Community Health Center Champions

« Past CHC Champions

To commemorate National Health Center Week, AAPCHO highlights Community Health Center (CHC) Champions—individuals who are, through big and small ways, advancing the CHC mission.

We spotlight health center staff, patients, and community members, who through their noteworthy efforts, contribute to our member health centers’ goal to provide comprehensive, affordable, culturally and linguistically appropriate health care.

Meet this year’s CHC Champion!


2024 Champion

Vaughn Villaverde has over a decade of experience in health policy and federal, state, and local safety net programs. Vaughn joined the Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI) team in 2021 as the director of advocacy, where he is responsible for leading efforts to engage with elected officials and policymakers in support of AACI’s various health, behavioral health, and wellness programs. Vaughn is also responsible for working with regional coalitions, organizational partners, and members of the community on efforts related to healthcare delivery, health equity, racial equity, social justice, and civic engagement. Prior to joining AACI, Vaughn served as associate director of health policy at Working Partnerships USA — a labor-affiliated policy and organizing nonprofit based in San José. Vaughn received both his bachelor’s degree in political science and his Master of Public Health with a focus on Health Policy and Management from the University of California, Berkeley.

Vaughn was recognized for his efforts in better understanding the intersecting identities and experiences of elders, the unhoused, survivors, and other marginalized populations within the communities that he serves.

2023 Champions

Ailing Gideon is recognized for being an active Community Health Worker (CHW) Workforce Collaborative partner and for his dedication to community outreach.


Jeannie Tsui is recognized for her knowledge about the community, Chinese culture and OT which helped increase caregiver quality of life, sense of affective and somatic well-being, and their confidence in managing behavioral systems.

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