NEWS & EVENTS
Save the Date | Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Spectrum CTSA Symposium | Beyond the Science: Real-World Impact through Community and Regional Partnerships
The Office of the Senior Associate Dean for Research, Spectrum CTSA, and the Office of Community Engagement will partner to present an all-day symposium on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. The event theme is “Beyond the Science: Real-World Impact through Community and Regional Partnerships,” and presenters will include prominent Stanford and School of Medicine faculty, regional and local research partners, and community collaborators. Additional details will be publicized early in March.
We look forward to your participation!
Patient Advocate Training in Health Sciences (PATHS)
On February 7th, Stanford Medicine Office of Community Engagement hosted its 2nd kick-off session for its PATHS program, launching a new cycle focused on strengthening patient voices in research.
The Patient Advocate Training in Health Sciences (PATHS) Program at Stanford Medicine is a free educational program designed to train patient advocates in research methods and related topics. The ultimate goal of PATHS is to equip patient advocates with the knowledge and skills needed to take an active, meaningful role in research efforts.
The program, led by Dr. Lisa Goldman Rosas and Dr. Steve Goodman, brings extensive expertise in community-engaged research methodology. Together their leadership underscores the program’s commitment to ensuring patient advocates are not only informed about research processes, but empowered to help shape them. The kick-off session introduced participants to the program’s curriculum, expectations, and opportunities for engagement as well as how the training supports advocates in understanding research design, ethics, and collaboration with scientists and clinicians.
PATHS is directed and managed by Cristina Mancera, MA, who leads participant engagement and oversees program implementation. For more PATHS information, please email her at cmancera@stanford.edu
2025 Stanford Medicine | Office of Community Engagement Annual Report
We are pleased to share the Stanford Medicine Office of Community Engagement 2025 Annual Report, highlighting our collective impact, partnerships, and progress over the past year. Thank you to our community for your continued collaboration and commitment to advancing community health TOGETHER!
Hello 2026!
As we step into a new year, Stanford Medicine Office of Community Engagement is excited to continue fostering collaboration, inclusion, and impactful partnerships. We’re grateful for the progress we've made together and look forward to another year of meaningful work that strengthens our community. Stay tuned for our 2025 Annual Report, upcoming events, new initiatives, and opportunities to get involved as we work towards a healthier, more connected future. Wishing you all a prosperous and inspiring year ahead!
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!
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Stanford ADRC Professional Research Enhancement Program (PREP)
Our very own Nayeli Cerpas-Bernal, MPH, participated in a panel comprised of research staff to support the kickoff of the new speaker series for the Stanford ADRC Professional Research Enhancement Program (PREP) on October 2nd. During the panel they shared stories about career journeys, aspects of our roles as research staff, moments of joy and challenge, to connect and strengthen community with other folks across the ADRC.
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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
Hope and Resilience: Watch Me Stroll
On September 20th, 2025, the spirit of “Hope and Resilience: Watch Me Stroll” event captured a powerful moment in community-driven healthcare transformation. This milestone event celebrated the successful completion of the Peer Navigation Pilot Study, honoring the collective achievement of survivors, peer navigators, clinicians, and researchers who have turned equity into action. More than a celebration, it signified a beginning, evidence that when community leadership and academic excellence unite, systemic change follows. The partnership between Black Ladies Advocating for Cancer Care (BLACC) and Stanford’s Office of Community Engagement (OCE) has become a national model, demonstrating how culturally grounded, community led innovation can improve breast cancer outcomes for Black women. At its core is BLACC’s Peer Navigation Program, co-designed with Stanford OCE and funded by the California Breast Cancer Research Program, which equips peer navigators with clinical knowledge, wellness tools, and culturally relevant skills to guide women through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
The impact of the partnership stretches far beyond the event. Collaborating with the Charlotte Maxwell Clinic, BLACC peer navigators now bridge integrative care and lived experience, ensuring women receive both evidence-based therapies and culturally aligned support. Community integrity and shared governance are upheld through the BLACC–Stanford Community Advisory Board, rooted in ethical, community-led research and practice. Building on the momentum of “Watch Me Stroll,” BLACC and Stanford OCE launched the Food Is Medicine Pilot Project, connecting survivors, caregivers, and navigators to co-create a culturally rooted nutrition model that supports healing and dignity. Together, these efforts form a replicable, fundable framework for equitable breast cancer care, one that works because it is built with, led by, and accountable to the communities it serves.
Written by: Lenora Williams, MBA, BLACC Co-founder
Photo: (L-R) Grant Smith, MD, Stanford Medicine Juanita Waugh, Helen Hailu, MS1
COMMUNITY EVENTS
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3rd Annual Health Equity Symposium | Achieving Equitable Health Outcomes Across the Lifespan
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 | 8:30 AM - 3:15 PM
Hosted by Stanford Medicine and The Martin Luther King Jr. Research & Education Institute, the 2026 Health Equity Symposium will explore strategies for achieving equitable health outcomes across the lifespan. Our goal is to highlight solutions-oriented projects and success stories, while fostering multidisciplinary collaboration across the university. We welcome individuals and teams involved in health equity-focused work across all disciplines MORE
