SWACH Bids Farewell to Community Advocate Diana Avalos Leos
The SWACH staff and community partners gave a bittersweet virtual send-off to Diana Avalos Leos in early October. With recent changes in SWACH roles and the reduction of some positions, Diana took the opportunity to explore advancing her work at the Washington State Department of Health. Diana will be working as a Health Services Consultant with the Division of Prevention and Community Health, COVID-19 project. Diana’s work with SWACH has been both noteworthy and appreciated in our organization -- and in the greater community.
Diana joined the Healthy Living Collaborative (HLC) as the Operations Manager in November 2017. She was instrumental in creating new partnerships and building the robust community network that exists today. Diana supported all three Community Health Worker teams incubated by the HLC and then successfully transitioned two of the teams to long term host organizations.
In one of her many important contributions, Diana played a critical role in establishing the relationship between the Rose Village CHW team and Peace Health Family Medicine Southwest that created the Access to Health Initiative. More recently, Diana provided thoughtful leadership to the HLC/SWACH Policy Committee where her relationships with local elected officials were invaluable.
Diana’s work is a remarkable testament of tireless commitment and exceptional leadership. She is an example of how to best value and amplify the experiences and voices of people in our community who are often unheard.
While we at SWACH will miss Diana’s contributions, we know she will continue leading and collaborating on important work in the community.
Best wishes to Diana as she continues to make a difference for others and for the future of public health.