Jovelyn Castellanos, MHA of Health Wildcatters to be featured at DallasMeetup
📣 Just Announced 📣
DallasMeetup is ecstatic to announce that Jovelyn Castellanos, MHA, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Public Affairs at Health Wildcatters, is our latest Featured Networker to debut for DallasMeetup at Backyard Dallas! 🥳
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 300+ 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. 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.
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, 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. Her accolades include being named the 2021 Each Moment Matters honoree, Latino Leaders Magazine Rising Star, and the 2022 Women in Healthcare Rising Star, and The Rising Star Women Leaders in Healthcare for 2025, further underscoring her dedication to improving healthcare outcomes in communities through community building, STEM, advocacy and health innovation.
Make plans to meet Jovelyn and her team May 1st! Register here.
