Dr. Aida Giachello

Dr. Aida Luz Maisonet Giachello is a pioneering sociologist, educator, and public health advocate whose career has been devoted to addressing health disparities affecting Latino and other underserved communities in the United States. Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, she pursued higher education with a strong focus on social sciences and public health. Her academic path laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to community empowerment and health equity.

Dr. Giachello began her professional journey in social work and community organizing, gaining firsthand insight into the structural challenges and inequities that many marginalized populations face. Recognizing the need for systemic change, she moved into research and policy work, using her background to build bridges between communities and health institutions.

She founded the Midwest Latino Health Research, Training, and Policy Center, which became a national model for community-based participatory research. Through this center, she led initiatives addressing chronic illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, and cancer while promoting culturally tailored health interventions. She also championed the training of minority researchers to ensure that diverse perspectives were represented in academic and policy discussions.

In addition to her academic work, Dr. Giachello played a key role in the development of several advocacy and service organizations dedicated to improving Latino health outcomes. Her leadership has extended into national policy, where she has contributed to various governmental and advisory committees aimed at promoting equity in healthcare systems.

Throughout her career, Dr. Giachello has been widely recognized for her contributions to public health, education, and social justice. She continues her work as a research professor, focusing on preventive medicine and the reduction of health disparities. Her life’s work reflects a deep commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and the belief that all communities deserve access to quality, culturally competent healthcare.