How We Started
In 2011 we started as a group formed by Mary Yanez, Ruth Ramirez and Elvia Hernandez. Mary is the Director of the Senior Adult Program at El Paso Community College (EPCC) and was primarily responsible for organizing the meetings and coordinating the Feria. Elvia Hernandez was instrumental in securing community sponsors and fundraising. Mary, Ruth and Elvia are leaders in LULAC District IV and members of Council 4875. The trio was asked to host a holistic health fair in El Paso for a group of 40 healers from Cuernavaca and other parts of Mexico. The Mexican healers are students and teachers with the Centro de Desarrrollo Humano hacia la Comunidad A.C. (CEDEHC) established by Director Dr. Arturo Ornelas Lizardi. On July 20, 2012 the first Traditional Feria de Salud wellness fair was held in El Paso at Bowie High School where over 2,100 people were in attendance. Imagine the organizer’s surprise as they had expected about 300-500 people. Due to the success of this unique traditional health fair the El Paso organizers were invited to the University of New Mexico (UNM) campus by Dr. Eliseo (Cheo) Torres to the 12th annual Traditional Healing Conference and Community Health Fair. Each year Dr. Torres and Dr. Ornelas sponsor master educational healing sessions and training workshops for professionals, students and the community at UNM and they demonstrated interest in establishing an El Paso connection. Since the initial meeting the El Paso group decided to form an organization to continue the purpose and goal of providing educational classes and workshops and wellness fairs throughout the year. On the 2nd of August 2012 the Board of Directors was formed as Centro de Vida Foundation and Learning Center.
Who We Are - Board of Directors
Dr. Armando Stuart Gonzalez Ph.D. is a local expert in Alternative and Integrative Medicine, Ethnobotany, Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine, Toxicology.
Mary Yanez is the El Paso Community College’s Senior Adult Program Director and Vice President LULAC Council 4875.
Ignacio Escandon is the manager of Centro de Salud Familiar La Fe’s Senior Companion Program.
Mary Martinez is President and CEO of MAGI Inc.
Lizette Arditti is the Vice President of LULAC Council #335.
Christina Ozaeta is the Deputy Director of Women for LULAC IV and a member of LULAC Council #335.
Francisca Sanchez is an Entrepreneur and advocate of Women and Children.
Andrea Aguirre is CFO of Apex Roofing Company and Administrator of Blue Man Fix It, LLC.
Rosa Margarita Villalobos is an administrator in the Gadsden ISD.
Mary Yanez is the El Paso Community College’s Senior Adult Program Director and Vice President LULAC Council 4875.
Ignacio Escandon is the manager of Centro de Salud Familiar La Fe’s Senior Companion Program.
Mary Martinez is President and CEO of MAGI Inc.
Lizette Arditti is the Vice President of LULAC Council #335.
Christina Ozaeta is the Deputy Director of Women for LULAC IV and a member of LULAC Council #335.
Francisca Sanchez is an Entrepreneur and advocate of Women and Children.
Andrea Aguirre is CFO of Apex Roofing Company and Administrator of Blue Man Fix It, LLC.
Rosa Margarita Villalobos is an administrator in the Gadsden ISD.
Who We Are - Advisory Council & Contributors
Norma Molina is a Protocal representative at Fort Bliss Texas, and is an etiquette consultant. She will serve as fundraising and entertainment advisor.
Veronica Medrano is a real estate agent for Century 21 and business advisor.
Alma Calderon is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Reiki Master Teacher who actively participated at the first Traditional Feria de Salud with her El Paso group of professionals and students.
Elvia Hernandez honorary advisor was very instrumental in funding and executing the first successful Feria de Salud in El Paso as a community organizer, fundraiser and former City Council Representative. She currently serves as President of LULAC Council #4875.
Ruth Martinez honorary advisor was also very instrumental in researching and executing the first successful Feria de Salud in El Paso as a community organizer. She currently serves as LULAC District IV Deputy Director for Elderly and is a member of LULAC Council #4875.
Veronica Medrano is a real estate agent for Century 21 and business advisor.
Alma Calderon is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Reiki Master Teacher who actively participated at the first Traditional Feria de Salud with her El Paso group of professionals and students.
Elvia Hernandez honorary advisor was very instrumental in funding and executing the first successful Feria de Salud in El Paso as a community organizer, fundraiser and former City Council Representative. She currently serves as President of LULAC Council #4875.
Ruth Martinez honorary advisor was also very instrumental in researching and executing the first successful Feria de Salud in El Paso as a community organizer. She currently serves as LULAC District IV Deputy Director for Elderly and is a member of LULAC Council #4875.