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Honorees 2025

Laura Cheever
Esperanza Award: Laura Cheever, MD, ScM

Dr. Laura Cheever is the Associate Administrator of the HIV/AIDS Bureau at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) where she provides leadership and technical expertise in the administration of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.  Her priorities are ending the HIV epidemic in the United States through increasing access to HIV care- particularly for those out of care; reducing HIV-related health disparities and improving outcomes; integrating substance abuse treatment into HIV care; and eliminating Hepatitis C infection among co-infected patients.  She in a Board-Certified Infectious Disease physician and provided HIV primary care for over 30 years.



Francisco Ruiz
Dennis deLeon Voz de Compromiso: Francisco Ruiz, MS

As the first ever Latino serving as the director of the White House's Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) for the Biden-Harris Administration, Francisco brings a unique blend of professional expertise and personal experience to this pivotal role. Francisco Ruiz is a seasoned public health professional with a wealth of experience collaborating with community-based organizations and government agencies. His career has focused on building bridges and creating sustainable collaborations to address health disparities and advance social justice for all, especially those historically underserved. His dedication to promoting health equity is rooted in his passion for community engagement and extensive expertise in developing and implementing science-based, community-informed programs, policies, and health communications.  



Michael J. Dowling
Business Leadership Award: Michael J. Dowling

Michael Dowling is a respected leader in the health care industry, ranked No. 1 in Modern Healthcare’s 2022 list of the “100 Most Influential People in Healthcare.” With over 30 years of experience, he has advocated for patient-centered reforms and addressed societal issues like gun violence and immigration. As president and CEO of Northwell Health for 22 years, he oversees a vast network providing care to over two million people annually, with revenue of $18 billion and more than 85,000 employees. He has significantly invested in Northwell’s research arm, the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, and his leadership was crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is documented in his book, “Leading Through a Pandemic: The Inside Story of Humanity, Innovation, and Lessons Learned During the COVID-19 Crisis”.



Hispanic Federation
Compañero Award: Hispanic Federation

Hispanic Federation (HF) is the nation’s premier Latino nonprofit membership organization. Hispanic Federation serves as a national model for Latino social, political, and economic empowerment. With a strong presence in New York, Florida, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, and other key states throughout the U.S., HF works to uplift millions of Hispanic children, youth, and families across the country. HF’s work has three focuses that align to improve the well-being of Latinos across the nation the objectives include; strengthening non-profit organizational development, promoting policy and advocacy work, and building a portfolio of innovative direct community programs.