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Nancy Valentin

Champion for Health Equity and Community Empowerment

Topics: community advocacy and empowerment, Healthy Chicago Equity Zones (HCEZ), health disparities, SDOH

About

Driven by a passion for social justice and health equity, Nancy Valentin brings over 10 years of experience to her role as Director of Health Equity at Northwest Center, a leading community-based organization in Chicago. With a Master's degree in Public Health (focus: community health sciences) in progress, Nancy is committed to addressing the social determinants of health and empowering underserved communities on the Northwest Side.

Nancy's commitment to underserved communities stems from her diverse background. As a former World Missions Leader in Kenya, Brazil, Suriname, and Bolivia, she witnessed firsthand the impact of social determinants on health outcomes. Her current role at Northwest Center allows her to put this experience into action, developing and implementing strategies that address health disparities on Chicago's Northwest Side.

As Director of Health Equity, she spearheads initiatives that dismantle health disparities. She manages a team of 10, collaborates with partners, and oversees grants, budgets, and research, all with the goal of creating a healthier Northwest Side. Her achievements include:

  • Boosting vaccination rates in Belmont Cragin by 794% through grassroots outreach in 2021.
  • Co-launching the Healthy Chicago Equity Zone (HCEZ) initiative, fostering public health opportunities and improved health outcomes.
  • Leading a network of over 110 organizations in the northwest side through the HCEZ initiative.
  • Founding Women Forward Chicago, a Latina-centered financial education program empowering over 194 graduates.

Nancy's impact extends beyond the professional sphere. She is a beginner audio producer, showcasing her audio production skills on Vocalo 91.1 FM. In her free time, she enjoys doodling, writing, traveling, and running, all while residing in Old Irving Park with her partner and cats Mittens & Chiquis.

Nancy Valentin is a multifaceted leader, a champion for health equity, and a community advocate who inspires action and change.

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