Xiomara is a referral specialist for Project Access, a program that connects uninsured residents who need specialty care with providers in the community. Her work often involves nephrology, hematology, oncology, and radiation therapy—serious stuff. But at the center of all that complexity is something very human: Xiomara’s desire and ability to see the invisible people in healthcare, the people who are too often ignored, misunderstood, or left to navigate frightening systems on their own.
She entered this field during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she enrolled in a STEM program at McKinley Technology High School and then found work at Mary’s Center, where she was a referral coordinator. She enjoyed the work and eventually found a position at Sibley Memorial Hospital, where she worked in the hematology and oncology ward. Interestingly, her primary role there was to assist Spanish-speaking individuals in setting up their appointments, consulting with them, and acting as an intermediary between patients and their doctors.
“What I discovered was that many people struggled to communicate, leading to frustration and preventing them from receiving the care they truly needed,” she says. She explains that when dealing with individuals who may not be well-versed in healthcare, who are scared, nervous, and unsure of whom to trust, it’s essential to meet them where they are. Language plays a significant role in this. Xiomara speaks several dialects of Spanish because, she explains, “even though I’m from El Salvador, I realized that a lot of people don’t speak the Spanish I do, and that there are various dialect variations within even Central America.”
She believes her empathy comes from her mother, who taught her that there should be no barriers between people and taught her to take care of her neighbors. Or, in her mother’s words, “When one person eats, two people eat.” Then, when Xiomara turned 17, these words gained more significance than mere maternal advice. This was because Xiomara had taken on the responsibility of raising her younger brother after her mother faced severe healthcare challenges. She helped him through middle school and high school. “It was challenging, but I felt it was something I could do. Yes, I spent a lot of time focused on my mother, helping my brother, going to work, and going to school,” she says, “but in the end, I saw that it was all worth it because I could see that the people important to me, my mother, and my brother, benefited tremendously.” She also received a lot of support from family and friends. “It’s always great to know you’re not going through things alone, with people who have your back,” she adds.
How did she get to PCC? Well, while she was at Hopkins, she appreciated the work and resources available, but she still felt a bit disconnected from the direct impact she could have on people’s lives. When PCC presented an opportunity that aligned perfectly with her aspirations, she thought, “This is ideal. It offers a fantastic blend of community focus and resources that can make a real difference.” For Xiomara, the work is meaningful because it lets her stay close to the people who might otherwise disappear into the gaps—patients who need someone to listen carefully, translate more than words, and help them feel seen.
What does Xiomara like to do when she’s not busy? Besides spending time with her brother, who’s a hockey player, and her mom, she’s also a big reader. When she can, she loves getting lost in a good mystery thriller. A friend has convinced her to try romance novels, and she’s giving them a shot, too. She likes to bake pastries and cakes when she has time. Plus, she loves eating out with friends and family and trying new foods from all over the world. Her goal is to try at least one dish from every place in the world.
She entered this field during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she enrolled in a STEM program at McKinley Technology High School and then found work at Mary’s Center, where she was a referral coordinator. She enjoyed the work and eventually found a position at Sibley Memorial Hospital, where she worked in the hematology and oncology ward. Interestingly, her primary role there was to assist Spanish-speaking individuals in setting up their appointments, consulting with them, and acting as an intermediary between patients and their doctors.
“What I discovered was that many people struggled to communicate, leading to frustration and preventing them from receiving the care they truly needed,” she says. She explains that when dealing with individuals who may not be well-versed in healthcare, who are scared, nervous, and unsure of whom to trust, it’s essential to meet them where they are. Language plays a significant role in this. Xiomara speaks several dialects of Spanish because, she explains, “even though I’m from El Salvador, I realized that a lot of people don’t speak the Spanish I do, and that there are various dialect variations within even Central America.”
She believes her empathy comes from her mother, who taught her that there should be no barriers between people and taught her to take care of her neighbors. Or, in her mother’s words, “When one person eats, two people eat.” Then, when Xiomara turned 17, these words gained more significance than mere maternal advice. This was because Xiomara had taken on the responsibility of raising her younger brother after her mother faced severe healthcare challenges. She helped him through middle school and high school. “It was challenging, but I felt it was something I could do. Yes, I spent a lot of time focused on my mother, helping my brother, going to work, and going to school,” she says, “but in the end, I saw that it was all worth it because I could see that the people important to me, my mother, and my brother, benefited tremendously.” She also received a lot of support from family and friends. “It’s always great to know you’re not going through things alone, with people who have your back,” she adds.
How did she get to PCC? Well, while she was at Hopkins, she appreciated the work and resources available, but she still felt a bit disconnected from the direct impact she could have on people’s lives. When PCC presented an opportunity that aligned perfectly with her aspirations, she thought, “This is ideal. It offers a fantastic blend of community focus and resources that can make a real difference.” For Xiomara, the work is meaningful because it lets her stay close to the people who might otherwise disappear into the gaps—patients who need someone to listen carefully, translate more than words, and help them feel seen.
What does Xiomara like to do when she’s not busy? Besides spending time with her brother, who’s a hockey player, and her mom, she’s also a big reader. When she can, she loves getting lost in a good mystery thriller. A friend has convinced her to try romance novels, and she’s giving them a shot, too. She likes to bake pastries and cakes when she has time. Plus, she loves eating out with friends and family and trying new foods from all over the world. Her goal is to try at least one dish from every place in the world.
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