Community Advisory Board

Julie Dunnigan has served in nonprofit leadership for 15 years and currently acts as the CEO at Cancer Support Community AZ (CSCAZ). As a breast cancer survivor, she understands the critical need for psychosocial support alongside medical care during a cancer journey. With a focus on holistic cancer support, she advocates for evidence-based practices catering to the diverse needs of CSCAZ's beneficiaries. 

JoAn Begay Notah, MBA serves as the Project Director for the Arizona Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Export Center operated by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. Hailing from the Diné (Navajo) Nation and an alumnus of Arizona State University and Grand Canyon University, she oversees the U.S. Department of Commerce-funded Export Center.

Eddie Estrada, MPH, is a vendor oversight project manager for Banner Health Plans with a background in nutrition sciences and pre-hospital emergency and combat medicine. As a Tucson native, Eddie deeply cares about the community and its attitude towards scientific research that will help them make better informed decisions in the preventative care and early disease stages.

Christina C. Bell Andrews, the Executive Director of the Wassaja Carlos Montezuma Center for Native American Health, is Hia-Ced O'odham ('Sand People') and a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation (‘Desert People’). With extensive experience in government, health, human services, and education at various levels, her focus on tribal sovereignty and cultural engagement has been instrumental in her leadership roles.

Daniel Sestiaga Jr. serves as the Program Manager for the Indigenous Resilience Center (IRes) at the University of Arizona, fostering collaborations and initiatives supporting Indigenous resilience. He maintains effective partnerships with tribal leadership, UArizona entities, and external partners, emphasizing respectful tribal engagement in furthering IRes objectives.

Cassandra Webb, MPH holds the role of Program Manager for the Comprehensive Cancer Control Program at the Arizona Department of Health Services. In overseeing the Arizona Cancer Coalition and Tribal Collaborative on Cancer, she actively participates in state-wide cancer advisory boards, promoting wellness and health equity through her public health expertise.

Addey Rascon, a public health consultant, focuses on chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes. Leading programs funded by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, she expanded cancer screening for low-income and underinsured women in Arizona. With a decade's experience in the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP), Addey is a national trainer, recognized for modernizing data collection for Arizona’s cancer prevention efforts.

Brian Hummell serves as the Arizona and New Mexico Director of Government Relations for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. Over 12 years, he spearheaded legislative successes, including Medicaid expansion in Arizona. Brian led coalitions for access-to-care victories and received multiple awards for his advocacy efforts at both national and state levels.

Mindy Griffith, M.Ed, transitioned from roles in education to join Bag It in 2016. Engaged in various nonprofit leadership capacities, she is passionate about amplifying voices in healthcare. Touched by cancer personally, Mindy advocates for individuals to assert their importance in their healthcare journey, emphasizing the power of knowledge.

Adalberto Renteria, MD, a Stanford graduate, holds a rich medical career, including leadership roles at medical organizations. Currently serving as the Medical Director for the Pascua Yaqui Nation, he is also a faculty member at several academic institutions. Dr. Renteria's expertise spans medical practice, education, and community leadership.

Santos Yslas, a cancer survivor, faced healthcare challenges without insurance, motivating him to assist others in navigating similar obstacles. Grateful for the opportunity to aid others, his involvement with the CAB reflects his commitment to helping individuals access necessary care and support.

Anna Alonzo has spent 30 years in Arizona’s community health sphere, holding impactful roles such as Office Chief for Chronic Disease at the Arizona Department of Health Services and Research Program Director at Dignity Health. She contributed significantly to health-related social needs screening and referral evaluations through the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services Accountable Health Communities Model.

Liliana Lopez, a bicultural journalist, worked in Mexico City before joining the Arizona Daily Star in Tucson. Pursuing a master’s in Bilingual Journalism at the University of Arizona, Liliana emphasizes community engagement and communication.

Jonathan Smith, an ordained minister and PhD student in Public Health at the Mel & Enid Zuckerman College, focuses on health behavior and community advocacy, contributing to the Southern AZ Community Food Bank Executive Board.

Lena Spotleson, a cancer survivor, received accolades for her contributions to the cancer community. Passionate about volunteering for cancer organizations, she advocates for others facing similar challenges.  Lena received the “Outstanding Women in Business” award in 2020 and “Health Care Hero” award in 2021
from the Phoenix Business Journal for her work in the cancer
community. 

Mary Gonzales, retired from Pinal County Public Health after 30 years, now educates on nutrition and health with the University of Arizona - Pinal County Cooperative Extension and the Pinal-Gila Council for Senior Citizens. She actively participates in health-related coalitions.

Kendall Foster, dedicated to economic development and community service, works with underserved populations in Tucson and the Gila River Indian Community. He engages in various initiatives, including Boys to Men Tucson and the Tribal committee of Arizona Association for Economic Development.

Miguel Flores Jr., a proud member of Pascua Yaqui Tribe and Tohono O'odham Nation, leads multiple community engagement efforts, serving on boards for health research, substance abuse counseling, and holistic healthcare coordination. As CEO of Holistic Wellness Counseling & Consultant Services, he coordinates diverse healthcare professionals to provide holistic care.

Erin Dougherty earned her B.A. in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota (2010), her M.P.H. from the University of Arizona (2014), and her Ph.D. in Public Health- Health Behavior Sciences from the Joint Doctoral Program at the University of California, San Diego/San Diego State University (2022). She served as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Peru from 2010-2012 and has worked in the FQHC setting for nearly a decade. In her current role, she helps manage the grants portfolio at El Rio and oversees all research activities and related partnerships.