Congratulations to the 2025 REALIZE Executive Graduates

The Paso del Norte Health Foundation proudly recognized 16 outstanding leaders as graduates of the 2025 REALIZE Executive program at a special ceremony held at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing.

REALIZE Executive is a premier leadership development experience, created by international leadership experts in collaboration with Health Foundation staff. Designed specifically for emerging top-level executives in the Paso del Norte region, the program equips leaders with the tools, insight, and relationships needed to drive transformational change in their organizations and communities.

Over eight months, the 2025 cohort participated in a rigorous and enriching program that included a personalized 360-degree assessment, one-on-one executive coaching, two immersive off-site learning experiences, and six day-long leadership development sessions. Through this experience, participants deepened their leadership capacity, built lasting connections, and developed strategies to address the region’s most pressing challenges.

During the graduation ceremony, participants reflected on their growth, the program’s impact, and the deep camaraderie formed within the cohort. Each graduate received a plaque and commemorative REALIZE coin in recognition of their achievement.

Since its launch in 2011, in honor of founding board member Robert H. Hoy, Jr., the Health Foundation has invested in the leadership journey of over 170 executives across El Paso, southern New Mexico, and Ciudad Juárez through the REALIZE Executive program. This demonstrates the Health Foundation’s deep commitment to strengthening regional leadership for a healthier Paso del Norte.

2025 REALIZE Executive Cohort:

• Jessica Andrews, Behavioral Health Director, El Paso Child Guidance Center
• Lidia Carranco, Utility Chief Customer Experience Officer, El Paso Water
• David Chayer, Executive Director, Family Service of El Paso
• Evelyn Corral, Executive Director & Founder, Antiquelogie
• Kellie Burns-Franco, Vice President of Development & Stakeholder Relations, La Nube
• Selena Gomez, Executive Director, Southern New Mexico Diabetes Outreach
• Georgina Hernández, President and CEO, United Way of El Paso County
• Joy Leos, Health Training & Promotions Manager, City of El Paso – Department of Public Health
• Janel Lujan, CEO, El Paso Health Medicaid
• Laura Marquez, Program Supervisor – Help Me Grow El Paso, Paso del Norte Children’s Development Center
• Karin Melson, HR Benefits Manager, El Paso Electric Company
• Kathy Revtyak, Executive Director, Children’s Grief Center of El Paso
• Dr. Sarah Ruiz, Founder & Registered Dietitian, Sun City Dietitians
• Lisa Saucedo, CEO, CASA of El Paso
• Candice Trujillo, SW Region Director, New Mexico Department of Health
• Dr. John Wiebe, Provost, VP Academic Affairs, The University of Texas at El Paso

To learn more about REALIZE, visit www.pdnhf.org or contact Dr. Michael Kelly at mkelly@pdnfoundation.org.