Cinthia Saenz is a proud immigrant, moving from Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, to Gunnison 19 years ago, where she raised her three children. She has built deep ties to the Gunnison Valley and her community. She has held a leadership position in a grassroots immigrant community organizing for over 15 years.
In recognition of her efforts to promote social justice and immigrant integration, the City of Gunnison proclaimed February 27, 2024, as Cinthia Saenz Day. Cinthia’s experience was instrumental in creating the community resource center, Juntos por Gunnison, which helps the immigrant community integrate successfully into the valley.
Cinthia works as a bilingual patient navigator at Gunnison Valley Health. She supports Spanish and Cora patients in effectively navigating their healthcare. The bilingual navigator position is one component of a larger action plan designed to improve health equity, inclusion, and access for all Gunnison County residents. Cinthia is involved with numerous patient experience, behavioral health, and health equity initiatives at Gunnison Valley Health.
Before joining Gunnison Valley Health, Cinthia had ties to the health system both as a patient and a member of the Patient and Family Advisory Council. Her experiences as a patient are what shaped her desire to work in the health system and support her community to access local services. Cinthia also works as a certified medical interpreter.