Jovelyn Castellanos, MHA
Director of Strategic Initiatives and Public Affairs at Health Wildcatters
Jovelyn Castellanos is a dynamic leader in healthcare and health innovation, committed to
advancing accessible healthcare solutions that enhance community health through technology,
innovation, advocacy, media, and strategic communications.As the Director of Strategic
Initiatives and Public Affairs at Health Wildcatters, she leads key initiatives and strategic
communications, including the Women in Science and Healthcare (WISH) Network which has
grown to a community of over 500+ women since its inception in August 2022. Through the
support from the Small Business Administration in 2024, WISH continues to equip current and
aspiring female entrepreneurs in STEM and healthcare, and has expanded its reach to seven
academic institutions across North Texas and Waco. A mission-driven professional, she
leverages her bilingual background and extensive community engagement experience to build
trust, serve underrepresented communities, and drive systemic change through innovative
approaches and advocacy.
With a background in Public Affairs and Community Relations, she has contributed significantly
to renowned healthcare institutions such as UTSW, ranked as the No. 1 hospital in Texas in
2023, and Parkland Health, one of the largest public health hospitals in the nation.
In the realm of community development, Ms. Castellanos has played a pivotal role in healthcare,
economic development, education, and workforce initiatives. She spearheaded Parkland
Health’s vaccine education and outreach initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic across
Dallas County, fostering relationships with community leaders, strategic executives, nonprofits,
and grassroots initiatives. These efforts led to minority communities of color and special
populations, including refugee, immigrant, and migrant communities, getting vaccinated and
receiving access to care through creative programming approaches and partnerships with
organizations such as Dallas Independent School District, Dallas County, International Rescue
Committee, United Nations, and City of Dallas’s Welcoming Communities and Immigrant Affairs.
Alongside outreach and education, Ms. Castellanos also was part of the leadership strategy
group leading the COVID-19 Latino Task Force. She co-founded the Refugee/Immigrant/Migrant
COVID-19 Task, which led to over 2,000+ vaccinations in the Vickery Meadows community in
partnership with the City of Dallas, Dallas County, International Rescue Committee, Refugee
Services of Texas, and grassroots initiatives. She leveraged her bilingual background to access
media outlets and increase health resources and screening access through media segments,
radio segments, and educational programming. Ms. Castellanos’s ability to bridge cultural gaps
and build trust through creative strategies has not only increased healthcare accessibility but
also empowered these communities to actively participate in shaping their well-being, while also
creating strategic partnerships through her relationships.
With dual Master’s degrees in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Healthcare Leadership &
Management, Jovelyn combines a scientific research-driven perspective with practical expertise
to drive meaningful change. Beyond her profession, Jovelyn is a dedicated mentor and active
community leader. She supports young professionals and aspiring STEM leaders through UT
Austin’s STEM Muse Program, guiding the next generation in their career paths. She has
inspired hundreds of students and professionals as a public speaker in STEM and healthcare
innovation, sharing her journey as a first-generation college graduate and professional with
students in the community.She also leads STEM workshops for girls through GirlStart, inspiring
the next generation by sharing her passion for science and technology.
She is also a Dana Juett Residency Alumni and a Partner at Social Venture Partners Dallas,
focusing on philanthropy, collaboration, and social impact in the city. She actively serves on
community coalitions and several boards, including as Former Chair of the SMU Hispanic
Alumni Board, a member of the Harmony Public Schools North Texas Advisory Board, the
Latina Professionals Mental Health Executive Steering Committee, Springboard Enterprises’
Healthcare and Technology Council, and the Texas Health Community Impact Dallas and
Kaufman Leadership Council. In her role with the council, she provides strategic guidance in
allocating over $1 million annually in grants to community organizations focused on health
equity, community well-being, and healthcare innovation.
Jovelyn was recently selected for the prestigious 2025 Leadership Women – Texas cohort, one
of the nation’s longest-running and most esteemed statewide leadership development
programs. As one of just 90 exceptional women competitively chosen from across Texas, her
selection highlights her outstanding leadership at the local, state, and global levels.honoree.
She has been featured in the media, including Hispanic Executive Next Gen Collective and was
an active 2024 Voting Campaign Ambassador in “Vota Campaign” for Spanish Television
Network- Univision.
Her accolades include being named to the Dallas Business Journal’s 2025 “40 Under 40” list,
the 2021 Each Moment Matters honoree, a “Rising Star” honoree by Latino Leaders Magazine,
the 2022 Women in Healthcare Rising Star, and the 2025 Rising Star Women Leaders in
Healthcare. These recognitions underscore her unwavering commitment to advancing
healthcare outcomes through community building, STEM, advocacy, and health innovation.
In her free time Jovelyn loves to learn and read, play the violin, spend time with her family, and
explore the city.