Emilio Nares Foundation

✨ Employee Spotlight: Amanda Rodriguez, Development Operations Associate ✨ 1️⃣ Why did you choose to work at ENF? I started volunteering at ENF when I was 11, so the mission has always been close to my heart. Transitioning from finance to the non-profit world felt like a natural fit because of the deep connection I already had with the team and the work we do here. It just made sense to bring my skills to a cause I’m so passionate about. 2️⃣ Favorite part of working at ENF? The people! We’re a small but mighty team, and everyone is truly dedicated to the cause. It's incredibly rewarding to be part of something that makes a real difference every day, and the sense of community here feels like family. 3️⃣ What do you do in your free time? I love spending time with my husband and traveling. Our honeymoon in Italy was one of the best trips we’ve taken—we got to experience so much of the culture, food, and history. Traveling is our way of recharging and gaining new perspectives, and it’s something that always keeps life exciting.

✨ Employee Spotlight: Blanca Lopez, Orange County Driver ✨ 1️⃣ Why did you choose ENF? My passion has been working with special needs kids ever since I was a child, and I believe I chose the right option. 2️⃣ Why have you enjoyed working here so far? I feel that I am treated very well, fairly, and genuinely by my peers and the families that I serve as well. I feel at home being here. 3️⃣ What do you like to do during your free time? I love to work tending to my garden during my free time and watching it grow. I grow colorful seasonal flowers as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. 🌟 Blanca, your dedication, kindness, and passion for helping others truly shine through in everything you do. We are so grateful to have you as part of our ENF family! 🌟

✨ Employee Spotlight: Manuela Espinoza, Orange County Driver ✨ 1️⃣ Why did you choose ENF? I chose ENF because of the mission of the foundation and to help out the families in need. 2️⃣ What have you enjoyed working here so far? The satisfaction of seeing how cared for the families are and being a part of it. 3️⃣ What do you like to do during your free time? I love to go outside and enjoy walking on the beach enjoying the sun. 🌟 Manuela, thank you for your hard work and dedication! You are a key part of our team, and we are so grateful for everything you do for the families we serve. 🌟

Let’s take a moment to appreciate Juan Carlos Flores, our fantastic San Diego Driver! Here’s a little about him: 1️⃣ Why ENF? "I chose ENF because I wanted to give back to families in the community, and driving is something I truly enjoy." 2️⃣ What’s been the best part of working here? "I love the positive environment and how well we all work together as a team. Everyone is supportive, no matter the challenge." 3️⃣ Fun Fact: "In my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and cruising on my motorcycle." Juan Carlos, thank you for your unwavering commitment and hard work. We’re so fortunate to have you on our team!

Join us in welcoming our new San Diego Driver, Ernesto Bayona! We’re excited to have him on board. Here’s a little about Ernesto: 1️⃣ Why ENF? "The only few days that I have been providing my services as a driver have been a pleasure." 2️⃣ What’s been the best part so far? "The service they offer towards these families seems to me to be a very noble foundation and speaks of the human quality of each of the people who participate in it." 3️⃣ Fun Fact: "I have 3 hobbies: riding a motorcycle, swimming, and hiking." We’re thrilled to have Ernesto as part of our team and look forward to the positive impact he will continue to make!

Join us in recognizing Ruben Acosta, our fantastic Imperial Valley Driver! We’re grateful to have him on the team. Here’s a little about Ruben: 1️⃣ Why ENF? "I started working at ENF because I wanted to serve families in the community and I enjoy being a driver." 2️⃣ What’s been the best part so far? "I like the environment, I get along well with everyone, and it is a great team." 3️⃣ Fun Fact: "I enjoy spending time with my family and cruising around on my motorcycle." Ruben, thank you for your dedication and hard work! We’re lucky to have you as part of our team and look forward to many more successes together!

Join us in welcoming our new Programs Assistant, Alexander Carrillo! We are thrilled to have him on board. Here’s a little about Alexander: 1️⃣ Why ENF? "I chose ENF because I believe in the organization and the mission behind it. I wanted to be part of something that truly made a difference and I found that here." 2️⃣ What’s been the best part so far? "One of the things I’ve enjoyed the most working at ENF is being part of a team that feels like a family. No matter what challenge arises, we always work as a team to handle it efficiently." 3️⃣ Fun Fact: "During my free time, I enjoy studying fashion—whether that be by sewing, watching documentaries, or sourcing and archiving vintage designer items for future generations to enjoy." We’re excited to have Alexander as part of the team and look forward to all the great things ahead! #EmployeeAppreciation #ENF #EmployeeSpotlight

🌟 Employee Spotlight: Monica Martinez Director of Development 🌟 1️⃣ Why did you join ENF? “I joined Emilio Nares Foundation because I believe in the power of holistic, community-driven support. Health outcomes aren’t just about medical care—factors like income, transportation, and language barriers play a huge role. Families navigating pediatric cancer face overwhelming challenges, and I wanted to be part of a team that addresses not just the patient’s needs, but the entire family’s well-being. ENF’s wraparound services—like Ride with Emilio for transportation, the Family Resource Center for bilingual support, and the End-of-Life Program—ensure families aren’t alone in their journey. By tackling social drivers of health, we break down barriers so families can focus on what matters most: their child’s care. I joined to help expand these programs, build partnerships, and ensure no family has to face these struggles alone.” 2️⃣ Why do you love working here? “I love and appreciate the dedication and passion of each of our team members to serve the families and walk this journey alongside them. I value having a leader that believes in empowering her team to get to the next level of their career.” 3️⃣ What do you love to do in your free time? “Enjoy quality time with my husband and my two Frenchies.” Thank you, Monica, for your dedication to making a difference in the lives of families! 💙 #EmployeeAppreciation #ENFFamily

Meet our Director of Programs, Luz Quiroga! 🌟 1️⃣ Why did you choose ENF? "I chose ENF because of my personal experience with my child’s childhood cancer journey. It inspired me to make a meaningful difference in the world and support families facing similar challenges." 2️⃣ Why have you enjoyed working here so far? "I’ve really enjoyed working here because of the supportive team and the opportunity to contribute to programs that positively impact families. Seeing the difference we make—whether through transportation services, social connections, or providing essential support—has been incredibly rewarding." 3️⃣ What do you like to do during your free time? "In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my son. I also love being involved in creative or hands-on projects, like knitting and crochet, which help me unwind and connect with others. Supporting other causes through volunteering is a meaningful part of my life." Luz's personal experience as a mother led her to help create the Emilio Nares Foundation, driven by her desire to support families on a similar journey. We’re so lucky to have you, Luz!

Meet our Family Resource Center Coordinator, Gaby Perez-Vargas, who has been with us for an incredible 18 years! 🌟 1️⃣ Why ENF? ‘I choose to work with the Emilio Nares Foundation because I deeply resonate with its mission to provide critical support to families facing childhood cancer. The compassion, dedication, and hands-on care they offer are powerful forces for good in a world where families need it the most.’ 2️⃣ Favorite part of working at ENF? ‘I feel incredibly fortunate to work with such compassionate colleagues who always go above and beyond to support not just each other, but also our families. Their unwavering care and dedication truly make a difference, and it’s inspiring to be part of a team where everyone genuinely looks out for one another.’ 3️⃣ When she’s not working at ENF… ‘I find peace and creativity in the simple joys of life – whether it’s tending to my garden, watching it bloom with vibrant colors, knitting together warm, comforting pieces, or taking in the beauty of San Diego as I stroll through its lively streets.’ We’re so grateful for your 18 years of dedication! #EmployeeAppreciationDay #ENFTeam