Elizabeth Velarde, MPH, M.Ed, CHES

Elizabeth Velarde, MPH, M.Ed, CHES has diverse work experience in various organizations. Elizabeth currently serves as a Senior Program Manager at Brighter Bites since September 2022. Prior to this, they worked at the San Antonio Education Partnership from 2018 to 2022, holding roles such as Program Manager, City of San Antonio Liaison, and Lead College Access and Success Advisor. Their responsibilities included managing programs, liaising with the city, and advising on college access and success.

Before joining the San Antonio Education Partnership, Elizabeth worked at Family Compass (formerly Child Abuse Prevention Center) from 2013 to 2018 as a Bilingual Community Educator. In this role, they delivered community education presentations on topics such as SIDS, Shaken Baby Syndrome, and Child Abuse Prevention. Elizabeth was also involved in the development of a community car seat education program.

Elizabeth also gained experience as a Graduate Student Assistant at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth in 2017-2018 and as a Program Coordinator at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas from 2011 to 2013. Elizabeth started their career as a Health Education Intern at Dallas Healthy Start in 2012.

Overall, Elizabeth Velarde has demonstrated their expertise in program management, community education, and health promotion throughout their career.

Elizabeth Velarde has an extensive education history with a focus on healthcare and leadership. Elizabeth pursued a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Health Studies from Texas Woman's University, completing their studies between 2009 and 2012. Elizabeth then went on to obtain a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a specialization in Maternal and Child Health from UNT Health Science Center, which they completed between 2015 and 2018.

Continuing their education, Elizabeth enrolled in Fielding Graduate University in 2019. Elizabeth is currently working towards a Master of Education (MEd) degree, expected to be completed in 2022. Additionally, they are pursuing a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership for Change, with an expected completion date in 2023.

In terms of certifications, Elizabeth has earned several credentials to enhance their professional skills. In 2013, they became a Health Education Specialist, certified by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. Furthermore, in 2018, they obtained the Certified in Public Health certification from the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE).

To further develop their expertise, Elizabeth has completed several additional certificate programs. In 2020, they obtained certifications in Conflict Management, Delegation, Discovering Your Strengths, Leadership, and Mentoring from The University of Texas at San Antonio. In 2021, they gained a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate from USF Corporate Training and Professional Education. Lastly, in 2023, they acquired a Supervisory and Management Certificate from the San Antonio Area Foundation.