Meet the Speakers

Leslie Montoya, originally from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, is an award-winning communicator and emotional intervention coach. She began her media career at the age of 15 and later earned a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Eastern Michigan University. During her 15 years at Univision, she received multiple recognitions, including an Emmy Award for Best Television Personality.

For over a decade, Leslie Montoya has been a certified coach and personal counselor, offering workshops that promote emotional and mental health. She also inspires through her podcast “Leslie Contigo” and her social media, where she shares tools for emotional well-being and personal growth.

Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Claudia Talamantez moved to Austin at a young age and has built a career in radio spanning more than 19 years. She has worked across multiple formats, including Spanish Adult Contemporary, Regional Mexican, and Latin Pop Hits.

Claudia is passionate about connecting with her audience both on-air and as a listener, and she actively supports causes such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the American Heart Association, SAFE Alliance, and Latinitas.

Marion Sánchez is the Corporate Manager of Community Engagement for the City of Austin, where she leads community engagement strategy and supports more than 500 professionals. With over 40 years of experience, Marion has driven major initiatives in public health, mobility, and the city budget.

Nationally recognized for her leadership in equity-focused community engagement, she has been honored by the U.S. Department of State, ICMA, and the Ash Center for Democratic Governance at Harvard University.

Iván Dávila is the Vice President of Marketing & Communications for Central Health, the public health care system serving Travis County residents with low income. With more than 20 years of experience in public health, nonprofit, and government communications, he ensures strategy is carried out across creative, content, engagement, and outreach teams, aligning communications with mission, equity, and community priorities.

Rooted in his lived experience as an immigrant helping his family navigate the U.S. health care system, Iván is committed to building institutions that are more human-centered and accountable. He led the engagement strategy to ensure community voice shaped Central Health’s 7-Year Strategic Plan and has developed campaigns recognized for their reach and impact. He is the founder of CAAST—the Coalition for Austin’s Arts and Spanish-Language Theatre—a Leadership Austin alumnus, and holds an Executive MBA from Baylor University.

Session 1, 10:20 a.m.

“Your heart, your core: take care of it with gusto” by Soledad “Sol” Bautiste

Sol will offer an engaging and supportive session about taking charge of your heart health.

We will talk about:

• The small, everyday steps you can take to prevent heart problems.
• Manage heart disease.
• Eating well.
• Staying active.

Whether you are living with heart disease, caring for someone who is, or simply want to keep your heart healthy, this session is for you.

Session 2, 11 a.m.

“With taste and health, let’s prevent diabetes” by Jose Carrasco

Jose will share a friendly and informative conversation about living well with diabetes. He will offer simple tips on:

• Healthy eating.
• Staying active.
• Managing stress.
• Resources available right here in our community.

Whether you are living with diabetes, supporting a loved one, or just want to learn more, this session is a chance to ask questions, get practical advice, and feel supported on your health journey.

Session 3, 12:35 p.m.

“Let’s talk calmly and without fear” by Clarena Tobon

Clarena will host an uplifting conversation on the importance of mental health and wellness. She will share her personal story about her mother’s journey immigrating to the U.S. and the challenges and strengths that shaped their family.

Together, we’ll explore how experiences like these affect mental health and learn about supportive practices and local resources to help us care for ourselves and our loved ones.