2025 40 Under 40 Winners

Óscar successfully managed St. Joseph’s Foundation’s annual Fun Run/Walk for Wellness for the past three years, increasing revenue by 35% and participation by 23.5%, significantly enhancing community engagement. 

He was selected to present at the CommonSpirit Health Annual Philanthropy Summit, where he shared best practices on strategic stewardship with over 300 attendees. Óscar’s annual giving work contributed significantly to St. Joseph’s Foundation’s nomination for Foundation of the Year within the CommonSpirit Health system. 

Óscar completed the University of the Pacific’s Non-Profit Management Certification program, demonstrating his commitment to continuous professional development. 

I got into healthcare philanthropy because I wanted to make a meaningful impact by supporting initiatives that improve people’s lives and health outcomes. My passion for helping others, combined with my skills in building relationships and organizing events, naturally led me to fundraising in the healthcare field. I saw it as a way to blend my commitment to community with my professional strengths, enabling me to contribute to important causes while connecting with inspiring leaders and donors.

I chose to make healthcare philanthropy my career because I believe in the power of generosity to make a real difference. What makes it even more meaningful is that I get to do this work in the community I grew up in. There’s something special about giving back to a place that helped shape who I am. It feels personal. I love being able to connect people with causes that matter and seeing the impact it has, right here at home. It’s not about big gestures; it’s about doing meaningful work that helps people every day.

A crucial pivot point in my career was when I transitioned from general event planning to healthcare philanthropy. That shift happened because I realized I wanted my work to have a deeper, more lasting impact on people’s lives. Moving into healthcare fundraising challenged me to develop new skills, like building meaningful donor relationships and understanding complex medical needs, but it also opened doors to incredible opportunities, like working with influential leaders and supporting life-changing initiatives. That step not only shaped my professional path but also reinforced my commitment to making a real difference through my career.

My greatest passion is helping others because it gives my life and work real meaning. I’m inspired every day by my husband, Daniel, who constantly pushes me to be better. Helping others isn’t necessarily a part of his professional career, but he shows up selflessly for the people he loves in quiet, powerful ways. Watching him do amazing things purely out of love reminds me why I chose this path. Through healthcare philanthropy, event planning, or simply being present for someone in need, I strive to create that same kind of impact. His example fuels my passion and reminds me that kindness, whether in quiet, everyday moments or through big, bold actions, has the power to change lives.

My advice for someone new to healthcare philanthropy is to focus on building genuine relationships. It’s not just about asking for donations, it’s about understanding the stories behind the causes and connecting with people on a personal level. Listen carefully, be patient, and stay curious about the impact your work can have. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn from experienced mentors. Healthcare philanthropy is both challenging and incredibly rewarding, and the stronger your relationships, the more meaningful your impact will be.