Celebrating Hispanic Leaders in Texas Hospitals

National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from Sept. 15-Oct. 15 each year, recognizing the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. In Texas, where Hispanic culture is deeply intertwined with the state’s identity, the month holds particular significance. Texas hospitals celebrate this rich heritage while working year-round to improve the health and well-being of Hispanic communities across the state.

Hispanic and Latino Texans account for nearly 41% of the state’s population, underscoring the importance of representation, inclusion and culturally responsive care throughout Texas’ healthcare system. Hospitals across the state strive to create environments where every patient feels welcomed, understood and confident in the care they receive. This includes recognizing and responding to the distinct experiences, needs and preferences of the communities they serve. U.S. Census Bureau

From expanding language access for Spanish-speaking patients and strengthening cultural competency among healthcare professionals to addressing persistent health disparities, hospital leaders across Texas are working to improve access, outcomes and the overall patient experience. As Texas’ Hispanic population continues to grow and evolve, these efforts – and the diverse leaders guiding them – will become increasingly important.

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, THA is highlighting Hispanic leaders whose work is strengthening Texas hospitals and the communities they serve. Join us in celebrating the following hospital and healthcare leaders:

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Carmen Bowling, DNP, RN

Senior Vice President of Nursing, Women & Infants Specialty Health
Parkland Health

Dr. Carmen Bowling brings more than three decades of nursing experience and a lifelong commitment to the health and wellbeing of women, children and families. As Parkland’s Senior Vice President of Nursing for the Women & Infants Specialty Health (WISH) Service Line, she leads one of the nation’s largest maternal child health divisions, delivering more than 13,500 babies each year. Her leadership spans executive roles, legal nurse consulting and community advocacy, and she is deeply committed to mentoring young adults from immigrant families through her work with SpeakHire. Her leadership is grounded not only in expertise, but in heart, and in a lifelong belief in the power of equity-centered care, community partnership and uplifting others.

Noel J. Cárdenas, FACHE

Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer
Memorial Hermann Southeast and Pearland Hospitals

Noel J. Cárdenas serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Memorial Hermann Southeast and Pearland Hospitals, bringing decades of healthcare and military leadership to the role. A native of Weslaco, Texas, he served for 30 years in the U.S. Army and Texas National Guard, rising to the rank of colonel and leading military healthcare operations in the United States and abroad. Cárdenas is also a proud member of the National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives, supporting its work to advance Latino leadership and representation in healthcare. In 2026, he became Chair of the American College of Healthcare Executives’ Board of Governors, helping guide an international professional society representing more than 53,000 healthcare leaders. His career reflects a deep commitment to service, mentorship and developing the next generation of diverse healthcare executives.

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Aida Coronado-Garcia, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
DHR Health Brownsville

Aida Coronado-Garcia serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of DHR Health Brownsville, where she helped lead the opening of the city’s first general hospital in more than 40 years. A Brownsville native and family nurse practitioner, she became the first Hispanic woman from the community to lead the opening of a major physician-owned hospital in Cameron County. Her work continues to expand access to high-quality care, create local jobs and strengthen health services for families throughout the lower Rio Grande Valley. In 2025, Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Coronado-Garcia to the Texas Workforce Investment Council, which supports the planning and evaluation of workforce-development programs across the state. Her leadership reflects a commitment to representation, community service and building both the health care services and workforce South Texas needs.

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Jorge Leal, FACHE

Chief Executive Officer
Laredo Medical Center

Jorge Leal serves as Chief Executive Officer of Laredo Medical Center, bringing more than 17 years of healthcare leadership experience and a strong commitment to expanding access to high-quality care in South Texas. Under his leadership, the hospital has invested in new services, including a $6 million inpatient rehabilitation center, while supporting community wellness initiatives, preventive screenings and efforts to address food insecurity. In 2025, Leal received the Laredo Chamber of Commerce’s Professional Excellence Award for his contributions to healthcare, workforce development and the broader community. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to service, collaboration and strengthening the health of the community he serves.

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Dr. Josh Pozos

Chief Clinical Officer
Ascension Texas

Dr. Joshua Pozos serves as Chief Clinical Officer for Ascension Texas, leading clinical strategy and medical operations across the market with a focus on quality, safety and the patient experience. In addition to his healthcare leadership, he serves on the board of the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, supporting efforts to strengthen and advance the Hispanic business and professional community in Central Texas. As a Hispanic leader, Dr. Pozos brings a strong commitment to service, representation and building healthier communities through both his professional and civic leadership.

“The values I learned from my family, including hard work, faith and taking care of one another, shape how I lead. In healthcare, that means pairing clinical excellence with compassion and making sure the communities we serve are always at the center of our Mission.”

2025 Hispanic Leaders in Texas Hospitals

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Edmundo Castañeda, FACHE

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Parkland Health

Prior to joining Parkland in January 2022, Castañeda worked for Dignity Health, part of CommonSpirit Health, in the greater Sacramento, Calif., area where he served as President of Mercy General Hospital and Woodland Memorial Hospital. From 2015-2017, he was responsible for Mercy General Hospital and Mercy Hospital of Folsom. Castañeda’s career in hospital leadership spans nearly two decades. Before joining Dignity Health in 2012, Castañeda served as CEO at Tenet’s Sierra Medical Center in El Paso for five years, as well as various other leadership roles in Texas and New Mexico.

Jacob Cintron

President & CEO, El Paso County Hospital District

“Our ancestors instilled the values of hard work, family and giving back; we honor them by lifting each other up. I am humbled to lead a team that daily builds a healthier tomorrow by ensuring that all in our border region have access to health care.”

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Norma Martínez Rogers, PhD, MSN, RN

Professor Emeritus, UT Health Science Center San Antonio School of Nursing

Dr. Norma Martínez Rogers was the inaugural fully tenured Latina professor at UT Health, among her several other accolades. Earlier in her career, she was assigned to William Beaumont Army Medical Center at Ft. Bliss, Texas during Operation Desert Storm and was president of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses. Most recently, Dr. Rogers was awarded the 2022 Living Legends award, the highest designation from the American Academy of Nursing.

Emma Maria Montes-Ewing

Chief Executive Officer, South Texas Health System McAllen

“I am proud of my heritage. As Latinos, we carry a deep sense of community and compassion, rooted in our culture. Our passion for health care transformation is driven by the desire to ensure every patient, regardless of their background, receives the care, respect, and dignity they deserve. Together, we are changing the system for the better, one patient at a time.”

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Martina Ramirez, RN

Manager, Neurology Center, Titus Regional Medical Center

“I would not be where I am today if it had not been for God, my parents and their desire to provide a better future for their children. It is a privilege for me to be able to serve my community and help inspire other Hispanic generations to do the same.”

Geronimo Rodriguez

Chief Advocacy Officer, Ascension Texas

“I grew up a migrant farmworker, the son of an immigrant, and I am the first in my family to graduate from high school, college and law school. I am grateful to serve in health care where we have the audacity to believe every individual is a human being endowed with dignity and therefore, we serve each person with respect.”

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Irene Sandate, DNP

Chief Nursing Officer, University Health Women’s & Children’s Hospital

“My involvement in health care is informed by what I learned as a child. Compassion isn’t always something you learn in school. It’s something you learn as you are growing up. My family, my parents, and everyone around me impressed the importance of compassion and empathy on me. I try to carry that forward to others. The design and development of the Women’s & Children’s Hospital started with the concept of family. It’s very important to me, and I think we’ve produced something very beautiful as a result, something our patients will feel, and something that will lead to better outcomes for our patients.”

Raul Zamora

Board of Directors for Uvalde Memorial Hospital, 2024 Chair of the Board of Directors for the Texas Healthcare Trustees

“Hispanic Heritage Month is the time that we honor and celebrate the culture and contributions of all Latinos in the United States, past and present. It is indeed an honor and privilege to serve on the Uvalde Memorial Hospital Board of Directors and assist in providing for the health care needs of the communities we serve. We should embrace the diversity in health care today more than ever. At the end of the day, there is more that unites us then divides us.”