BOARD MEMBERS
Blanca Esquivel
Executive director
Blanca Arellano brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and program development to the Sisters Esquivel Foundation. Fluent in English and Spanish, she connects individuals and families with resources and builds partnerships that strengthen underserved communities. During eight years with Hope Through Housing Foundation, she served as a Regional Director overseeing community programs across Southern California, including budget and grant management, staff development, and strategic planning. Earlier, she was a Finance Analyst with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Inspired by her family's experience with cancer, Blanca co-founded SEF alongside her sisters. A mother of three and one of 11 siblings, she draws strength from her faith and is committed to ensuring that no one faces cancer alone.
Griselda Esquivel
vice president
Griselda was born in Durango, Mexico, and raised in the United States. One of 11 siblings, she works in healthcare and is a community leader who coaches and guides women to overcome personal struggles and find balance. Her own journey through stage 3 endometrial cancer, surrounded by her sisters, inspired the foundation.
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Maria Esquivel Ureña
clinical director
Maria Ureña is a healthcare executive, nurse practitioner, serial entrepreneur, and community leader with more than 32 years of experience improving healthcare and empowering communities. Her career spans emergency and urgent care, pediatrics, and medical-surgical nursing, and grew into healthcare administration and executive leadership. As a Senior Director, she led initiatives in population health, quality, and chronic disease management, and worked with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement on a disease management program for safety-net providers. She has served on local, regional, and statewide boards and co-founded a Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in the Coachella Valley. Maria is the founder of Divine Rejuvenation Medical Aesthetics & Wellness and a co-founder of the Sisters Esquivel Foundation. Inspired by her mother, Bartola, she is helping build a legacy of service, dignity, and hope for families impacted by cancer. "Join us in becoming the light someone needs. Together, we can turn compassion into action and ensure that families facing cancer know they are never alone."
Berta Esquivel Becerra
DIRECTOR
Berta serves as a Director of the Sisters Esquivel Foundation and is one of the sisters whose support for one another inspired its work. She is committed to ensuring that no one struggles with cancer alone.
Dina Esquivel
DIRECTOR
Dina is one of the seven Esquivel sisters whose bond of sisterhood gave rise to the Sisters Esquivel Foundation. As a Director, she helps carry forward its mission that no one should face cancer alone.
Teresa Razo
DIRECTOR
Teresa serves as a Director of the Sisters Esquivel Foundation, supporting its mission to provide compassionate help for the other part of the fight that often goes unseen.
Silvia Esquivel
HONORARY DIRECTOR
Silvia serves as Honorary Director of the Sisters Esquivel Foundation and is one of the sisters whose bond of sisterhood inspired its mission. Her presence reflects the love and unity at the heart of the foundation.
Mission And Vision
We are dedicated to building a global sisterhood of strength and hope, ensuring no one struggles with cancer alone.
We provide real help for the other part of the fight; addressing the emotional, spiritual, and practical needs often overlooked during treatment.
Through community and shared resilience, we transform the isolated journey of cancer into one of hope, courage, and collective healing.
Together, we stand in solidarity so every person struggling with cancer knows they are never alone.
About The
Sisters Esquivel Foundation
GRISELDA'S STORY
"I am your voice,
you are my voice!
I am not the only one,
and I know
I won’t be the last."
Griselda Silva, born in Durango, Mexico and raised in the United States, is one of 11 siblings who grew up navigating a mixture of cultures. As a full-time employee in healthcare and a community leader, she dedicates her time to coaching and guiding women, helping them overcome personal struggles and find balance in life.
In July 2021, Griselda was diagnosed with stage 3 endometrial cancer. Despite undergoing treatments, her work with the women's group and community outreach did not stop. This experience gave her a new perspective on vulnerability and resilience. Griselda's battle with cancer has only strengthened her resolve to help others, reminding her of the power of perseverance in the face of seemingly impossible challenges.
Seven Sisters, One Vision:
United by one sister's cancer journey, these seven women transformed their bond into a mission.
Now, as our board, they extend the gift of sisterhood to all facing cancer.
We honor the courageous sisters who inspired our mission but lost their battle with cancer. Their strength, love, and spirit live on through our work. This page is dedicated to their enduring legacy—forever our guiding lights in the Sisters Esquivel Foundation's journey.
Rememberance
