ABOUT EMPODÉRATE
The LGBTQ Health Program is La Clinica’s strategy to address stigma and discrimination based on gender identity and/or sexual orientation.
The Empodérate Centers build on La Clínica’s history of fighting the HIV epidemic in the Latinx community through programs that create a safe and supportive space to strengthen individuals and the community.
As part of La Clinica’s Community Health Action Department, the Empoderate Center offers: information, resources and access to essential and social and support services so you can take care of your health in a friendly and safe environment. At the Empoderate Center you can access leadership groups, individual counseling, HIV and other STI testing, navigation to medical and essential support services, workshops, recreational activities, educational and support groups, and a variety of community events.
Visit us, all our services are free, confidential, and in your language!
Together we build a healthy Latino community through culturally appropriate health services, aimed at those who need them most.
OUR PROUD STAFF
ALE MOZ
LGBTQ Health Educator & Navigator
About her
Name: Ale Moz
Pronouns: She/ Hers
Country of Birth: El Salvador
Why do you choose to work at Empoderate? I chose to work at Empoderate because I felt identifed since the very first time that I visited the program.
What’s a fun/interesting fact about you many people may not know? I speak a little German.
Work cell phone number: 202-321-7507
FREDY FERRUFINO
LGBTQ Health Program Coordinator
About him
Name: Fredy Ariel Ferrufino Cruz
Pronouns: He, Him, his, himself
Country of Birth: Honduras
Why do you choose to work at Empoderate?: I chose to work at Empoderate because I love helping, understanding, and learning from people, especially within the Latino community. I believe in the mission of the program. I think that Empoderate is the best fit for me since we focus on providing sexual health education and services to the Latino LGBTQ+ community and other groups that are considered minorities in the DMV area.
What’s a fun/interesting fact about you many people may not know? An interesting fact about me is that I love dancing and building new things with my friends.
Work cell phone number: (202) 870-6615
JEFFRY LEMUS
Community Health Worker
About him
Name: Jeffry Lemus
Pronouns: He/him/ his
Country of Birth: El Salvador
Why do you choose to work at Empoderate? Because I can help other people, especially LGBTQ Latinx people. As an immigrant myself, I know the struggle and how difficult it is when individuals move to the US, they will face a lot of barriers to access healthcare, food, housing, job opportunities, and education. They don’t know the language; therefore, won’t be able to access those services. By simply helping people to schedule an appointment to medical/social services or helping them with interpretation from English to Spanish, you get a feeling of satisfaction that comes with helping others. I also like what Empoderate is about, being a safe space for LGBTQ individuals in the DMV area, where they can be themselves without being judged because of the way they identify, act or dress. Also, Empodérate is a place where they can learn and discuss topics that are important to them and our communities.
What’s a fun/interesting fact about you many people may not know? I don’t like coffee, but I do love the smell of it.
Work cell phone number: (202) 870-7472
JUAN MANUEL RODRIGUEZ
LGBTQ Health Program Manager
About him
Name: Juan Manuel Rodriguez
Pronouns: He, Him
Country of Birth: Cuba
Why do you choose to work at Empoderate? Giving back is a big part of my personal philosophy and I’m excited to work for an organization that feels the same way. I’m really grateful to be able to come to work every day to a place where I know not only are my technical skills valuable, but my personal philosophies are as well.
What’s a fun/interesting fact about you many people may not know? I’m still very close with my friends from high school, even though we moved to different countries and live hundreds of miles away.
Work telephone number: (202) 507-4803
JOANNA ALEJANDRO
LGBTQ Health Educator & Navigator
About her
Name: Joanna Alejandro
Pronouns: She, Her, Hers
Country of Birth: Mexico
Why do you choose to work at Empoderate? I chose to work at Empoderate because I am passionate about immigrant rights, community health, and health equity. I enjoy helping others and wanted to continue working with and impacting the Latinx community. At Empoderate I can serve LGBTQ+ Latinx community and assist them in reaching goals and addressing their needs.
What’s a fun/interesting fact about you many people may not know? An interesting fact about me is that I served as Peace Corps Volunteer in Nicaragua. While there I made many life lasting friendships. I enjoyed it so much that I extended my service and lived there for about four years.
Work cell phone number: 202-423-4852
KELLY REYNA
Community Health Worker
About her
Name: Kelly Reyna
Pronouns: She/her/hers, Ella
Country of Birth: United States
Why do you choose to work at Empoderate? I enjoy learning from our clients and seeing them grow into the best versions of themselves.
What’s a fun/interesting fact about you many people may not know? I love coffee and tea! My favorite coffee & tea shops in DC are Calabash Tea & Tonic, Potter’s House, and Tryst.
Work cell phone number: (202) 923-8529
YESENIA OBANDO
Community Health Worker
About her
Name: Yesenia D Obando
Pronouns: Her/She/Ella
Country of Birth: United States
Why do you choose to work at Empoderate? I choose to work at Empoderate to help the community as much as we can. I love learning and expanding my knowledge of what’s going on in the community. Also, doing HIV tests, allow me to connect with so many people.
What’s a fun/interesting fact about you many people may not know? I LOVE to cook. I get shy cooking in-front of people but when I’m alone I know how to throw down a good dish.
Work cell phone number: 202-870-7474
LA CASA COMMUNITY HEALTH ACTION CENTER
(202) 507-4800
3166 Mt Pleasant St. NW, Washington, DC 20010
Monday-Friday from 9am to 6pm
EMPODERATE LANGLEY PARK
