With more than 23-years’ experience in public health and human services, policy and education, Dr. Alexis Aviña is a dynamic thought leader with expertise in evaluation, operations, partnerships, communications and strategy. She has spent her career transforming communities to increase access and opportunities, quality of life, equity and belonging for all. Dr. Aviña’s professional experiences span non-profit, philanthropic, government, academic, research, teaching, community and hospital settings.

Dr. Aviña found her way into public health and human services after surviving young adult cancer. This experience fuels her commitment in her roles serving youth facing challenging circumstances. The populations she is most passionate about working with are youth, people of color, women, disabled -- those who are voiceless and at the highest risk of negative outcomes.

In her current role as the Vice President of Community Strategies and Partnerships, at United Way of San Diego County, Dr. Aviña leads a team of professionals who are uniting community organizations, schools, and government to address issues in education and family stability in San Diego.

In 2023, Dr. Aviña was selected to be part of two competitive leadership programs: the San Diego Chamber of Commerce Advance cohort, and the MANA de San Diego Latina Success Leadership Program.