International Children's Foundation
Going back to the Dominican Republic while I was the Chief Executive Officer for the International Children's Heart Foundation (ICHF) was one of my most proud experiences as an adult. The mission and goal of the organization is to build child cardiology centers and programs in developing nations. I was blessed to work and build a program in the country where I called home during my early years. Knowing this was going to save children's lives was extremely satisfying and emotional, emotional because I could have been and was one of those children. Come to think of it, very little separated them from me.
Before starting the assignment at ICHF, I knew very little about child cardiology and the heart alone. I remember the founder of the organization Dr. William Novic (someone who I respect tremendously) sitting across from me at the table saying, "Alberto, we don't need another doctor we already have a Medical Director, me, what we need is an executive to help us move forward in a more strategic and powerful position, we need an administrator". At that moment, I knew ICHF was my next challenge.
I traveled around the world from Central/South America to Eastern Europe to drive our mission. My direct assignment was to open new countries, negotiate with heads of states and countries to save children with congenital heart disease. Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal Article.
Ecuador- This was the first trip I took with the team as the CEO and ironically this little one was the first girl under the age of 5 to make me cry which as many can attest is almost impossible.
This is what it looks like when you're told your little guy is sicker than you thought.
After this trip to Ecuador, the ICHG mission and my team had me. Dr. Novic knew exactly what he was doing by asking me to take this trip. They had me...
Lil ol'me addressing the national media in the Dominican Republic with the Vice President of the country.
Moldova
Look at this face, she lived in an orphanage and was waiting for her little hear to get fixed.
Minister of Health for Honduras.
Horrible picture all the way around but still worth it.
During a media tour in Quito.
