Biography

Elizabeth Amaya-Fernandez, MPH, is a seasoned public health professional with over 25 years of experience in health equity, training and education, and program leadership. As a Senior Public Health Advisor at the Larson Institute of Health Impact at the University of Nevada, Reno, they lead initiatives to advance cultural humility and develop Spanish-language training programs for community health workers and doulas. Liz has also served as the Policy Lead for the Black & LGBTQ Youth Mental Health Initiative. Their expertise includes curriculum design, grant writing and management, and providing technical assistance to public health organizations.

Liz’s career spans roles such as wellness coordinator, capacity building assistance provider, and program director, where they have implemented culturally responsive programming in higher education, community health, and public policy settings. They have managed numerous federally funded grants, focusing on HIV prevention, youth mental health, and health disparities. Fluent in English and Spanish, Liz is a sought-after trainer on topics like social justice, harm reduction, and health equity, and she brings a comprehensive approach to fostering inclusive, impactful public health strategies.

Expertise

• Health Equity and Cultural Competency: Expertise in advancing health equity through cultural humility, anti-racism training, and public health advocacy.
• Program Development and Evaluation: Skilled in designing, implementing, and evaluating health programs, including curriculum development and training for diverse audiences.
• Grant Writing and Management: Extensive experience in securing and managing federally funded grants.
• Public Health Education and Training: Proficient in training development, facilitation, and teaching, with fluency in English and Spanish.