Brisa Guajardo, Business Development Manager

Brisa Guajardo, Business Development Manager

As Manager of Business Development, Brisa Guajardo has spent 20 years at CHPW serving members and strengthening relationships with community partners, supporting outreach across the state she calls home.

Living and working in Washington, Brisa remains committed to ensuring communities have the trustworthy, accessible health information and resources they deserve. That commitment has shown up in many ways throughout her career. For the past decade, Brisa has served as CHPW’s on air representative for a monthly radio segment—a meaningful role she recently wrapped up, proudly passing the baton to her colleague.

Read about Brisa’s reflections on community, connection, and what keeps her inspired in this work.

You’ve been part of CHPW for two decades. What keeps you connected to this work, which is so closely tied to community engagement?

What has kept me connected is the impact. Health care can be complicated, especially for Spanish-speaking communities, and I’ve seen how access to clear information can transform someone’s understanding of their options. Being able to translate complex health care and insurance topics into plain, accessible language empowers people to make informed decisions for themselves and their families. CHPW’s mission aligns deeply with my personal commitment to community, and that alignment continues to motivate me.

Can you share a moment when your work helped a community member feel more informed?

Some of the most meaningful moments come from hearing community members say they finally understand their coverage or feel confident asking questions. Whether it’s during a live radio segment, a community event, or a one-on-one conversation, those moments remind me that CHPW’s commitment goes far beyond providing coverage. It’s about education, trust, and consistently showing up for our communities.

What message do you hope community members carry with them after connecting with you?

My message is often this: health care is complicated, but you are not alone. You deserve to understand your options and feel confident in your decisions. I’m here to support you, answer your questions, and walk alongside you as you make the best choices for yourself and your family.

In your experience, what do community partners value most about the way CHPW shows up for them?

Community partners appreciate that CHPW leads with relationships and trust. We listen, we follow through, and we remain present. Partners value our consistency, our cultural understanding, and our genuine commitment to supporting the communities we serve, not just during enrollment periods, but throughout the entire year.

For the past 10 years, you’ve served as CHPW’s voice on KDNA’s monthly “Aquí y Allá” segment, sharing reliable health care information with Spanish-speaking communities in the Yakima area and beyond. Why is this longstanding partnership an important part of CHPW’s community outreach?

KDNA Radio is a trusted and respected voice in the community and connecting through this station allows us to meet people where they are. Sharing information in Spanish, in a familiar and accessible format, helps break down barriers and build trust. This connection strengthens CHPW’s role as a reliable, transparent resource not only in Yakima but across Washington State, ensuring communities feel informed, supported, and heard.

Alma Castillo, Senior Account Manager

As an Account Manager, Alma Castillo plays a key role in strengthening CHPW’s relationships with Community Health Centers (CHCs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) across Washington. Serving as one of their primary points of contact, she supports day-to-day needs, shares timely updates, and ensures partners feel fully supported in their work. She also connects directly with members through community events and outreach—helping individuals enroll in coverage, understand their benefits, and navigate the health care system with confidence.

Learn more about what drives her work and how she supports communities across the state.

What’s the most common question you receive when you’re engaging with community members, and what's your answer?

One of the most common questions I hear is, “What is CHPW and what does it cover?” I explain that Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW) is a not-for-profit health plan founded by Washington’s Community Health Centers, offering Apple Health (Medicaid), Medicare, and Individual & Family Plans. From there, I walk through the key differences between these programs so community members can better understand their own plan and explore the specific benefits available to them through CHPW.

Can you share a moment when you experienced or observed the direct impact of CHPW’s commitment to community?

Through CHPW’s partnerships with CHCs and CBOs, I’ve experienced the impact of our commitment firsthand, especially at local events where we connect with members face to face. As someone who lives and is actively involved in the community I serve, I’ve seen how simply being present builds trust and creates space for honest conversations about barriers to care. Those interactions reinforce the importance of connecting with Washingtonians in meaningful ways and ensuring our work reflects the real needs of the communities we serve.

What message do you hope community members carry with them after connecting with you?

You are not alone when it comes to your health. We mention this often because we mean it. CHPW is here to listen, support you, and help you understand your options so you can make the best decisions for yourself and your loved ones.

In your experience, what do community partners value most about the way CHPW shows up for them?

Many partners and community members feel overwhelmed by information and unsure of whom to trust. They appreciate that CHPW shows up consistently, provides clear and reliable information, and takes the time to build genuine relationships. We don’t just share resources—we listen and work alongside them to support our communities.

You're now the new voice of CHPW on KDNA’s “Aquí y Allá” segment, where we share reliable health information with Spanish-speaking communities across Washington. What are you looking forward to the most in this new role?

I'm really looking forward to building a closer connection with listeners and having important conversations about health in a space that feels welcoming and familiar to so many families. “Aquí y Allá” offers a unique opportunity to speak directly to community members in Spanish, answer questions they truly care about, and share information in a way that feels clear and supportive.

What excites me most is the chance to contribute to something that helps people feel more confident navigating their health care. Being part of this segment allows me to uplift the voices and needs of the community, highlight resources they may not know about, and create dialogue that encourages people to take charge of their well-being. It’s an honor to be part of something that strengthens connection and brings helpful information to households across the Yakima Valley and beyond.

Alma Castillo, Senior Account Manager