Her Story
About Dayira
Dayira Annette Arevalo serves as Clinic Director at AltaMed Health Services, a nonprofit organization and federally qualified health center committed to reducing healthcare disparities and providing essential services to underserved communities. In her leadership role, she oversees clinic operations, budgeting, quality improvement initiatives, and interdisciplinary team collaboration to support high-risk patients, with a particular focus on seniors and Medicare populations. As an operations leader for Medicare health assessments, she works to enhance care coordination, improve patient outcomes, and ensure patients receive accessible, high-quality healthcare services.
With five years of experience in healthcare, complemented by a strong foundation in operational leadership, Dayira Annette Arevalo has held progressive roles including Supervisor, Manager, and Front Office Manager. Her expertise includes analyzing performance data to drive quality improvements, optimizing workflows, expanding access to care, and advocating for patients and communities facing barriers to healthcare. She is recognized for her ability to lead teams, develop effective processes, and create patient-centered solutions that support both organizational goals and community needs.
Dayira Annette Arevalo earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration with a focus on Leadership from Capella University and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration. Beyond her professional responsibilities, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Women’s League of Voters, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to voter education and civic engagement. Guided by a commitment to social justice, health equity, and community empowerment, Dayira Annette Arevalo continues to use her leadership skills to create meaningful change and improve the lives of the populations she serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dayira
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my passion for the work I do and my genuine commitment to the mission behind it. Working for a federally qualified health center requires a deep belief in serving communities, reducing disparities, and creating meaningful change. I have always been an advocate for social justice, even before entering healthcare, and I believe my success comes from aligning my career with my personal values. For me, this work is more than a job—it is a purpose-driven commitment that inspires me every day. I truly enjoy what I do and remain motivated by the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of the patients and communities I serve.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the healthcare industry is to always stay true to themselves and believe in their abilities. Leadership can come with unique challenges, especially as a woman, but it is important to trust your instincts, have confidence in your decisions, and recognize the value you bring to the table. Building meaningful connections, networking, and finding mentors who can provide guidance and support are essential steps in professional growth. I encourage women to remain curious, never stop learning, and continue challenging themselves to grow both personally and professionally. Every experience is an opportunity to gain knowledge, develop leadership skills, and make a lasting impact.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in healthcare today is navigating uncertainty in an industry that is constantly evolving. Changes in policies, the broader political climate, and the ongoing need to address social determinants of health all impact how we deliver care and serve our communities. A critical challenge is finding ways to work collaboratively across organizations and systems to reduce disparities and ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare, regardless of their background or financial circumstances. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunities within these challenges. Every role provides a chance to create meaningful change, even though small actions that contribute to a larger impact. The opportunity to connect with diverse communities, learn from different cultures, give back, and continue growing both personally and professionally is what makes this field so rewarding.
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