Administrative Team
Ana Ruiz- Peña, PA-C, MHA
CEO
As Chief Executive Officer, Ana believes that healthcare is a human right. Ana is excited to grow with Vida and help individuals obtain the necessary healthcare they deserve. When Ana is not working, she likes to travel and spend time with family, friends, and her many pets!
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Education:
University of California, San Francisco
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
California State University, Northridge
Karla Rugamas, PA-C, MCHS
COO
As Chief Operating Officer, Karla has pursued her dream of helping the community that she was raised in. As an Angeleno, Karla is happy to dedicate her time to help underserved communities. When Karla is not working, she likes to travel and spend time with family and friends!
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Education:
University of Washington
California State University, Los Angeles
Cecilia Martinez, MPA
Office Manager/ Volunteer Director
For over the past two years, Cecilia has been an integral part of the Vida family. Cecilia's passion for helping others is what drives her volunteer work at Vida. Cecilia has over fourteen years of experience in health and social services and is currently Vida's Office Manager and Volunteer Director, working directly with our student volunteers.
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Education:
University of California, Los Angeles
California State University, Northridge
Clarence Caldwell, EdD
Clarence Caldwell, EdD is a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War who found himself homeless after his honorable discharge. He went on to become a senior executive at Fortune 100 companies, an internationally recognized leader, and an inspirational speaker. He is president of True Life Enterprises Inc., which helps leaders become exceptional performers in business and life, and the founder and president of The ROOTS Foundation, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit group aimed at guiding and mentoring underprivileged and at-risk youth.
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Education:
Pepperdine University
University of California, Los Angeles
City University of Seattle
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Ludwing Herrera, PA-C
Instructor/ Physician Associate
As a first-generation immigrant and PA-C, I aspire to be a source of knowledge and support for my family, friends, and community. I am thrilled to be joining Vida's team as an instructor so I may provide guidance to individuals from underserved communities much like my own. I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and watching/ playing soccer.
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Education:
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.
California State University Northridge
Marie Olguin
Unhoused Clinic Lead
As Vida's unhoused clinic lead, Marie has dedicated and volunteered her time to help her community. Marie's aspiration to become a physician assistant pushes her to continue the work she does with Vida's volunteers and patients.
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Education:
California State University, Northridge
Betty Olazabal, PA-C
Pre-Health Program Director
Betty recently joined Vida as the Pre-Health Student Director. Betty has dedicated and volunteered her time to help patients and students. Betty was a student mentee at Vida, and now is excited to give back as the Pre-health Program Director.
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Education:
California State University, Northridge
Western University of Health Science
Sarah Garcia, B.S.
Community Partnership Coordinator
Sarah has been volunteering with Vida since 2021 for the community outreach team and as a medical assistant for the Unhoused Foot Clinic. Since then she was hired as a Community Partnership Coordinator for the Pre-Health Career Enrichment Program. She aspires to become a physician assistant to continue serving marginalized communities and amplifying their access to healthcare.
Education:
California State University, Northridge
Erica Cisneros, MPH
Pre- Health Enrichment Program Coordinator
Erica was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. Because of her own experience as a first-generation college student, Erica is committed to supporting and advocating for equity in higher education and healthcare fields. In her free time, Erica enjoys trying new cafes and gardening.
Education:
Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles
University of Southern California
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Lisette Florez
Administrative Assistant
Lisette started as a volunteer with Vida during her last year of high school. Since then, she was hired to join the Vida team as an administrative assistant. Lisette is currently studying to obtain a degree in public health. Lisette enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her cat.
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Education:
College of the Canyons
Viviana Alba
Programs Operations Assistant
Viviana has been volunteering with Vida since 2021 as a member of the outreach team. Since then, Viviana was hired as the Programs Operations Assistant to support with marketing and media, volunteer recruitment, and community outreach. With a passion for education and mentorship, Viviana hopes to create positive change by inspiring others to unlock their full potential.
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Education:
University of California, Santa Cruz
Elizabeth Lopez, PA-C
Unhoused Program Director
Elizabeth has been volunteering with Vida since 2021. She recently was hired to lead the Unhoused Foot Clinic at North Valley Caring Services. In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys travelling and reading.
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Education:
University of California, Santa Cruz
Touro University California
Tracy Nguyen, PA-C
Instructor/ Physician Associate
Tracy has been an avid PA volunteer with Vida. She currently serves as a PA instructor for Vida's Pre-Health Career Enrichment Program. She is passionate about empowering patients to take ownership of their health through education, small actions, and self-care. She was a National Health Corps Scholar and has worked predominantly with medically underserved populations in the San Fernando Valley.
Education:
University of Southern California
University of California, Riverside
Gabriela Zepeda, MA
Medical Assistant Instructor
Gaby serves as a VIDA board member and clinical instructor. She enjoys working with patients and students as she believes everyone should have access to healthcare services and education regardless of their socioeconomic status and background. During her time off she enjoys reading, spending time with family, and attending her son's baseball games.
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Education:
Los Angeles Mission College
Burton Roseman, MD
Physician
Dr. Roseman has been volunteering with Vida since 2022. He provides medical care at the unhoused clinic. In his spare time, Dr. Roseman enjoys spending time with his wife.
Education :
University of Iowa
Jessica Ruiz, B.S.
Compliance Director
Jessica has served on Vida's board of directors since 2016. Jessica now leads the compliance department for all of Vida's programs. Jessica enjoys dancing and spending time with her family and friends.
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Education:
California State University, Northridge
Board of Directors:
Christopher Quevedo, Board President
Atilio Rugamas, Treasurer
Jessica Venegas-Ruiz, Secretary
Corri Ramirez, Member
Gabriela Zepeda, Member
Silvia Aguirre, Esq, Member
Tony Adkins, PA-C, Member
Cecilia Martinez, Office Manager
Marie Olguin, Member
Karla Rugamas, Chief Operating Officer
Ana Ruiz, Chief Executive Officer
Ixchel Estrada, Member