M.A. Higher Education Leadership, Northeastern Illinois University 

B.S. Public Administration, James Madison University  

Silvia immigrated to Harrisonburg, Virginia, from Mexico with her family when she was 10 yrs. old.  She was undocumented and did not speak English.  Her family came in search of education opportunities, jobs, and a better life.  Silvia was the first in her family to graduate from college.  

Silvia has lived and worked in Harrisonburg, Virginia for the last 20+ yrs.  Her work has focused on working with all stakeholders to improve, access, navigation, and outcomes for underserved, made-marginalized diverse communities in healthcare and education while creating environments that advance diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.  

Silvia started her professional career in higher education, developing, implementing, and monitoring recruitment and retention strategies and managing academic/co-curricular support services while advocating for equitable outcomes for non-traditional, underrepresented student populations.  In 2010, Silvia transitioned to the healthcare field.  She began her healthcare career working in one of Sentara Health’s hospitals in Harrisonburg, Virginia.  In that role she managed cultural and language services,advocated for LEP, immigrant, refugee, and other underserved communities.  She developed, implemented, and managed policies and programs to improve quality, safety, and patient experience for diverse patient populations.  In 2021, Silvia joined the Center for Diversity and Inclusion and Cultural Competency (CDICC), as Diversity and Inclusion Manager for Sentara Health with a focus on Cultural Competency.  She worked with the Sentara team on advancing cultural competency, guiding the organization in delivering care that is responsive to the language and cultural needs of the communities it serves.  Currently, Silvia serves as Diversity and Inclusion Director working with the organization to develop and implement strategic goals that advance delivery of care and services to diverse populations while creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that embraces and celebrates cultural diversity and where team members feel a sense of belonging and acceptance.  

Silvia lives in Harrisonburg with her husband Milo and two sons, Many and Javy.  Silvia enjoys hiking, working out, cooking and baking, and most importantly spending time with her family.