NEWS & EVENTS
Celebrating Community at Avenida de Altares: Día de Los Muertos in East San José
On Saturday, November 1st, our team joined the vibrant Avenida de Altares Día de Los Muertos Celebration in East San José, a beautiful, all-day gathering that honored tradition, memory, and community connection.
Throughout the day, the atmosphere was filled with color, music, and heartfelt remembrance as families and neighbors came together to celebrate life and those who came before us. Our team had the wonderful opportunity to connect with 285 community members who stopped by our table to learn about The Stanford Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) program, local resources, share stories, and pick up giveaways.
Events like these remind us of the power of community and culture to bring people together in meaningful ways.
Big thanks to our amazing San José promotoras and to Nayeli Cerpas-Bernal from OCE ADRC staff for their dedication and energy in making the day such a success. Your commitment to community engagement shines through in everything you do!
Celebrating a Legacy of Partnership and Purpose: Farewell to Jorge De Luna
On Thursday, October 30th, Haas Center for Public Service hosted, "Whose Knowledge Counts? Pursuing Health Equity through Community Partnerships: Honoring the Contributions of Jorge De Luna"
That spirit of partnership was at the heart of a special celebration honoring Jorge De Luna, the Haas Center’s Director of Community Engaged Learning in Health, on the occasion of his retirement. The event brought together faculty, staff, students, and community partners to reflect on Jorge’s remarkable career and his transformative leadership at the intersection of higher education and public health.
In a reflective conversation moderated by Jorge himself, featuring:
- Annie Berens, Research Director, Ayudando Latinos A Soñar (ALAS)
- Michelle Gimenez, Social Science Researcher, Stanford School of Medicine
- Antonio López, Director of Research, ALAS and Ph.D. Student in Modern Thought & Literature, Stanford
- Lisa Goldman Rosas, Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Population Health and Faculty Director of the Office of Community Engagement, Stanford School of Medicine
- Alejandra Ruiz, Postdoctoral Scholar, Emergency Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine
- Erica Villa, Associate Director of Community Partnerships, Next Door Solutions
the panel discussed lessons learned and future opportunities for equitable, reciprocal engagement in university-community health initiatives.
As the evening drew to a close, attendees expressed deep gratitude for Jorge’s decades of service, leadership, and friendship. His legacy will continue to guide the Haas Center and its partners as they carry forward his vision of collaboration, compassion, and community-driven change.
Thank you, Jorge De Luna, for your extraordinary contributions and congratulations on a well-earned retirement!
.jpg)
Stanford Medicine Office of Community Engagement Launches Third Cohort of Health Ambassadors Program
On October 7th, the Stanford Medicine Office of Community Engagement (OCE) proudly kicked off the third cohort of the Health Ambassadors Program. The launch marked an exciting milestone in OCE’s ongoing efforts to foster partnerships to advance community health and empower communities through education and collaboration.
The first session brought together a dynamic group of community leaders, advocates, and partners committed to improving health outcomes in their respective communities. Participants engaged in thoughtful discussions, shared experiences, and began exploring strategies for building stronger, healthier communities.
It was a truly inspiring start to what promises to be another impactful year of learning, connection, and community-driven action. The OCE team looks forward to supporting the Health Ambassadors as they continue their journey toward creating lasting change.
Questions? Please email Cristina Mancera, MA, cmancera@stanford.edu
Binational Health Week 2025
in partnership with the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department
On Saturday, October 4th, 2025, the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department hosted its annual Binational Health Week, and many came together for this impactful event! The weeklong celebration of health and community outreach brought together diverse populations to raise awareness, promote health education, and foster collaboration between local and international communities.
At this year’s event, participants had the opportunity to meet the Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement Core staff and dedicated community health workers/promotoras as they work to recruit volunteers for the Stanford Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC).
Together, they raised awareness, built connections, and empower individuals to join this important cause.
Questions? Pleae email Nayeli Cerpas-Bernal, MPH, nayeli@stanford.edu
Stay connected and join our mailing list for future events!
2025 Community Health Symposium
One Table, Many Voices | Advancing Community Health through Trusting Partnerships
RECORDING NOW AVAILABLE>>
The 23rd Annual Community Health Symposium, held on September 30, 2025, brought together healthcare professionals, community leaders, faculty, staff, and students to address critical issues in community health. With nearly 300 participants in attendance, the symposium highlighted the growing commitment to tackling health disparities and improving healthcare access for underserved communities.
One of the most compelling moments of the event was an engaging panel discussion centered around the first petal of the "Achieving Health Equity and Systems Transformation Through Community Engagement: A Conceptual Model" Strengthened Partnerships & Alliances.
The symposium also featured an inspiring array of posters, exhibitors, and an oral poster presentation, each showcasing innovative, community-driven initiatives. These segments provided attendees with valuable opportunities to engage with researchers and community leaders making a tangible impact on public health.
The day concluded with the annual award ceremony, where organizations and leaders were recognized for their unwavering commitment to advancing community health.
The 23rd Annual Community Health Symposium marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to address health disparities, with a renewed focus on collaborative, community-driven solutions. As the event wrapped up, attendees were reminded that the work is far from over. However, the shared insights and collective dedication fostered throughout the day will serve as a critical stepping stone toward a healthier, more just future for all communities.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s event, with more opportunities for learning, connection, and community empowerment!
Now Available!
Hosted by
Stanford Medicine | School of Medicine
Office of the Senior Associate Dean of Research
Stanford Center for Clinical and Translational Research and Education (Spectrum CTSA),
Office of Community Engagement, &
Office of Faculty Development and Engagement | HEAL Network
Questions? Please email us at communityengagement@stanford.edu
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Get Engaged! Would you like us to feature or be a part of your event? If so, please fill out the Community Events Request Form and we will get back to you soon.
Whose Knowledge Counts? Pursuing Health Equity through Community Partnership
Honoring the contributions of Jorge De Luna
Thursday, October 30th, 2025
12:45 - 2:00 PM
Please join us for a special Research as Praxis Speaker Series event at the Haas Center for Public Service in the DK Room (lunch will be served!) or over Zoom.
This event is open to students, staff, faculty, and community members.
Avenida de Altares
Saturday, November 1st, 2025
5:30 -10:30 PM
School of Arts and Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza
1700 Alum Rock Ave San Jose, CA 95116
Join Stanford Medicine Office of Community Engagement for Avenida de Altares, the event will fill La Plaza with color, music, and the vibrant spirit of Día de los Muertos.
Come meet the Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement Core staff and dedicated community health workers/promotoras as they work to recruit volunteers for the Stanford Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC).
Questions? Pleae email Nayeli Cerpas-Bernal, MPH, nayeli@stanford.edu
