Our Story
Dr. Ileana María Ponce-Gonzalez, MD, MPH, is the founder and Executive Director of the Community Health Worker Coalition for Migrants and Refugees (CHWCMR). Established in 2014, CHWCMR became a 501(c)(3) statewide organization in Washington in November 2018.
Dr. Ponce-Gonzalez has an extensive background in public health administration, working with diverse communities across Nicaragua, Chile, Mexico, and the United States. She earned her Medical Doctor degree from the National University of Nicaragua and specialized in Medical Genetics at the University of Santiago de Chile, where she also practiced clinical medicine. Her career includes clinical exchanges in Latin America and involvement in significant research projects in Mexico City.
She later obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University, along with a Certificate in Human Rights and Global Health. With more than three decades of experience, she has held key roles in the U.S. Federal Government, contributing to agencies such as the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
Dr. Ponce-Gonzalez is a tireless advocate for health equity, dedicated to improving the lives of the most vulnerable populations.
Deputy Director
Matt Gonzalez joins the Community Health Worker Coalition for Migrants and Refugees as its first-ever Deputy Director, bringing over 11 years of experience in Public Health-focused non-profits. He has a strong background in relationship-building, community-driven program management, and supporting grassroots organizations—particularly BIPOC-led groups—through strategic grant making, capacity building, and technical assistance. Previously, Matt worked in Health Promotion and Community Engagement at Arcora Foundation and developed his passion for public health while at the Oregon Center for Children & Youth with Special Health Needs. He also serves as the President of the Board of Directors at Entre Hermanos, a Seattle-based nonprofit supporting Latino LGBTQ+ communities, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in New Media Communications from Oregon State University.
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To the incredible team at CHWCMR
Your dedication to improving the health and well-being of migrant and refugee communities is truly inspiring. The compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment you bring to your work make a profound difference in the lives of so many. Remember that every act of kindness, every effort to support and uplift others, and every challenge you overcome is a testament to your strength and humanity.
" Dr. Ponce-Gonzalez."
