The Texas Association of Community Health Plans (TACHP) proudly celebrates the stories of individuals whose work is deeply rooted in compassion, lived experience, and a mission to uplift others. One such leader is Zenaida Martínez, Community Outreach Manager at TACHP member Dell Children’s Health Plan, whose commitment to service began with a small act of kindness and grew into a lifelong calling.
From One Conversation to a Lifelong Mission
Zenaida’s journey began as a teenager when her father asked her to help a family in need of assistance with completing a school lunch application. It was a simple moment, but it opened her eyes to something much larger. She saw the confusion and helplessness that many families face when navigating unfamiliar systems. That day, her father looked at her with pride and encouraged her to continue helping others.
From that moment on, Zenaida became a trusted resource in her community. She helped with job applications, translated documents, and advocated for families at public offices. Her passion for service eventually led her to healthcare, where she found her purpose guiding others through the complexities of Medicaid, CHIP, and preventive care services.
Connecting Families to Tools and Confidence
As Community Outreach Manager with Dell Children’s Health Plan, Zenaida finds joy in connecting with the community in meaningful ways. Every day brings new opportunities to empower families. Whether she is planning resource-rich events like baby showers and back to school drives, educating individuals on how to apply for state benefits, or helping them build the confidence to advocate for their own health needs, Zenaida leads with empathy and purpose.
One of her proudest moments came when she crossed paths with a former client who is now a respected leader in maternal health advocacy. That client shared how Zenaida’s support during her early days of motherhood helped her feel seen, informed, and empowered. Today, that same client is a nonprofit co-founder and a champion for maternal health equity.
A Role with Many Hats and Even More Heart
In her day-to-day work at Dell Children’s Health Plan, Zenaida wears many hats. She organizes major community events, supports staff across outreach sites, collaborates with local leaders, and manages a calendar of initiatives that reflect real and timely community needs.
Like many in the field, Zenaida faces challenges—complex systems, nonmedical drivers of health, and the emotional weight of serving vulnerable populations. But even on the hardest days, she stays grounded by celebrating the victories. Whether it is a family receiving Medicaid approval or a parent finding the right resource, each success reinforces her purpose.
Building a Better Future for Community Based Healthcare
Looking ahead, Zenaida hopes to see healthcare become even more accessible and responsive to community needs. Her vision includes more Community Health Workers embedded in care teams, expanded services that address non-medical drivers of health and providers offering hours that better fit the lives of working families.
Zenaida’s story reflects the mission of TACHP and the values at the heart of Dell Children’s Health Plan. Her lived experience and unwavering commitment exemplify what it means to deliver community grounded healthcare focused not just on care, but on connection, compassion, and long-term impact.
Our goal is to help people in the best way possible. this is a basic principle in every case and cause for success. contact us today for a free consultation.
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