Breaking barriers: Marcela Serrano's vision for Latina empowerment
By Katie Cain, Intermountain Health Internal Communications Manager
Marcela Serrano, MD, Peaks Region medical director of Primary Care, is both a doctor and a visionary advocate for Latina empowerment. With a fervent dedication to breaking down barriers, she's taking part in initiatives to encourage Latina girls to pursue higher education. Through these efforts, she's not only transforming individual lives but also shaping a brighter future for entire communities.
Recently, Serrano presented at Latina Village, an annual event focused on developing leaders, elevating the voices of Latinas and increasing the number of successful Latina professionals and entrepreneurs who graduate college.
Serrano was one of five Latina women speakers who excel in their respective fields, including finance, education, the arts and more. She was invited to speak by Rocio Duran, the founder of Latina Village, whose goal is to support, develop and mentor Latina girls with the hope that they’ll go on to higher education and have great careers.
“I was honored that she asked me to participate and share my story of growth and success in the healthcare field,” Serrano said.
She shared her personal journey as a graduate of the University of Chihuahua School of Medicine in Mexico. She then completed her residency in Family Medicine at Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces, NM, and a fellowship in Gynecology from the University of Illinois in Peoria. She joined legacy SCL Health in 2012 and stayed until 2017. After working for Denver Health, she rejoined the organization in 2019.
“When I was in med school in Mexico, I remember a class where the room was divided by males and females,” Serrano said. “The professor told the males they would be successful and told the females they would be wives and mothers, which stuck with me. I want Latina girls to know that being a female is empowering and it doesn’t define what you can do in your life and career. Things won’t always be easy or fair, and there will be many roadblocks that they’ll have to continue working through, but if they’re passionate about where they want to go, they should never give up.”
Serrano said if she could advise Latina girls it would be with two words: “persistence” and “networking.” She explained how as a female minority, doors don’t always open as easily, so you must try over and over again.
“I always tell people that if someone tells you no, ask why and really listen to their feedback because it will only help you improve and get you closer to the goals you’ve set for yourself,” she said.
Intermountain Health offers eight Caregiver Resource Groups, which are caregiver-led advisory groups drawn together by common causes or shared life experiences that provide insight relating to traditionally underrepresented populations. The Multicultural CRG is a sanctuary for communities of color. This group offers support to members as they contribute to educating the greater Intermountain community about the needs and experiences of ethnically diverse caregivers, patients, members and consumers. Learn more here.