Vinnie Velazquez, Navegantes Coordinator, is from Puerto Rico and has lived in Rhode Island for the past sixteen years. Ms. Velazquez has a Master’s Degree in Human Services with a concentration in Organizational Management and Leadership, and she is currently working on a Doctorate of Education. Ms Velazquez has been working in the Human Services field for the past twenty-three years with a focus on addiction, HIV and overall Preventive Health with high-risk minority populations.

Jennifer Jimenez, is twenty-three years old and from the Dominican Republic and has lived in Rhode Island for the past six years. Mrs. Jimenez has an Associates degree for Medical Assistant, is working as a Medical Assistant, and has experience in health and wellness. Jennifer was interested in the work because she found that the Navegantes program is related to her ongoing medical work. She is loves to work and help people. Jennifer is bilingual and bicultural (Latina).

Luz Betancur is a 44-year-old woman from Colombia. She is bilingual and bicultural. She immigrated to the United States more than thirty years ago, in 1974. She has a number of certificates in health care, including Master Diabetes Trainer in Spanish and extensive experience in Outreach, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, Nutrition. In additon. Luz is a Fitness/ Wellness instructor. Luz states that since she came from a poor country she knows first hand the needs of others and that is the passion that motivates her. More specifically, she recalled the times when her family members were ill and there was no way to get help: she hopes to help others to overcome obstacles to getting health care.

Antonio Lombardi is an 18 year old Italian-American, Rhode Island native from Olneyville. He has extensive experience working with the homeless, and has been working in youth ministries in Rhode Island for the last few years. He is working at the free breakfast for the homeless program at Iglesia Esperanza; although he does not speak Spanish, he has extensive experience with outreach work and looks forward to adding the Navegantes experience to his repertoire.

He joined the Navegantes because he loves to educate people so that their lives are more on target. His dream is to make it possible for everyone to have equal opportunities in life.

Santos Zacharias is a 43 year old Guatemalan who has been in the United States since 1989. He has had a very difficult life, which includes some substance abuse in the past. Mr. Zacharias is currently working as an outreach coordinator in HIV and Hepatitis; his specialty is working with ex-offenders. Mr. Santos stated that since he was given an opportunity to change his life he feels the need to reach-out to others who face similar experiences.

Elaine Waite is an African American woman who is a breast cancer survivor. She experienced first hand the problems that poor people have to access health care. Because of that experience, she is interested in becoming a Navegante and learning how to help others get better access to health care.