s passion for addressing disparities has appointed her as the chairperson of the Riverside County Health Equity Committee and the co-chair of the Southern California Regional Health Equity Workgroup. She is committed to reducing health inequities and ensuring that all Riverside County Residents thrive. Previously, she served as an Epidemiologist for over 8 years focusing on incorporating data to action, uplifting health equity and driving policy development. She has earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from University of California Riverside and a Master of Public Health in Research Epidemiology from Loma Linda University.

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