Raquel Aviles

“I had the opportunity to work in various positions within the Pascua Yaqui Tribe’s Health Department in Tucson, Arizona, before starting my undergraduate degree at ASU," explains alumna Raquel Aviles. "I was able to work my way up to be a program manager for several prevention and youth-focused services as well as grant-funded initiatives, and I knew the interdisciplinary studies major in organizational studies would fill in the gaps I needed for my job and to advance my skills.

"I appreciated being able to research topics I was interested in, such as leadership in tribal settings, organizational culture and team building," Aviles said. "What I learned was easily applicable to my work, and before graduating I was promoted from program manager to associate director of health.

"As the associate director of health, I focus on the 'bigger picture' and how to help our programs continue to uphold the Pascua Yaqui Health Department's mission to provide 'the highest possible standards of care for the health and well being of tribal members and their families within all Yoeme communities.'  I work directly with the our Health Budget Office, Managed Care Office, Health Information Management Program and other health services and initiatives. I believe my job is to support and remove barriers to our programs so that they can provide the best services possible, as well as to prepare and guide our department as healthcare systems change. It is a great honor for me to work for my tribe and with my community."

After graduating, Raquel immediately enrolled in ASU’s Master of Healthcare Innovation degree program and completed that in December 2015.

The Oustanding Graduate in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts in spring 2014, Raquel was featured in stories in ASU Magazine and ASU Now.

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