Alumni State Officer Biographies
2011-2012 State Officer Biographies
Antonio HernandezAntonio Hernandez is ecstatic to be serving Cal-HOSA State President. As a junior attending Dozier-Libbey Medical High School, Antonio is currently in his third year as an active participant in HOSA and has had previous leadership experience serving as his Chapter President for two years. With his mind and heart aimed at health care, he knows that HOSA will guide him to a successful future.
As a student at a medically oriented school, Antonio is exposed to many aspects of health care. Taking trips to hospitals and other facilities has helped him learn and enjoy health care. His many high school experiences have encouraged him to fully commit to a career in health care. Although not entirely decided on a specific career, he enjoys researching and expanding his knowledge of medicine.
Antonio is passionate about fitness. He enjoys playing sports and is a valuable player on the Antioch High School tennis team. He actively works out with his friends every day and advocates for healthy nutrition and fitness. In addition, Antonio leads a fitness class that is attended by many of his friends and family. Through his passion for fitness, he hopes to make a difference in the world and create a healthier tomorrow.
His interests also include music, computers, video games, and business. He has played trombone for three years as part of the Dozier-Libbey Medical High School Orchestra and plays a number of other instruments. During his free time he enjoys spending time with friends and family.
Antonio loves helping the community and is excited to accomplish great achievements in HOSA.
Brittany Woods
National HOSA Secondary Board Representative
HOSA has not only allowed Brittany to build upon her passion for healthcare, but it has facilitated the discovery of her passion for leadership. Brittany’s leadership journey began at Apple Valley High School, where she served as Chapter Treasurer. She then took the next step in leadership and served as the 2010-2011 California HOSA State President. Brittany is now excited to serve National HOSA as your Secondary Board Representative.
Brittany has been an active HOSA member for five years. Throughout her membership journey, she has competed in Prepared Speaking, Extemporaneous Writing, and Clinical Nursing as well as receiving the California HOSA Cedar Sinai/Sutter Health Leadership Scholarship, Outstanding State Leader Award, and earning the once in a lifetime opportunity of participating in HOSA’s Office of the Surgeon General Internship.
She is currently a freshman attending Biola University in La Mirada, California, as a Human Biology major. Brittany has received scholarships from Biola University’s cheerleading squad, The Rotary Club, and Veterans of Foreign War.
Brittany possesses aspirations of becoming a future health professional who will leave an impact on her patients. For that reason, she believes a health professional shall not only heal patients with medicine, but care for them with love and compassion. Each and every day, Brittany sets forth her hard work and dedication so that her dreams may become her reality. In the words of Walt Disney, "All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."
David Espinal David Espinal is truly honored to serve as the 2011-2012 Cal-HOSA State Vice President.
As a middle school student, David had a unique opportunity to serve as a teacher’s assistant for Mrs. Debbie Curtain, Advisor at Blair High School Health Careers Academy where he experienced various senior health academy activities such as CPR/ first aid, medical terminology, field trips, and HOSA.
Through these extensive opportunities, David realized a greater meaning of life. He began to research about HOSA even though he still had three more years until he could actually join.
David began to join leadership training programs, such as the YMCA youth and government program. He served as a lobbyist and discovered his talent for public speaking. He was more focused in school and pursued leadership roles in various activities, including his home away from home -- the baseball field.
David was finally reunited with the academy, but now as an active member. He became more determined about his future plans and plans to attend Hawaii Pacific University. He joined other heath academy organizations and took advantage of every opportunity to get involved and was eventually elected to serve on the board of his local chapter. David is grateful for the opportunity to experience membership in Cal-HOSA, an organization where he is able to spread his wings to fly towards success.
Edmund Pacleb Edmund Pacleb is honored to serve as the Cal-HOSA State Secretary for the 2011-2012 school year. He attends Carson High School, and although his chapter is relatively new, they have made great strides. Edmund served as Sophomore Representative in his local chapter’s inaugural year, and Vice President for the 2010-2011 school year. He is excited and ready to take on the ultimate leadership challenge that Cal-HOSA has to offer with the state officer team.
Edmund’s interest in health and medicine traces back to his childhood. After being diagnosed with a heart problem which required him to undergo surgery, Edmund knew the field of medicine was for him. He was fascinated with all the doctors and nurses, along with the hospital environment as a whole. As he grew up, his love of science and desire to help others, just as the doctors and nurses helped him, further solidified his career aspirations. He plans to attend a four-year university with hopes of combining his interests in biology and Asian American Studies. Eventually, he would like to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician.
Aside from school and HOSA, Edmund loves to cook, play tennis, and enjoy an occasional round of golf. Whether in the kitchen, on the courts, or on the course, he believes any activity is fun when you’re with friends.
Edmund believes that Cal-HOSA doesn’t just prepare students to be better health care professionals, but teaches students how to be better leaders. To Edmund, Cal-HOSA is not just an organization. Cal-HOSA is a family -- a network of amazing individuals who want to better the world through health care. With the state officer team, Edmund is ready and willing to make the upcoming year legendary.
Raúl Hasbún
Representative-at-Large
Raúl Hasbún is grateful and humbled to serve as the 2011-2012 Representative at Large for Cal-HOSA. He is a student at Ygnacio Valley High School, graduating with the Class of 2012, and has been a member of HOSA since his sophomore year. Raúl first joined HOSA when he enrolled in his school’s Health Science Academy, and he has served his chapter in various leadership capacities.
Aside from allowing him to join HOSA, the Health Science Academy provided Raúl the opportunity to volunteer at a local hospital, John Muir Medical Center. From an early age, Raúl knew that he wanted to pursue a healthcare profession. He has set a goal to become a cardiothoracic surgeon and working in a hospital environment is an invaluable experience for him. Raúl is most genuinely interested in serving and developing the community as a volunteer.
Raúl’s interest in community service motivates him to be involved in other service organizations at his school, such as California Scholarship Federation, Link Crew, Multicultural Council, and Interact Club. Through Interact, Raúl has the opportunity to volunteer at a local RotaCare Free Clinic as a Spanish-English interpreter. Working at the free clinic opened Raúl’s eyes to the necessity in his own backyard for high-quality caregivers that fulfill the needs of the community. Raúl is committed to being a leader in his community to influence the lives of those around him and he knows that Cal-HOSA will equip him with the skills and experience he needs to reach his goals. He is incredibly excited to serve as a state officer and is looking forward to Cal-HOSA’s accomplishments this year!
Alan Quy Dao Quy Alan Duy Dao (Alan Dao) is a senior attending Manteca High School. He is excited for his second year as a member of HOSA. Last year, he was a 2nd place finalist in prepared speech and qualified to compete at Nationals. He enjoyed the NLC experience and made many new friends, even from other states! Alan is looking forward to a thrilling year as Cal-HOSA Region One Vice President.
At his hometown of Manteca, Alan participated in the ROP (Regional Occupational Program) Health Careers program for two years, which is equivalent to 4 years of preparation classes to become a health care advocate. As an ROP student, Alan volunteered alongside the fire department, an experience that would forever change his view of health care. A child was locked in a vehicle and the firemen had to break a window to free the little girl. Although Alan’s role was to clear the debris, the parents of the little girl approached him too, almost in tears, and expressed their appreciation for his help. It was this feeling of sincere gratitude that made Alan certain he belongs in the medical field.
During his free time, he loves to play his Xbox with friends. He’ll occasionally be on Call of Duty, where both he and his fellow chapter members are all distinguished by a “HOSA” clan tag. Alan is also devoted to sports such as football and track. To Alan, football is not so different from healthcare since both require elite discipline, teamwork, and overcoming adversity.
Constantly looking to help to other people, Alan has always been drawn to health care professions. He hopes to one day open a clinic in his homeland region of Vietnam and practice free of charge to assist impoverished communities. Although he faces an arduous pathway to his dream career, Alan is extremely confident that the skills he acquires from HOSA will help him in this journey.
Jose Christopher Aguirre
Region 2 VP
Jose Christopher Aguirre (Chris Aguirre) is excited to be this year’s Cal-HOSA region 2 Vice-President. Chris has been a member of Cal-HOSA for 5 extraordinary years and was Historian and President for the John Muir Health chapter. He is currently in his second year as Chapter Historian.
Chris is a graduate of Mt. Diablo High School where he participated in the Biotech program, established his goal to become a Surgical Registered Nurse, and began his involvement in HOSA. In the Biotech program, Chris was in the Job Shadowing program where he spent time with healthcare workers, observing what their careers entail on a daily basis. Here he realized his calling to be a registered nurse in the Operating Room after scrubbing in for surgery. During the summer after his senior year, he was a summer intern at John Muir Health where he worked alongside nurses and other healthcare professionals, furthering his drive to become a Registered Nurse.
Currently attending Diablo Valley College, Chris is completing his general education and nursing prerequisites. He plans to transfer to the UC East Bays Nursing program by next Fall. Chris is an active member in his community. Whether he is serving dinner at the local family shelter, volunteering at John Muir Health’s Human Resources Department, or boxing food for families during Thanksgiving, Chris is most fulfilled when helping others.
Christopher Aguirre is proud to be a member of this great organization. Cal-HOSA is like a second family to Chris and he is grateful for his Cal-HOSA journey to achieve his goal and become a Registered Nurse. Chris is excited to be a state officer so that he can give back to HOSA. He looks forward to work alongside with all his fellow state officers to make this year a great year for all Cal-HOSA members.
Samantha Powell Samantha Powell is very excited and enthusiastic to be your new Region 3 VP for Cal-HOSA this year. She is also very appreciative for this amazing opportunity. Samantha is currently attending Palmdale High School as a sophomore where her passion for helping others began at a very young age. She is a very organized and dedicated person who will always do her best to improve Cal-HOSA as a whole.
Samantha enjoys spending her time volunteering within her community and putting others needs first. She also loves to represent her sophomore class for the Health Careers Academy, which inspired her to be involved with HOSA . Within the Academy she has be able to explore the health career field and become educated about the professions and practices of health care professions.
As a freshman in high school was a member of the Palmdale’s softball team, the Freshmen Vice President for her chapter as well as a member of the PTSA board for her Junior High School. Coming into her sophomore year she was determined to be more involved in Cal-HOSA where she decided to run for Region 3 VP because of her past experience at last year’s SLC, inspiring her to be a leader. This elite organization gives her the experience and knowledge that will aid her in becoming a Neuro-surgeon. After finishing high school Samantha wishes to attend UCLA and then medical school.
Cal-HOSA as an organization provides students like herself to have an opportunity of a life time to explore within the health care field as well as obtain leadership skills. Samantha encourages fellow members to enjoy their time within Cal-HOSA. She is determined to do her best to work with the Cal-HOSA officers to and help make Cal-HOSA the strongest it has ever been!
Eun (Grace) An Grace An is honored to serve as the Cal-HOSA Region 4 Vice President. She currently attends Oxford Academy in Cypress, California as a junior. For almost three years, she served her HOSA chapter as historian, project chair, and now as chapter secretary with fervor. Grace has a desire to lead, learn, and motivate the bigger picture. With this in mind, she ran for state office and is absolutely thrilled for this unique experience as a Region Vice President. Grace believes HOSA means opportunities and she continues to explore these opportunities. Through HOSA, she investigates the plethora of careers available in the medical field, and aspires to become a pediatrician.
Outside of HOSA, Grace volunteers every week at Giving Children Hope, an international organization dedicated to providing medical supplies and other necessities to children in need. There, she familiarizes herself with hundreds of different medications and medical contraptions to be shipped around the world in a real work setting. She also fundraised and participated in the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life.
An individual of many diverse passions and interests, Grace is a varsity speech and debater in the National Forensic League. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, writing, and reading classics and sci-fi. She loves working with children and teaches Sunday school at the elementary school level.
From a very business-oriented family, Grace chose to take the extraordinary route. She knew since elementary school that she wanted to follow the pathway to medicine. Thus, she joined HOSA and attended SLC, placing as a finalist in biomedical debate. Now, as Region 4 Vice President, she is not only ecstatic for her term but also sincerely grateful to HOSA and its members for this spectacular opportunity. With this, she thanks you and promises to work for the best, for Cal-HOSA, and its bright future ahead.
Juan ValenzuelaJuan Garcia Valenzuela, from Cathedral City High School, has been an active California Health Occupations Students of America member since his freshmen year of high school. He has always had a great interest in this organization serving as chapter Vice President his sophomore year, chapter President his junior year and now proud to be serving as your Region 5 State Vice President. He attended several State Leadership Conferences and after becoming a finalist for Prepared Speaking, attended his first National Leadership Conference last June. He has learned many valuable skills and made great friends at these conferences. Juan is excited for this year’s SLC in Sacramento!
Juan joined a health academy his freshmen year in high school, where he looked to pursue his dreams of becoming a doctor. After various experiences with job shadowing at a dialysis center, Juan discovered that he no longer wanted to become a doctor but a registered nurse. Juan learned from his job shadow experience that his passion for helping people could be greatly lived through nursing.
Juan has always been an active student in his school, amongst his peers, and in his community. Juan believes there is no greater gift in life than the gift of helping so he continues to give back through community service activities with his church and other organizations. Juan enjoys hanging out with his friends, who he grew very close to at the SLC. Juan loves making people laugh and always has a smile on his face. He enjoys playing sports and listening to music.
Juan was born in Chicago, Illinois and moved to California at the age of 14. Juan loves California and all that it has given to him, especially Cal-HOSA. Juan has a goal this year and that is to get everyone sick with the HOSA fever, making this year an unforgettable one!
Iris Rodriguez
Post-Secondary Rep
Iris Rodriguez was elected as a state officer at the 2010 Regional Leadership Conference for Region 4. She graduated from Norwalk High School in 2010 and is currently a Freshman at Cerritos College. She plans to finish her general education, transfer to UCLA, and become a Registered Nurse. Iris has been in HOSA for 3 years and has served as a chapter officer and President for southeast R.O.P. HOSA. She placed as a finalist in Creative Problem Solving at the 2009 SLC and placed as finalist in Medical Assisting at the 2010 SLC. She is very excited to have joined the state officer team and is looking forward to help HOSA, just as HOSA has helped her get closer to her healthcare career dreams.
Iris began taking medical assisting courses at southeast R.O.P. when she was a junior in high school and finished in February of her senior year. Iris recently finished internships in medical assisting at Sure Careland Medical with Dr. Ellis Suh and at Dr. Roy Egaris’ Medical Clinic and was offered a job at Dr Egaris’ Medical Clinic because of her medical assisting skills and willingness to always work to the best of her ability. Iris’ dream of becoming a nurse has existed since she was a child and she always shared this dream with her family. She is inspired by three great teachers who help her work towards her medical career: Mr. Bates, Mrs. Moreno, and Mrs. Espitia. Once Iris becomes a registered nurse, she plans to continue her education and become a medical doctor someday.
Iris comes from a small family of four and all her life she has grown to care and help others. She has a sister who is currently 26 years old and has Agenesis of corpus callosum and Iris helps her sister with anything she may need. Iris receives great support by her large family, including her grandparents, 19 aunts and uncles, and many cousins and friends. They are very encouraging of her desire to pursue a medical career. During her free time, Iris likes to swim and ride her bicycle. She also enjoys going to church every Sunday with her family.
Iris is very thankful and excited to be part of Cal-HOSA. HOSA has helped her by introducing her to different aspects of the medical field and to people who have similar career aspirations. Iris was inspired to become a state officer after attending the 2009-2010 State Leadership Conference. She would like to thank to her advisors for their help and encouragement. Iris is excited to lead Cal-HOSA members who are making a difference in the lives of many.
