HCA Gulf Coast
October 11, 2023

Houston, TX —  HCA Healthcare Gulf Coast Division, with its eight colleague networks, hosted a signature event to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month on Thursday, October 5th in partnership with the National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives (NALHE).

More than 120 colleagues in attendance enjoyed festive light bites and aqua frescas to celebrate Hispanic culture while listening to culturally-specific Hispanic/Latino music. and a panel discussion about cultural preservation and the future of Hispanic heritage.

"I was deeply honored to serve as the moderator for our panel discussion during the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast,” said Angel Romero, Jr., vice president of quality at HCA Houston Healthcare Mainland and HCA Healthcare Gulf Coast Division Hispanic Colleague Network Chair. “Through insightful discussions, we explored the critical role healthcare organizations play in promoting diversity within the workforce and how everyone can actively contribute to the ongoing diversification of healthcare leadership. It's a privilege to be part of a community that values and embraces our rich heritage while driving positive change in healthcare.”

Panelists included: Dr. Erica Hattery, executive president of the National Association of Latino Healthcare, Yasmene McDaniel, CEO of HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast and Maria Gutierrez, dialysis director of HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast. Topics included the impact of Hispanic minorities in the economy, the role healthcare organizations play in guaranteeing Hispanic representation in their workforce and major challenges Hispanic’s face in the wake of the current demographic shift. The panel discussion wrapped up with a conversation on what Houstonians can do to create opportunities to continue diversifying healthcare leadership.

(left to right) Angel Romero, Jr., vice president of quality at HCA Houston Healthcare Mainland and HCA Healthcare Gulf Coast Division Hispanic Colleague Network Chair; Maria Gutierrez, dialysis director at HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast; Dr. Erica Hattery, executive president of the National Association of Latino Healthcare; Yasmene McDaniel, CEO of HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast and Tina Chen, community engagement and program director at HCA Gulf Coast Division

Attendees of the Hispanic Heritage Month Signature Event