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This Employee Resource Group is ‘Building a Sense of Familia’ at Interwell

Mariel Baluja
Mariel Baluja is a co-chair of LUNA

“You’re going to have a lot of fun,” Jaime Ortiz promised.

It was a Monday afternoon, and Ortiz, a renal care coordinator, was leading an online Zumba class from his dining room, which was decorated with colorful banners and a large Frida Kahlo painting.

Almost 50 Interwell Health employees had logged on to join him—lured by the prospect of dancing and moving together to a soundtrack of salsa, merengue, bachata, and cumbia music.

“Your office today is your dance space,” Ortiz told the group. “It’s your safe space!”

The class was organized by LUNA (Latinos Unidos Network and Allies), an Interwell Employee Resource Group (ERG), to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Building familia

LUNA has built upon activities like this to create what members describe as an inclusive, collaborative environment to advance – and celebrate – the Hispanic and Latino community at Interwell Health.

“It’s really all about building a sense of familia, or family,” explained Mariel Baluja, a senior manager in the project management office and a co-chair of LUNA. This sense of familia is bolstered by a “very active” group Slack channel where LUNA’s 50+ members can swap stories, recipes, photos, and guidance. “It’s been incredible to witness the camaraderie,” Baluja said.

“We have created an environment where relationship building is key. Our members share everything, from their reflections on the meaning of National Hispanic Heritage Month to photos of the baked goods they made over the weekend, health and family updates, networking opportunities, and everything in between.”

"It means we can observe and celebrate the contributions that Hispanics and Latinos have made throughout history. It's a time to learn about diverse cultures and connect with your heritage. It is a great feeling to honor our families and unite with our communities."

-Erika Ruiz

CKD Senior Specialist

"It's an opportunity for me to deepen my understanding of the challenges, historically and currently, facing Latinos. It's an opportunity to celebrate the differences that enrich us all and to learn how I can build bridges and amplify silenced voices."

-Scott Hickey

Clinical Manager

"It means it's our time to shine. The focus, it's on us – we get the opportunity to share in depth about our culture and our traditions, like dance, food, music, and how much we've contributed to society."

-Priscilla Duquette

Renal Service Coordinator

"Hispanic Heritage Month is a special time to celebrate and embrace our heritage, traditions, and history. It's an opportunity to share our traditions and it's a reminder of the importance of diversity."

-Mayra Garcia

Dietitian

"Para mi, es la oportunidad de celebrar las contribuciones en todos los aspectos – social, económico, y moral (valores) de los paises hispanohablantes."

-Jessie Bonilla Lopez

Renal Service Coordinator

"I'm lucky to have grown up in a blended family. My heritage is Puerto Rican and Cape Verdean, so I grew up eating all kinds of unique foods. The U.S. is a melting pot, but being able to share the foods of my heritage makes me appreciate what I have. I look forward to sharing my culture with my children."

-Alex Berrios

Engagement Specialist

Other, larger events — like a recent cooking class or a talk on the Latino Healthcare Experience led by CEO Bobby Sepucha and Chief Clinical Officer Carmen Peralta, MD — are specifically designed to connect members and carve out space for them to build rapport. “These events bring people together so they can meet and support each other, as well as learn,” Baluja said.

Expanding LUNA’s reach

ERGs like LUNA are an integral part of Interwell’s Corporate Social Responsibility platform, which offers a unifying vision for building a sustainable and equitable future within our organization and the communities we serve.

This vision is closely tied to LUNA’s future plans, Baluja said. “This year, we have been focusing on fostering internal relationships and encouraging our members to get engaged within the ERG. Next year, we want to take it outside of our walls. We want to be able to provide our members with mentorship and sponsorship opportunities, as well as community outreach opportunities. Now that we have a full leadership committee group, I look forward to seeing how we can grow into those spaces.”

A sense of belonging

At the end of the Zumba class, participants shared their enthusiasm in the Zoom chat. “This really got my heart rate up, and the music was great,” wrote one marketing manager. “I joined late. But wow—this was so fun,” said a director of operations.

This exuberant response is one Baluja is committed to continuing as LUNA looks into the future.

“We pride ourselves in bringing people together. We want members and allies to feel an immediate sense of joy and belonging.”


Corporate Social Responsibility at Interwell

Interwell Health’s Corporate Social Responsibility platform outlines our commitment to making a positive impact within our company and the communities we serve. Read more about our vision.

LUNA Leadership

Erika Ruiz, Co-Chair
Mariel Baluja, Co-Chair
Scott Hickey, Communications Chair
Jaime Ortiz, Membership Chair
Mayra Garcia, Activity and Events Chair
Alex Berrios, Community Outreach Chair
Carmen Peralta, MD, Executive Sponsor

Interwell Health is a kidney care management company that partners with physicians on its mission to reimagine healthcare – with the expertise, compassion, and vision to set the standard for the industry and help patients live their best lives.

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