Dr. Zoila D. Escobar stands as a transformative figure in community health, dedicating over four decades to leveling healthcare disparities. Her profound impact is deeply rooted in her personal understanding of the Latino experience, combined with a commitment to comprehensive and culturally sensitive care. As President of the AltaMed Foundation and Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer of AltaMed Health Services, Dr. Escobar’s leadership touches every facet of the organization, ensuring that patient-centered care remains at the heart of AltaMed’s mission.
A Legacy of Leadership in Community Health and Breast Care Advocacy
Dr. Escobar’s journey is marked by instrumental roles in community health leadership, from grassroots initiatives to shaping national health policies. Her early work with the American Cancer Society (ACS) as Director of Development for Special Populations laid the groundwork for her enduring commitment to equitable healthcare access. During her tenure at ACS, she was pivotal in developing national policies addressing critical women’s health issues, including uterine and breast cancer screening, smoking cessation, and HIV/AIDS awareness tailored for Spanish-speaking communities. This foundational experience highlights her long-standing dedication to improving outcomes in areas like breast care, aligning with the goals of programs aimed at enhancing community health.
At AltaMed, Dr. Escobar’s multifaceted role encompasses overseeing crucial departments such as Development, Corporate Communications, Branding, Strategy Planning and Execution, Strategic Project Management, Facilities and Maintenance, Culture and Linguistics Equity, Human Resources, Government Relations, and Civic Engagement. This 360-degree perspective allows her to shape the entire AltaMed experience, from the accessibility of care locations to the implementation of innovative patient programs and services. Her influence ensures that every individual served by AltaMed receives culturally competent, patient-centered care, reflecting a deep understanding of community needs.
Driving Philanthropy and Resource Development for Vital Programs
A highly effective fundraiser, Dr. Escobar has consistently secured significant financial resources for AltaMed, raising between $40-46 million annually. Her leadership over AltaMed’s development and fundraising departments is crucial for sustaining and expanding the organization’s reach, supporting vital initiatives like enhanced breast care programs and preventative health services. Her fundraising expertise dates back to her transformative work at the American Cancer Society, where she honed her skills in resource mobilization for community health initiatives.
Ms. Escobar’s contributions extend beyond financial gains. She has been instrumental in fostering a culture of philanthropy within the Latino community and spearheaded an employee-giving initiative that achieved 100% workforce participation at AltaMed. This remarkable achievement underscores her ability to inspire collective action and commitment towards the organization’s mission of providing accessible, quality healthcare.
Championing Equitable Access to Health Services: From AIDS Awareness to Comprehensive Care
Dr. Escobar’s professional trajectory demonstrates an unwavering dedication to ensuring equitable access to health services for multi-ethnic communities, particularly Latino communities. Her early career focus on women’s reproductive health evolved to encompass AIDS awareness and prevention, reflecting a proactive approach to addressing emerging health crises. She held significant positions, including Program Director of the first Latinas and AIDS Program in Los Angeles County with AIDS Project Los Angeles, and Clinic Administrator for HIV Services at the UCLA Family Planning Clinic. Her involvement in policy work was crucial to the development of the Ryan White Act, a landmark federal program dedicated to HIV care and treatment for low-income individuals. This act also played a role in recognizing HIV/AIDS under the Americans with Disabilities Act, showcasing her broad impact on health policy and patient rights.
Dr. Escobar’s commitment to AIDS awareness extended globally through her collaboration with the World Hemophilia Federation and the World Health Organization, piloting HIV/AIDS prevention programs for hemophiliacs in Chile. Additionally, her experience as Director of Education and Government Affairs for the Arthritis Foundation further broadened her expertise in addressing diverse health challenges across different populations.
Empowering Communities and Leading Through Crisis
Empowerment stands as a cornerstone of AltaMed’s mission and Dr. Escobar’s professional engagements. Her active participation on boards such as the University of La Verne Board of Trustees, the California Healthcare Foundation board, and the L.A. Chamber of Commerce Board of Governors, alongside her nearly 15-year membership with the International Health Initiative of the Americas, demonstrates her wide-reaching influence and commitment to community development.
Dr. Escobar’s leadership was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. She played a critical role in AltaMed’s response, ensuring administrative support and operational flexibility to adapt swiftly to the evolving crisis. Collaborating closely with leadership teams, she facilitated the reorganization of staff and resources to meet the urgent demands for testing and COVID-related services. Her financial acumen was also crucial in monitoring COVID-related expenditures and securing funds to support these essential activities. Recognizing the pandemic’s disproportionate impact on underserved communities, Dr. Escobar championed policies and resource allocation to address the social determinants of health that exacerbated the crisis.
Under her guidance, the AltaMed Foundation proactively addressed the vulnerability of Latino communities, partnering with food pantries to provide essential resources to families facing job loss and economic hardship. The “Rescue and Restoration” initiative, spearheaded by Dr. Escobar, exemplified AltaMed’s commitment to holistic care, extending beyond clinical services to address basic needs like food security. This initiative underscored her belief that healthcare encompasses a broader spectrum of support necessary for healthy and stable lives.
Dr. Escobar’s academic achievements include a Master’s degree and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne, where her research focused on addressing barriers faced by Latino students aspiring to medical careers. Her personal dedication and professional accomplishments make Dr. Zoila D. Escobar a true champion for community health and a driving force behind AltaMed’s mission to provide exceptional, culturally relevant care.
