Dr. Deborah Villanueva Honored as RISE's 2025 Health Care Hero for Mental Health Leadership

Mental health professional Dr. Deborah Villanueva has been named the 2025 RISE Health Care Hero, highlighting her transformative work in supporting trauma survivors and advancing culturally responsive mental health care. The award, presented at the RISE Summit on Social Determinants of Health, recognizes her extensive efforts to improve healthcare access and outcomes for marginalized communities.

Selected from over 60 nominations, Dr. Villanueva was distinguished for her more than two decades of dedicated service to underserved populations. Her work specifically focuses on providing critical mental health interventions for survivors of trafficking, with a specialized approach that considers cultural, developmental, and emotional complexities.

Angela Trenado, who nominated Dr. Villanueva, emphasized her significant contributions to mental health care. Dr. Villanueva has pioneered initiatives to train mental health professionals and community leaders in delivering trauma-informed, culturally competent care. Her programs have been particularly impactful in Latino, Hispanic, and immigrant communities, addressing systemic barriers such as cultural factors, language obstacles, and mental health stigma.

The award highlights the critical importance of tailored, empathetic mental health approaches that recognize the unique experiences of different population groups. Dr. Villanueva's work demonstrates how targeted interventions can substantially improve healthcare outcomes and access for communities traditionally marginalized in medical settings.

Her leadership extends beyond direct clinical practice, as she has worked to develop structural frameworks that enable more equitable and compassionate healthcare delivery. By challenging existing care models and advocating for systemic changes, Dr. Villanueva has contributed to broader conversations about health equity and culturally informed medical practices.

The RISE Health Care Hero Award not only celebrates individual achievement but also draws attention to the ongoing need for innovative, culturally sensitive approaches in mental health care. Dr. Villanueva's recognition serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of dedicated healthcare professionals who work to dismantle barriers and create more inclusive healthcare systems.