Texas Catalyst Team

As a Breast Cancer Survivor, I carry a deep calling to share my journey as a source of encouragement, empowerment, and hope. Walking through an aggressive Stage 2 cancer diagnosis taught me firsthand the critical importance of accessible, high-quality healthcare. My care team of physicians, surgeons, radiologists, and mental health therapists crafted a treatment plan that included surgery, chemotherapy, 33 rounds of radiation, and 10 years of hormonal therapy. That plan not only saved my life but also allowed me to continue working, raising my children, and living as a testament to God’s faithfulness and provision. I know without His grace—and without exceptional health insurance—my survival would not have been possible. This experience ignited my lifelong commitment to ensure others don’t have to fight these battles alone or without resources. For over 15 years, I’ve dedicated my career to the healthcare industry, using my skills in program management, research coordination, and community engagement to expand access to care. I’ve led initiatives such as the All of Us Research Program at LSU Health Sciences Center, supported critical radiology services at University Medical Center—the #1 trauma center in Louisiana—and formerly served as Senior Program Manager for the Health Coverage Program at Foundation Communities Prosper Centers. In this role, I’ve been honored to help more than 6,000 Texans gain access to Affordable Care Act Marketplace plans and other affordable health coverage options, including local premium assistance programs. Our program reaches across 16 targeted populations—uninsured, underinsured, marginalized, and historically excluded—ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to secure the coverage they deserve. With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Our Lady of Holy Cross College, an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and licensure as a Health Insurance Agent in Texas, I bring both academic preparation and lived experience to this work. But more than credentials, I bring compassion, faith, and determination. Living as a cancer survivor is a gift I refuse to waste. I have chosen to dedicate my time, talents, knowledge, and lived experience to serve others, build partnerships, and champion healthcare equity. My vision is to help create sustainable models of care that eliminate the disproportionate mortality rates faced by BIPOC communities, the underinsured, and the marginalized. This work is my purpose—and my promise: to stand in the gap for others, ensuring that every person has the dignity of access to quality healthcare and the chance to thrive.

Aileen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Community Health from The University of Texas at San Antonio and is currently completing a Master’s in Healthcare Administration at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Her career has always been grounded in one purpose: expanding access to affordable, quality healthcare for all. Over the years, she has combined education with leadership experience in program management, federal grant compliance, and community partnerships across Central Texas, always with a focus on ensuring families can secure the coverage they need. For Aileen, this work is more than a profession—it’s personal. Early in her career, she worked closely with families who were forced to make heartbreaking decisions: choosing between paying rent or buying medication, skipping medical care because of cost, or losing coverage altogether due to sudden policy changes and witnessing these struggles instilled in her a lasting commitment to fight for accessible, equitable, and compassionate healthcare solutions. As a Hispanic woman, I bring both lived experience and cultural understanding to my work. I know the challenges many Spanish-speaking families face when navigating a complex healthcare system—especially when health literacy is low and resources feel out of reach. Being able to educate, guide, and empower these communities has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey. My goal is to give families the knowledge and tools they need not just to access coverage, but to thrive and improve their overall health outcomes. At Texas Catalyst, I am committed to drawing on years of health coverage assistance and program leadership to create innovative approaches that meet people where they are. Whether building resources, supporting staff, or collaborating with community partners, my commitment remains the same: ensuring every Texan has the dignity of access to quality healthcare. For me, this nonprofit is not just an organization—it’s a promise. A promise that no one has to navigate the healthcare system alone, and that we will always stand in the gap for our communities.