Editor's Note: This is the story of a graduate of the 2012 Èxito! Latino Cancer Research Leadership Training program. Apply by April 1, 2013, for the 2013 Èxito! program. Roger Figueroa
San Antonio, Texas Puerto Rico native Roger Figueroa could be called a modern-day pioneer. With limited resources and limited knowledge of English, he ventured to the U.S. seeking better career opportunities and a better life. He’s already having great success, completing his master’s degree in health and kinesiology at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and he working as a research assistant on several studies, including one testing faith-based methods of preventing obesity and another to reduce barriers to physical activity among Latino children. Through his career networks he ...
Editor's Note: This is the story of a graduate of the 2012 Èxito! Latino Cancer Research Leadership Training program. Apply by April 1, 2013, for the 2013 Èxito! program. Steven Lopez
San Mateo, Calif. Steven Lopez’s migrant parents beamed with pride as they dropped him off for his first year at Stanford University—in the same region of California which they had picked fruit from years before to make a living. Appreciating the sacrifices and hard work of his parents to give him a better life and opportunities, Lopez dedicated himself to his studies and earned a bachelor’s degree in urban studies from Stanford University. In addition, Lopez obtained a master’s degree in public health and public policy from the University of California, Berkeley. With this level of ...
Editor's Note: This is the story of a graduate of the 2012 Èxito! Latino Cancer Research Leadership Training program. Apply by April 1, 2013, for the 2013 Èxito! program. Rossy Belle Perales
Houston, Texas Rossy Belle Perales pursues opportunities with great confidence and inspiration from the quote, “Shoot for the moon. Even If you miss you will land among the stars.” Identifying herself with the people of Puerto Rico, her native land, and with the Hispanic community of Houston, Ms. Perales has embraced the culture and traditions of both ethnic groups, which have made her the person she is today. Perales earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public health (epidemiology and biostatistics) from the University of South Florida, and she spent time coordinating research ...
Editor's Note: This is the story of a graduate of the 2012 Èxito! Latino Cancer Research Leadership Training program. Apply by April 1, 2013, for the 2013 Èxito! program. Delana Gonzales
San Antonio, Texas Delana Gonzales, born and raised in New Mexico’s Land of Enchantment, did not leave her education to chance. Through the guidance of her mentor and strong Latino family support, she applied herself diligently and advanced as a scholar in the field of psychology at the University of New Mexico (UNM). During her time at UNM, Gonzales assisted on various research projects examining breast and cervical cancer screening behaviors among Latinas on campus. She also investigated breast and cervical cancer screening practices among Latino women along the U.S./Mexico border. Wanting ...
Cancer just surpassed heart disease as the No. 1 killer of Latinos. Yet, as the Latino population surges, there aren't enough Latino researchers who are working to uncover new ways to treat cancer or pave way for novel studies of cultural, linguistic and socioeconomic issues to prevent Latinos from suffering worse cancer outcomes. But there is good news. The number of Latino cancer researchers is starting to grow, thanks to Éxito! Latino Cancer Research Leadership Training, a program that encourages master's-level students and professionals to pursue a doctoral degree and careers studying how cancer affects Latinos differently. Éxito! participants attend a five-day summer institute that enhances understanding of cancer and research, encourages networking among peers and leaders in ...
Editor's Note: This is the story of a graduate of the 2012 Èxito! Latino Cancer Research Leadership Training program. Apply by April 1, 2013, for the 2013 Èxito! program. Aditi Wahi
Artesia, Calif. Aditi Wahi practices “empathy”—that is, she tries to put herself into other people’s shoes, whether it’s helping her younger sister cope with a rare disease or recruiting pediatric patients and their parents pre-surgery and observing the children after. Being in tune with and passionate for the people you are trying to help is a hallmark of being a strong cancer health disparities researcher, in addition to having strong methodological and other research skills. Wahi has both. She earned a bachelor’s of psychology and social behavior degree from the University of ...
Editor's Note: This is the story of a graduate of the 2012 Èxito! Latino Cancer Research Leadership Training program. Apply by April 1, 2013, for the 2013 Èxito! program. Ramon Torres
Kansas City, Kan. Ramon Conception Torres, who experienced disparities and discrimination in his home town in Puerto Rico and the U.S., can sympathize with minorities’ struggles. Growing up in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, as a vivacious child without much adult supervision, Torres often found himself in mischief. Finding grace in the eyes of a security guard, his new mentor helped him restructure his life and focusing on what was important—his life and success. Torres took his mentor’s help to heart, especially remembering his advice: “No one is going to do something for you, unless you do ...
Editor's Note: This is the story of a graduate of the 2012 Èxito! Latino Cancer Research Leadership Training program. Apply by April 1, 2013, for the 2013 Èxito! program. Edgar Rodriguez
Seattle, Wash. Edgar Rodriguez, uncertain where his education would take him, was encouraged by his family to leave his native Mexico City and pursue the type of higher education that would provide him with the skills to develop a successful career. Buoyed by his family’s support and his never-give-up attitude, he successfully became a U.S. citizen and then dedicated himself to his educational career. Rodriguez earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of New Mexico’s School of Medicine and master’s degrees in Latino American studies and public health, both from San ...
Editor's Note: This is the story of a graduate of the 2012 Èxito! Latino Cancer Research Leadership Training program. Apply by April 1, 2013, for the 2013 Èxito! program. Jeanette Mendez
Scottsdale, Ariz. Jeanette Mendez isn’t only a new mother. Mendez, who has 1-year-old daughter, is making contributions to clinical research at her job and proving that a Latina can enter motherhood and still pursue career goals. “When she was born it reminded me of my grandmother, who did pass away from cancer. It reminded me of the values she instilled in us, of always being strong,” Mendez said. “And when I had my little girl I was determined to continue my education because that was very valuable in my family. I was also determined to provide for her in such a way that my father ...
