Hispanic Heritage Month: Our Future Empowered by Diversity & Legacy

With this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month theme, “Our Future: Empowered by Diversity & Legacy,” we wanted to hear directly from Northwell’s own team members about their career journeys and experiences as Hispanic and Latino Americans.

Meet Daritza Pena, Dr. Julie Gonzales, and Rafael E. Bou, who are part of our Hispanic and Latino BERG (Business Employee Resource Group). These individuals excel in their respective roles at Northwell and are committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and belonging. Below are their stories.

Daritza Pena, Echocardiography Technologist, Imaging Services at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream Hospital

In her role as an echocardiography technologist at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream Hospital, Daritza Pena works with cardiologists to conduct tests, provide information that assists with diagnosing heart conditions, and she handles related paperwork including medical documentation that summarizes information found in the echocardiogram. Daritiza began her career at Northwell as a part-time echocardiography technologist. Within two years, she took on a full-time role as an echocardiography technologist.  Daritza was also given the opportunity in 2023 to be a member of her department’s Collaborative Care Council, where members of the department come together to discuss enhancement ideas for the department and hospital. Throughout her time on the Collaborative Care Council, she learned processes and procedures of the hospital, while working to improve her own department with the ultimate goal of improving patient care. Daritza appreciates the support she has received at Northwell and the fact that she has been able to meet and network with a diverse group of individuals.

Daritza reflects on the significance of Hispanic Heritage Month and how this year’s theme resonates with her. “This year’s theme highlights the idea that those who arrived in the United States before me were looking for a better future and made a difference. Today, it is our turn to pave the way for others.” Daritza is passionate about her role in the Hispanic and Latino BERG. She explained, “Being a part of the BERG has positively impacted my career. I have met colleagues with similar backgrounds and enjoy hearing their success stories. This has motivated me to grow in my own career.”

Dr. Julie Gonzales, MD, Attending Physician in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Today, Dr. Julie Gonzales, MD,  is the attending physician in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) at North Shore University Hospital who began her career journey with Northwell in 2015 as an attending physician at an OB/GYN practice in Garden City. Beginning in December 2024, Dr. Gonzales will be acting as Chair of the OB/GYN Department at Peconic Bay Medical Center. In her upcoming role, she will oversee the department’s outpatient and inpatient operations. At the same time, she will continue seeing patients at her new OB/GYN practice in the Riverhead area. In addition to this next step in her career journey, Dr. Gonzales also serves on the Patient Experience Council for the postpartum, neonatal intensive care and labor and delivery units at North Shore University Hospital which uses collective feedback to deliver quality care to patients and their families. She is also a member of Northwell’s Hispanic Physician’s Initiative, which is a platform for Hispanic and Latino physicians to build relationships with those who have similar career-related and cultural experiences. Their goal is to use their platform to assist individuals who have been impacted by lack of healthcare access, or experience language barriers.

As a member of the Hispanic and Latino BERG, Dr. Gonzales is able to meet and network with other physicians and individuals who share similar cultural experiences. “We mentor and support each other, working together to deliver exceptional patient care,” shared Dr. Gonzales. Being a Hispanic and Latino BERG member has been a platform for her to contribute to positive change. She added, “BERG members have brought current concerns in the Hispanic & Latino community to our forum. As a result, our dedicated members have engaged in identifying impactful solutions to tackle these issues together.”

Rafael E Bou, Senior Director, Social Work Services, Northwell Health At Home

As senior director of social work services for Northwell Health, Rafael is responsible for leading community case management services, ensuring that support is provided to individuals with complex behavioral health needs. He also oversees a team of case managers, manages program budgets and resources, and works to implement new service delivery models.  Rafael began his career journey with Northwell in 2014 as a care manager. In 2017, he was promoted to a supervisor before he started working as a senior manager of operations for outreach and enrollment for health home care in 2018. The following year, Rafael was promoted to director of outreach and enrollment for Northwell Health At Home. Then in 2022, Rafael moved into his current role of senior director of social work services in Manhasset, New York.

Rafael reflects on the impact his membership in the Hispanic and Latino BERG had on his career journey and overall growth into leadership positions with Northwell. “Being a part of the BERG has been transformative both personally and professionally,” said Rafael, reflecting on his experience in the Hispanic and Latino BERG. “It’s provided a space for me to connect with others who share my cultural background, fostering a sense of belonging and community. I am so glad to be part of a group where I can honor and foster my heritage.”

One of the ways that Rafael feels he has benefitted most from this BERG membership professionally is that it helped create a path for Rafael to participate in Northwell’s McKinsey Leadership Cohort, which provides valuable skills and knowledge for becoming a more effective leader. The program deepened his understanding of inclusion and equity in the workplace, provided him with practical tools and strategies to strengthen his leadership skills, and expanded his professional network.

At Northwell, we are proud to provide the opportunity for Northwell team members like Daritza, Dr. Julie, and Rafael, to connect with individuals from the same culture and share the same mission to advance diversity, inclusion and health equity for all.

Learn more about Northwell’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.