Sergio Vazquez, Author at South Central Family Health Center

A Journey of Aspiration

Kevin Aguilar

Kevin Aguilar is a South LA native and current SCFHC apprentice. Through this opportunity, Kevin aims to broaden his understanding of the healthcare industry, specifically healthcare marketing, and research. He believes that this experience will equip him with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in healthcare while fostering personal and professional growth.

In his free time, Kevin loves to travel, attend soccer games, and spend time with his family. Learning and personal growth are central to his interests which is why he is in the process of returning to school where he hopes to obtain a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance. Kevin hopes to attend business school and establish a non-profit in South Central dedicated to providing financial education and empowerment to community members.

Kevin’s story underscores the potential for individuals to shape their future, make a positive impact, and inspire others through learning and hard work. SCFHC looks forward to developing Kevin’s skills and bearing witness to his continued growth and future success.

Unifying Health and Art

Stephanie Gordian

Stephanie Gordian is a former SCFHC apprentice who played a pivotal role in bringing uniformity to the image of the clinic. She is a first-generation Mexican who graduated from Cal State Dominguez Hills where she cultivated her design skills.

Steph applied those skills while at SCFHC where she designed compelling flyers and materials. This experience provided her with a unique insight into the pressing need for healthcare in medically underserved communities, especially among the undocumented.

Steph is currently a mentor at CARECEN (Central American Resource Center) where she supports and guides youth in their pursuit of higher education, scholarships, fellowships, and financial aid. Her future goal is to start her own creative business with the aim of making a positive and empowering artistic impact in her community.

Filling the Healthcare Gap

Ayleen Henriquez

Ayleen Henriquez is a first-generation college graduate and current SCFHC apprentice who is an aspiring healthcare professional. Her experiences growing up in South Central Los Angeles are a catalyst for her career goals. Witnessing the challenges and disparities faced by medically underserved communities living below the federal poverty line has motivated her to bridge the healthcare gap.

Through this apprenticeship, Ayleen hopes hope to establish meaningful connections with healthcare professionals, enabling her to learn from their expertise and potentially cultivate mentorship relationships. She is eager to gain valuable experience and develop practical skills that will set a strong foundation for her career.

Ayleen aspires to have a positive impact in her community which she holds dear to her heart and contribute to its overall well-being. Over the course of her career, she will use her skills and knowledge to address healthcare disparities and make a meaningful impact in the world of healthcare.

Commitment to the Community

Odalis Perez

Odalis Perez is a former SCFHC apprentice and an active South LA community member. Odalis is passionate about helping her community which began in high school when she became a part of her high school’s robotics team. Her robotics team worked with community organizations to encourage young people to pursue their interest in STEM.

Odalis went on to graduate from Cal State Dominguez Hills where she studied Sociology. This helped her gain insights into how legal systems and political structures influence society. She developed a deeper understanding of her culture, neighborhood, and the unique challenges that South LA must address.

One of these challenges is health equity which Odalis helped address during her apprenticeship at SCFHC. Odalis utilized social media to inform the community about services and resources available to them. Over the course of her tenure, Odalis played a pivotal role in revamping the online presence of SCFHC.

Odalis gained a deeper understanding of the impact SCFHC has on the communities it serves and the work it takes to provide equitable access to health care. One of her favorite moments was working with news outlets at SCFHC’s Family Health Day. Odalis honed her media pitching skills by successfully securing news coverage for SCFHC from both the LA Sentinel and Channel 35.

Looking ahead, Odalis remains steadfast in her commitment to working with communities and leaving a positive mark. In the coming years, she aspires to pursue a master’s degree, further equipping herself with the knowledge and skills necessary to continue making an impact in her community.

November Message from the CEO

In this month’s newsletter, we highlight former and current SCFHC apprentices. These four intellectuals are all South Central natives who joined the organization with the goal of helping their community.

The contributions of all staff, including apprentices, have played a pivotal role in shaping the success of SCFHC. Thank you all for your commitment to our mission and for your part in bridging the gaps in healthcare access for communities that need it the most.

In reflecting on our past, we must also look to the future. I am excited to announce the launch of the new SCFHC website which reflects our vision for the future of the organization. Join me in celebrating our past and embracing what is to come!

Past Meets Present

SCFHC is able to achieve its mission thanks to the efforts of its apprentices. This edition highlights past and current apprentices for the amazing work they do at the organization.