Health Council of South Florida

Janet moved to the United States from her native Puerto Rico, in 1980, to attend Cornell University – where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology/Sociology. Upon graduation, she worked with some of the leading international non-profit organizations, such as Family Planning International Assistance (FPIA) and Pathfinder International, dedicated to improving the lives of women and families throughout the developing world. She has traveled extensively throughout Latin America and closely collaborated with African and Asian-based projects. Her program development and marketing experience were refocused to the U.S. market after Hurricane Andrew devastated South Florida. At the time, the Zoological Society of Florida was in search of a Community Relations Director to assist in the enormous task of rebuilding Miami’s beloved Metrozoo. During her tenure at the Zoological Society, Janet worked closely with the zoo and the community at large to increase awareness of zoo programs and services. Working with a multi-ethnic community, engaged in the midst of a reconstruction process, was a familiar ground and welcomed challenge. Since then, she has remained active in the national and local markets forging the community relations and communications programs for organizations such as Hispanic Radio Network, Easter Seals of South Florida, DOL/Miami Job Corps Center, Greater Miami Society for Human Resources Management and Jobing.com among others. As Brand Ambassador, she is responsible for identifying, building and managing strategic alliances with local media, business, educational organizations, government and professional associations. She is also an active speaker at numerous conferences, training seminars and professional organizations at the local, and national level. Her community relations philosophy is centered on cultivating positive relationships, and being a trusted, valuable resource. She is fluent in English and Spanish, and has working knowledge of Portuguese and Creole. Currently, Janet serves as the Hispanic Community Liaison for VITAS Innovative Hospice in Broward County. In this position, she builds strategic alliances with businesses, educational organizations, government, healthcare and professional associations serving the Hispanic market in Broward County. She educates caregivers, members of professional organizations, patients and families, and the community at large on quality of life near the end of life, hospice & palliative care. Janet and her husband, Julio, share their home with 4 lovely cats and 4 amazing dogs! She’s on several boards of including Sullivan & Cogliano Training Centers, Mujeres Latinas Broward and the Latin Chamber of Commerce. She participates in volunteer programs and professional associations, including the Cornell Alumni Club, Catalyst Miami (former Human Services Coalition), Latinos in Science and Technology, South Florida Cancer Coalition Consortium, Women in Healthcare Executive Forum, Alzheimer’s Association and the Broward Coalition for the Aging.