Humans of NHC: Isabella Avedikian

Isabella Avedikian is the Workforce Development Director with Central Valley Health Network – a health consortium that advocates for health centers in our region of California. As the workforce development director, Isabella works on various youth pipeline programs. One program, known as AHEC scholars helps those in health professions programs to gain additional knowledge in key areas via didactic and experiential education. Another program, known as the Growing Health Leaders Conferences, is a daylong event that invites high school students from areas that are medically underserved to explore various fields in healthcare. These programs serve to strengthen the Valley’s healthcare workforce. Isabella’s passion for her role stems from her upbringing in the Central Valley as she saw firsthand the health disparities and inequities that were happening in her community. As she was getting her degree at Fresno State, she was able to learn the reasoning for these inequities and became passionate about how she could meet those needs. Through her work in rural underserved areas – specifically Kings/Tulare County – she was able to reach people who have a greater need and provide them with education and access to care. Her strong values in community and family continue to drive her work and personal passion for more widespread healthcare access.