Yale University

Roles:
  • Member, Community Advisory Board, CIRA and National ARC
Contact:

Biography:

With 19 years of dedicated experience in the human services field, Idiana Velez has emerged as a visionary leader committed to empowering disadvantaged communities. Renowned for her exceptional skills in Strategic Operations, she excels in managing cross-departmental initiatives and patient-centered research.

Idiana's strength lies in her ability to engage community partners and stakeholders effectively. She consistently forges strong connections and understands the unique stories of participants, which has been instrumental in achieving high levels of involvement and success across all her projects. Her talent for building meaningful relationships underscores her role as a driving force in community engagement.

At the Community Health Center, Inc.'s Center for Key Populations, Idiana served as a PrEP Navigator and HIV Education Coordinator, where she played a pivotal role in educating providers and training medical staff. Her adept management of prevention grants at an LGBTQ+ primary care center further underscores her expertise in public health initiatives.

During her tenure at the Weitzman Institute, Idiana contributed significantly to research projects, including national initiatives, excelling in patient and FQHC recruitment support and enhancing the research portfolio through her work with marginalized populations. Her leadership in the Weitzman Institute Internal Funding Committee and grant development highlights her strategic development skills.

Currently, Idiana is pursuing a Master of Arts in Consciousness and Human Development from Maharishi International University. This academic endeavor complements her passion for whole-person care, education, and consciousness-based programs, aimed at healing communities and empowering individuals to become creators of their lives.

Her strengths in community and patient engagement, partner collaboration, and grant development make her an advocate for change in the way patient and community care and education is delivered. Idiana is devoted to nurturing environments where unique talents can flourish, working with community leaders to foster transformative change. This is not just her profession—it's her life's work.

Idiana's distinctive approach, rooted in the perspective of the Inner Self, has been instrumental in earning the trust of the communities she serves. Guided by the wisdom of Maya Angelou's quote, "People will forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel," Idiana leads with empathy and understanding. She prioritizes what matters most to people, ensuring that they truly feel the potential impact of the programs and services on their lives. Idiana Velez stands out as a catalyst for transformation, harnessing her visionary approach to make a profound impact on the communities she serves.