East Harlem Council for Human Services, Inc. Annual Gala – Celebrating 61 Years

Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Urban Health Plan (UHP), one of the largest community health center networks in New York State and a nationally recognized leader in promoting health equity. She is a visionary and a respected thought leader who has dedicated her career to enhancing access to high-quality, affordable healthcare while addressing the social drivers of health that impact the communities served by UHP.

Under Paloma’s leadership, UHP has expanded from a single health center in the South Bronx to a network of 13 federally qualified health centers located throughout the Bronx, Central Harlem, and Corona, Queens. Additionally, UHP operates 12 school-based health centers, two mental health facilities, three WIC sites and a variety of many other grant-funded programs. Today, UHP provides health care services to over 90,000 patients each year.

Paloma believes that meeting basic needs is essential for individuals to achieve optimal health. She co-founded the Hunts Point Longwood Community Coalition, which, at a very micro neighborhood level, comprises key community stakeholders who help integrate social and human service programs to address food insecurity, housing issues, and job preparedness. Additionally, she has spearheaded significant community development projects and partnerships, understanding that economic growth and sustainability are crucial for reducing health disparities. In 2015, she enhanced UHP’s role in local development by incorporating the Greater Hunts Point Economic Development Corporation as a wholly owned subsidiary of the organization.

With great pride, Paloma continues the work and vision of her late father, Dr. Richard Izquierdo, UHP’s founder. In 2010, she, together with Dr. Izquierdo and Urban Health Plan, established the Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health & Science Charter School to address educational gaps and create a pipeline for future health professionals. The school has graduated over 700 students, has consistently achieved high college acceptance rates, and is building opportunities for the next generation, including serving on the school’s own board of trustees.

Under her leadership, a culture of patient-centered care, teamwork, and continuous improvement has thrived at UHP. As a result, the organization has received national recognition, including designations as a high-performing health center, exceptional performance in clinical measures, and numerous awards for innovation and quality. In 2025, UHP celebrated new and expanded partnerships under her leadership, including the launch of an ACGME-accredited Community Psychiatry Residency Program to address the growing need for mental health services. This year, Paloma also oversaw the completion of UHP’s newest health center in the Bronx, Plaza San Juan. This state-of-the-art, 52,000-square-foot healthcare facility expands access to quality primary care by significantly increasing the amount of subspecialty medical care provided to its patients. The four-story health center will also contribute to economic development and environmental renewal in the area.

Paloma, who was raised in the Bronx, is a graduate of Boston College. She holds a Master of Science in Speech Pathology from Columbia University’s Teachers College and a Master of Public Health from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health.

She has also been awarded honorary doctoraldegrees from Boston College, the Metropolitan College of New York, and Mercy University.Paloma serves on multiple local and national boards and currently chairs the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). In 2024, she was inducted into the Bronx WalkofFame and received the People’s Choice Award in Healthcare. She remains deeply committedtoadvancing Urban Health Plan’s mission and ensuring healthier, more equitable futures forallcommunities.