Impactful Leadership
Recognizing Change Makers: Borderland Women in Health
Four Texas Tech Health El Paso leaders recognized for advancing health across our Borderplex
Four outstanding leaders from Texas Tech Health El Paso were recently recognized by Progress321 and El Paso Matters for their impactful contributions to health care in our Borderplex region.
Andrea Tawney, Ph.D., Amanda Chiao, Au.D., Ph.D., Alyssa C. Benavides, Ph.D., M.P.A., and Wilma Luquis Aponte, D.M.D., M.P.H., D.P.H. were among the 2025 Change Makers honored during a luncheon event on March 26 that served as a fundraiser for Progress321 and El Paso Matters. These trailblazing women have dedicated their careers to advancing health care, education and community well-being.
The keynote speaker for the event was Nirma D. Bustamante, M.D., M.P.H., Texas Tech Health El Paso clinical assistant professor and Mexico Country Director for the Centers for Disease Control. An El Paso native, Dr. Bustamante joined in honoring these exceptional leaders and their commitment to transformative health care.
Progress321 is a nonprofit community development group that brings together professionals with diverse backgrounds across the El Paso region. El Paso Matters is a nonprofit news organization that uses journalism to expand civic capacity in the Borderplex.
Texas Tech Health El Paso’s 2025 Change Makers:
Alyssa C. Benavides, Ph.D., M.P.A., managing director of the Office of Interprofessional Education and the Community Health Outreach Promotores Program
Dr. Benavides leads the institution’s accreditation program for interprofessional education to drive transformative collaboration across the university’s health care disciplines while preparing students to deliver team-based care. These interprofessional learning experiences enhance the quality of patient care toward improved health outcomes in our Borderplex region.
Her commitment to the surrounding community is additionally apparent in her leadership of the institution’s Community Health Outreach Promotores program to increase health literacy in our Borderplex region, project management of a telemedicine initiative to provide critical ophthalmology and neurology care to rural communities and advising on the institution’s health related, Hispanic-Serving Institution designation.
Dr. Benavides received her Ph.D. in education leadership at Texas Tech University and her master’s in public administration at the University of Texas at El Paso.
"The Borderland has always been a place of resilience, strength and innovation,” Dr. Benavides said. “As a leader in health and education, I’m committed to ensuring that our health care systems reflect and uplift the communities they serve. Being able to do this work in my hometown—expanding access to care and supporting the academic journeys of the next generation of health care leaders—is the privilege of a lifetime. This honor reaffirms the importance of community-driven health care, and I’m excited to continue this work alongside so many passionate changemakers.”
Amanda Chiao, Au.D., Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine
Dr. Chiao is taking the lead in addressing hearing and vestibular health disparities within our Hispanic community and improving access to care. An El Paso native, she’s also a pediatric audiologist at El Paso Children's Hospital, where her clinical expertise focuses on diagnostics, ototoxicity and concussion.
Her commitment to research shows in securing over 2.3 million dollars of federal and internal research funding, including a large-scale, multi-site grant from the National Institutes of Health–National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders to examine the implications of Substance Use Disorder on both hearing and balance. She has also published in various top-tier otolaryngology journals and presents at national and international meetings in the field. Dr. Chiao earned her Doctor of Audiology and Ph.D. in vestibular function and assessment at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock.
“As a first-generation female clinician-scientist, I’m most proud to represent that women in education, science and health can make positive change,” Dr. Chiao said. “As a native El Pasoan, it’s been my greatest achievement to listen to what my community needed from me and answer the call.”
Wilma Luquis-Aponte, D.M.D., M.P.H., D.P.H., associate professor of general dentistry and director of special needs care education
Dr. Luquis-Aponte has dedicated her career to serving vulnerable populations, particularly individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and special needs. A Puerto Rico native, she established herself in El Paso, opening her dental practice and serving the community for over 20 years before joining the newly established Hunt School of Dental Medicine. Her compassionate approach to health care and advocacy ensures that underserved communities receive the attention and support they deserve, leading to a healthier future.
Dr. Luquis-Aponte received her Doctor of Dental Medicine and her master’s in public health with a concentration in maternal and child health from the University of Puerto Rico School of Dentistry and her Doctor of Public Health from Walden University.
“I feel deeply honored for this recognition,” Dr. Luquis-Aponte said.“ I know I'm standing shoulder to shoulder with amazing, trailblazing women who share a vision of a healthy and thriving El Paso and Borderplex community.”
Andrea Tawney, Ph.D., vice president for Institutional Advancement
Dr. Tawney is a distinguished leader in higher education and health care philanthropy, dedicated to advancing medical education, research and community health initiatives in our Borderplex.
With a strong background in strategic fundraising, Dr. Tawney has led multimillion-dollar campaigns that have transformed institutions and empowered communities. Her commitment to fostering collaboration between academia, industry and community stakeholders has driven impactful programs addressing the unique health care challenges of the region. Passionate about ensuring equitable health care solutions, Dr. Tawney continues to champion initiatives that uplift and strengthen our community.
Dr. Tawney earned a Ph.D. in higher education studies from Texas Tech University, with a focus on the predictors of academic success for first-generation college students. She holds a Master of Education in justice systems, policy and planning from Northern Arizona University. She also served four years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force.
"Across our Borderplex, women are shaping the future of health care. From groundbreaking research to compassionate care, their contributions drive progress and build a healthier community,” Dr. Tawney said. “I’m honored to be recognized as a Change Maker alongside my colleagues who’ve led impactful change. Because change is the most powerful means to a better tomorrow, I know there’s no limit to what we can do for a healthier community.”
About Progress321
Progress321 is a group of purpose-driven professionals dedicated to making the region the best place to live, work and create. The group empowers and connects professionals across sectors, disciplines, generations and cultures.About Texas Tech Health El PasoTexas Tech Health El Paso is the only health sciences center on the U.S.-Mexico border and serves 108 counties in West Texas that have been historically underserved. It’s a designated Title V Hispanic-Serving Institution, preparing the next generation of health care heroes, 48% of whom identify as Hispanic and are often first-generation students.
About Texas Tech Health El Paso
Established as an independent university in 2013, Texas Tech Health El Paso is a proudly diverse and uniquely innovative destination for education and research.With a mission of eliminating health care barriers and creating life-changing educational opportunities for Borderplex residents, Texas Tech Health El Paso has graduated over 2,400 doctors, nurses and researchers over the past decade, and will add dentists to its alumni this year. For more information, visit ttuhscepimpact.org.