Irina Polanco Ventura
Fair Lawn,NJ
Summary
Experienced public health professional with over 20 years of expertise in spearheading transformative community health initiatives. Proficient in project management, program innovation, and cultivating robust partnerships with community and hospital stakeholders. Adept at collaborating with C-suite executives, managing grants, budgets, contracts, and strategic planning. Demonstrated success in working with government agencies, private foundations, advocacy organizations, and managed care organizations. Committed to improving health equity for underserved populations. Recognized for exceptional leadership, program development, policy advocacy, and fostering enduring relationships vital to advancing public health objectives. Bilingual in Spanish, skilled in developing and implementing impactful programs tailored to diverse audiences.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Public Health Initiatives
Partnership For Maternal And Child Health Of NNJ
09.2019 - Current
- Manage a $1.5M annual budget : Directed financial planning and resource allocation for maternal and child health initiatives, ensuring fiscal responsibility and optimal impact.
- Oversee a team of 20 staff members : Led and developed a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
- Direct a portfolio of over 10 grant projects : Simultaneously administered federal, state, and private grants, successfully driving project goals and enhancing community health outcomes.
- Spearhead grant acquisition : Wrote grants and renewals. Secured funding from government agencies and private foundations, expanding program reach and sustainability.
- Collaborate with key stakeholders : Engaged with organizational leadership, community stakeholders, and healthcare leadership to align operational strategy with community health needs.
- Optimized budget management : Ensured effective use of resources and maintained financial stability, supporting the longevity and efficiency of health initiatives.
Manager, Perinatal Mood Disorders Initiative
Partnership For Maternal And Child Health Of NNJ
07.2012 - 09.2019
- Directed grant fulfillment for NJ Department of Health : Successfully met and exceeded grant requirements, securing ongoing funding and support for perinatal mental health programs.
- Co-created the Emotional Health Phone Support Program : Developed and implemented a vital mental health service, providing support and referrals to over 5,000 perinatal individuals annually.
- Conference Planning/Logistics : Organized and managed major public health conferences with national/international speakers and over 350 attendees.
- Professional Presentations: Delivered impactful presentations at national forums, including the American Public Health Association, to inform about innovated maternal and child health programs.
Coordinator, Perinatal Mental Health and Prof Ed.
Northern NJ Maternal And Child Health Consortium
04.2008 - 07.2012
- Created and led regional task forces : Established and chaired the Postpartum Depression and Breastfeeding task forces, mobilizing healthcare providers across Northern NJ to improve maternal health outcomes.
- Conducted health education. During this tenure, conducted over 100 workshops, presentations and professional in-services on perinatal mental health to health care providers, women's groups and perinatal individuals.
- Led professional education conferences : Organized and delivered high-impact educational conferences on perinatal health, focusing on screening, resources, and treatments, enhancing provider knowledge and patient care on perinatal mental health.
Associate Program Director, Northern Manhattan Community Voices Collaborative
Columbia University Medical Center
09.2006 - 12.2006
- Co-led the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Initiative. Via collaborative partnership with industry experts, played major role in addressing healthcare barriers for uninsured residents in Upper Manhattan.
- Spearheaded Workforce Advocacy Efforts. Successfully advocated for the recognition and compensation of the Community Health Worker workforce by the Department of Labor.
- Coordination of high-level national council meetings. Convened topic experts and stakeholders to drive policy improvements and workforce remuneration strategies.
Lifestyle Counselor Consultant, Department of Social and Family Medicine
Albert Einstein College Of Medicine
01.2006 - 07.2006
- Conducted health education and lifestyle counseling for over 150 parents and young families in the South Bronx. Key in designing an early intervention program specifically designed to prevent childhood obesity.
- Key member of a Montefiore pediatric practice team. Collaborated with doctors and nurses to provide a holistic approach to family health and childhood obesity prevention.
- Partnered with local health experts and council members. Advocated for and ensured the availability of healthier food items within the community, enhancing overall food security and nutrition.
- Tracked and analyzed data for a research project. Provided regular updates to the project team to inform evidence-based improvements and strategic decision-making.
Education
Master of Arts - Health Education And Behavior
Columbia University, Teachers College
New York, NY05.2006
Bachelor of Science - Physical Therapy
Pontifical Catholic University Madre Y Maestra
Santiago, Dominican Republic01.2001
Skills
- Strategic Planning and Program Management
- Grant Writing and Budget Management
- Contract Negotiation
- Public Speaking and Professional Presentations
- Data Analysis and Reporting
- Team Leadership and Mentorship
- Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Building
- Policy Advocacy and Implementation
Websites
Languages
Spanish
References
References available upon request
Timeline
Director of Public Health Initiatives
Partnership For Maternal And Child Health Of NNJ
09.2019 - Current
Manager, Perinatal Mood Disorders Initiative
Partnership For Maternal And Child Health Of NNJ
07.2012 - 09.2019
Coordinator, Perinatal Mental Health and Prof Ed.
Northern NJ Maternal And Child Health Consortium
04.2008 - 07.2012
Associate Program Director, Northern Manhattan Community Voices Collaborative
Columbia University Medical Center
09.2006 - 12.2006
Lifestyle Counselor Consultant, Department of Social and Family Medicine
Albert Einstein College Of Medicine
01.2006 - 07.2006
Master of Arts - Health Education And Behavior
Columbia University, Teachers College
Bachelor of Science - Physical Therapy
Pontifical Catholic University Madre Y Maestra
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