🌄 From the Andes to Iowa: Honoring the Spirit of Sacrifice on Cesar Chavez Day 🌽

On Sunday, March 30, 2025, MyHealthIowa-MiSaludIowa joined the community at the Eddie Davis Community Center in West Des Moines to celebrate the life and legacy of Cesar Chavez — a leader who taught us the power of collective action, dignity, and perseverance.

As part of this special day, we were deeply proud to recognize our own Dr. Jimmy Reyes, Executive Director of MyHealthIowa-MiSaludIowa, for his unwavering leadership and commitment to community health.

Dr. Reyes was honored with a special award presented by Des Moines University medical students and administration, alongside recognition from the City of West Des Moines — a testament to his profound impact on both healthcare and human rights in our state.

His journey is a powerful one — shaped by deep roots of resilience and sacrifice. Dr. Reyes often speaks of his grandmother Aniceta, who was born in a small village high in the mountains of Peru — a place without paved roads or modern comforts, but filled with strength, love, and unwavering spirit. At just 14 years old, she left everything she knew to build a future for her family in Lima. Her courage and sacrifice laid the foundation for the generations that followed — including Dr. Reyes, who carries her legacy forward in his work every day.

From these humble beginnings, Dr. Reyes has become one of Iowa’s most passionate advocates for underserved communities. As a nurse, educator, and Latino leader, he has broken barriers and opened doors, always grounded in compassion and cultural humility. Whether in exam rooms, classrooms, or boardrooms, Dr. Reyes brings people together to build a healthier, more just future for all.

At MyHealthIowa-MiSaludIowa, we see his leadership in action every day — from empowering Spanish-speaking families to navigate the healthcare system, to mentoring future health professionals, to shaping policies that ensure no one is left behind.

💙 Congratulations, Dr. Reyes, on this well-deserved recognition. Your story — rooted in Aniceta’s sacrifice and your family’s strength — continues to inspire countless others to rise, to lead, and to serve. We are honored to walk alongside you in this work.

Let us all remember that justice is not a one-day event — it is a lifelong commitment. And thanks to leaders like Dr. Reyes, we are moving forward, together.

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