Isaura Arreguin steps up to represent her community on the Salinas Valley Health board.

Isaura Arreguin says she had her two daughters in mind, as well as many other Latina girls and young women, when she applied to fulfill an unexpired elected term on the Salinas Valley Health Board of Directors. “My goal is to lead by example,” she says. On March 20, the board chose Arreguin over two other candidates to take over the seat for Zone 3, which covers much of North Salinas, with a large Latino population.

She steps into the position previously held by Juan Cabrera, who was elected in 2018 and again in 2022. He resigned in February citing personal reasons. The term ends in December 2026.

“Ms. Arreguin brings fresh perspective and a wealth of community experience to the role,” an announcement from the SVH board and CEO Allen Radner to staff states. “Her professional career has focused on community development, program development, grant writing and management, with a commitment to her Latina heritage and community engagement.”

Arreguin is the development director for the Salinas Community Science Workshop. She also serves as president of Latina Professionals Central Valley. She worked for over 10 years in different positions at Hartnell College.

Coming to the U.S. from Mexico at age 17, Arreguin says she had to navigate both the education system and the medical system, which is inspiring her to bring greater awareness of SVH and its services to her constituents during her term.

“I want to ensure that, especially since I’m representing District 3, that the community has access to all of [SVH’s] services,” she says.

Arreguin will be sworn in at an SVH board meeting at 4pm Thursday, March 27, in the Downing Resource Center, Salinas Valley Health Medical Center, 450 E. Romie Lane, Salinas. Instructions for attending virtually are available at salinasvalleyhealth.com/virtualboardmeeting. She asked Soledad Mayor Anna Velazquez, another Latina leader, to swear her in.