Our Team
Meet our National United Board
William Arroyo, M.D., is chair of the Board of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. He has been with LOUD for ten years. He is an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Keck USC School of Medicine and currently works as a health policy consultant. He provides leadership to the Addiction Technology Transfer Center of the National Latino Behavioral Health Association. He is an advisor to the CA Department of Healthcare Services and the CA Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. He has worked at the state and federal levels to eliminate health disparities and was advisor to the Obama administration on the detention of children and families by U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He advises various state and national professional associations on health policy.
Edwin Millan is native from Lima-Peru. He works for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation as a Director of Sales Outreach and Community Integration. EdwinMillan believes that privilege is a gift that needs to be utilized to support and embrace all communities and create a sense of unity and collaboration respecting each other’s cultures, dignity and the right to have a voice. EdwinMillan is the National President of The Latino Outreach and Understanding Division (LOUD) which addresses the social and health disparities that threaten the Latino Community through innovative programmatic and direct-action strategies. Edwin is also a Board Member of HONOR PAC and serves in the Public Affairs Committee, which is composed of passionate professionals committed to giving the Latino/a/e LGBTQ+ movement a voice in government thought leadership, courage and progressive political action.
Monica Puente is currently the LOUD Chicago chapter President. Monica has always been fascinated with working with marginalized populations. Whether it was because of personal experiences or field work, she has always felt the pull of social work. As a social worker in Illinois, she has had an opportunity to work with such a population and to serve as an agent of change in these communities. Since she obtained an MSW from Jane Addams School of Social
Work and is CADC certified, she has continued to work as a community health provider. Monica is currently working with a marginalized population affected by mental health and substance use disorders. Monica’s experience working with at risk populations has made her develop an interest in the impact of culturally tailored services for Latine population to ensure effective access to services. One of her key goals is to enhance others level of cultural competency while working with Latine populations. Monica feels that her experience working with those impacted by HIV/AIDS and Substance Use Disorder, along with the LGBTQ community, the homeless, offenders, and people of color has prepared her to continue developing her cultural competence.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, Jessica is a Mexican – American social justice advocate that strives for the equity of people of color and individuals who face health, socioeconomic, racial, and gender disparities. Being an advocate since her teenage years, Jessica has always believed in giving back to the community, whether it be via tutoring, assisting the elderly, or volunteering her time to care for the sick. Jessica earned her Bachelor’s degree in b oth Anthropology and Biology from the University of California: Santa Barbara. In her free time, Jessica enjoys working out at the gym, swimming, jogging, taking her dogs on hikes, cuddling with her cats, binge watching TV shows and anime, or spending time with her crazy large family – she is one of 8 children! With cultural roots originating from Durango, Mexico, Jessica is excited to continue to empower her community and heritage through LOUD.
Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Jonatan Gioia, MD, moved to Houston, Texas motivated by his passion in research and interest in the HIV field. He is the HIV Prevention Project Manager at the Houston HIV/AIDS Research (HART) team at UT Health. He is interested in addressing health disparities and developing novel interventions for community engagement. Aside from his research work, Jonatan is a local activist. He currently serves as Somos LOUD National Advocacy Director and Houston’s chapter president where he is committed to engage, empower, and educate Houston’s LGBTQ+ and Latina/e/o community.
Erica is a film director, writer, producer & actress born in Mexico. After attending SFSU and obtaining her B.A in Cinema, she became a first generation DACA graduate. While living in Los Angeles, she has produced and directed multiple video campaigns, commercials, and films. Erica is committed to changing the narrative on how Latinos are portrayed in the media.It is important for Erica to create job opportunities where Latines feel represented in front and behind the camera. Aside from her film career, Erica is passionate about spirituality and also advocates for immigrant civil rights and the importance of mental health. She is deeply rooted in her Latin community which is why she established a LULAC chapter in the city of Los Angeles and serves as a National Marketing Director for LOUD.
She was born in Durango, Mexico and immigrated to Los Angeles, CA at the age of 2 years old. Graduated from Los Angeles High and was the first in her family to attend college for a Degree in Clinical-Psychology. She is a Dreamer, a DACA recipient, which allowed her to develop her career in the care of humanity; from public services, education for high school students to Advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and becoming an AHF Ambassador. She is currently an AHF Pharmacy Sales Representative & Community Liaison for prevention and care of HIV.
Juan Contreras
International Director of Advocacy