About Us

Our Vision

We believe in a world where every person is thriving, creating new possibilities and promising futures.

Our Mission

We build optimal health in under-resourced communities across the globe.

IDEA Statement

Advance is a global health organization committed to improving health and providing hope through disease prevention, education, and treatment with a vision of health equity for all, where every person is thriving. Like the communities we serve, our staff, board, and volunteers consist of members of different ethnicities, genders, ages, races, religions, abilities, national origins, gender identities and sexual orientations.

Advance celebrates cultural and individual differences, knowing that our team will be more successful at embracing inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA). Our goal is to represent the communities we serve by embedding IDEA throughout Advance, providing an environment in which everyone feels welcome, heard, and valued.

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Advance’s core values are rooted in our belief that no matter what, the community comes first. We work collaboratively with the communities we serve, acting in partnership to remove barriers and provide direct, material relief. It’s not our place to tell people what they need – our job is to listen.

Learn More

Learn More

Learn More

Learn More

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Jeri Royce

President & CEO

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Kerry White, MSA

Chief Financial Officer

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Dawn Marie Buckland

Chair

Al MArquiss

Al Marquiss

Vice Chair

Concepcion Henderson

Concepcion Gallegos Henderson

Secretary

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Mark Nichols

Treasurer

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Joe Greenberg

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Silvia Alvarez

Mary Holman

Mary Holman

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Darryn Jones

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Dr. Raymond Sachs

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Craig Stevenson M.D.

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Julieta Larios

International Program Director

Julieta Larios is a dedicated public and global health professional, currently serving as the International Program Director at Advance Community (formerly Esperança). She has experience in non-profit management, operations, and program development. In her role, Julieta fosters relationships with international NGO partners in Bolivia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Mozambique, Nicaragua, and Peru, supporting preventive health education, community development, and surgical trips to deliver crucial healthcare services to underserved and indigenous populations worldwide. Her personal experiences drive her commitment to improving health outcomes, particularly in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure.

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Cindy Quintero, MPH

Health & Wellness Program Director

Cindy Quintero, a seasoned professional in public health, currently serves as the Health and Wellness Program Director at the local nonprofit, Advance Community (formerly known as Esperanca). With over 15 years of experience, she is deeply committed to health equity and access to care. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Cindy creates culturally tailored programs for under-resourced populations, bridging communication gaps and fostering inclusivity. Her extensive background equips her to drive impactful health initiatives.

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Lillian Rodgers

Development and Communications Manager

Lillian Rodgers graduated from the University of West Florida with a degree in Community Education. Originally from Florida, she has had the chance to travel and live in various places around the country, eventually choosing to make Phoenix her home. Passionate about collaborating with others to strengthen communities, Lillian is excited to start her journey in the nonprofit sector, where she can contribute to meaningful, community-driven work. In her spare time, she loves reading and exploring new places, always looking for fresh perspectives and inspiration.

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Simonne Campos

Youth Program Coordinator

Simonne Campos graduated from Arizona State University with a mission to be a part of something greater than herself. At Advance, she gets to fulfill her passion for equity by connecting with the community around her, fostering direct impact and positive change through collaboration. Dedicated to cultural competency and active listening, and with a special love for the arts, Simonne hopes to continue advocating for underserved communities until we can all attain the care we deserve.

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Valeria López Macias

Programs Communication Coordinator

Valeria López Macias has her degree in Psychology from Universidad Autonoma de Baja California. She is passionate about helping the community through the promotion of awareness and education. Valeria coordinates volunteer and and fundraising outreach into the community.

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Britney Savage

Executive Assistant

Britney Savage is an enthusiastic professional with a strong background in administrative, operations, and human resources roles that all revolve around service. Inspired by her mother’s work as a social worker, Britney has embraced her calling to serve and uplift others through her career. She excels at engaging with community members and connecting them with resources, networking with donors, supporting those in need and making impactful contributions. Driven by her passion for community service, Britney is committed to furthering the Advance Community mission by fostering meaningful relationships and making a lasting impact.

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Bradley Beatty

Nutrition Program Assistant

Bradley Beatty has always had a passion for cooking using recipes from his mother and grandmother as well as creating his own.  His love of cooking and gardening brought him to Advance to help serve the community by doing what he loves and bringing smiles to people’s faces.  Bradley is proud to be part of the nutrition program and this organization. 

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Mariana Macias

Community Programs Coordinator

Mariana Macias has always been passionate about health education and promotion, with a deep commitment to serving others. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Health from Brigham Young University and is a dedicated advocate for mental health and personal growth. Mariana enjoys exploring new experiences, cultures, foods, and hobbies, constantly seeking to learn from those around her. In her downtime, she loves to relax, travel, and immerse herself in a good book.

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Karina Hernandez

Community Health Educator

Karina Hernandez was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and is a recent graduate from Arizona State University’s College of Health Solutions, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Food and Nutrition Entrepreneurship. Karina is passionate about giving back to her community and enjoys learning from others by hearing their stories and discovering new cultures. In her free time, she loves spending quality time with her family, savoring her mom’s cooking, and exploring Phoenix with her boyfriend. Karina thrives on hands-on learning and teaching, always eager to expand her knowledge and help others.