I am so honored to introduce Jovelyn Castellanos, one of BEA’s newest Advisory Board members, whose passion for breaking down barriers in women’s health is both inspiring and deeply needed. Jovelyn has dedicated her career to addressing the inequities that Latina women face in healthcare, particularly in the realm of breast cancer detection. Her commitment is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: every woman deserves access to early detection and lifesaving health innovations—no matter her language, income, or zip code. 

Jovelyn understands the urgency of this work. 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime, yet for too many, the chance for early detection—the key to survival—never comes. Latina women encounter systemic obstacles at every turn: high uninsured rates, limited access to culturally tailored resources, and a lack of trusted, linguistically appropriate healthcare options. These gaps are not just inconveniences; they are barriers that delay screenings and tragically cost lives. 

“Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for Hispanic women,” Jovelyn explains. “We’re losing nearly 3,000 lives each year in the U.S. alone. That number is unacceptable when we know so many of these deaths could be prevented with timely detection.” For Jovelyn, these barriers are not only medical challenges but preventable losses—reminders of the urgent need for bold, systemic action. 

This is where Bexa enters the story and why Jovelyn is so passionate about helping bring this technology to the communities who need it most. 

Bexa is a new, FDA-cleared device that uses high-resolution elastography to map breast tissue and detect abnormalities. The exam is quick, painless, radiation-free, is safe for pregnant and breast-feeding woman, and provides immediate results. In less than 30 minutes, women are examined by a female provider, treated with compassion, and leave with peace of mind. Scheduling is offered at no cost through the Bexa Equity Alliance community hubs, and if abnormalities are detected, women are connected to a community health worker for support and navigation through follow-up care. 

When Jovelyn first encountered Bexa Breast Exams through the Leadership Women Texas program in May 2025, she was struck by the groundbreaking pilot partnership between Bexa, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health. Seeing how this collaboration was bringing free, accessible exams to women who had never been screened left a lasting impression. 

“The results blew me away,” Jovelyn says. “More than 60% of rural women participating in these pilots had never had a mammogram before, and 99.77% said they would return for another Bexa exam. That’s not just data—it’s proof of what happens when you bring innovation to where women are, in settings they trust.” 

For Jovelyn, those results sparked a critical question: How do we bring this technology home to Dallas, to Latino-serving nonprofits across DFW, and to communities across the country where the need is greatest? 

Her role on the BEA Advisory Board is one way she’s helping answer that question. By lending her expertise and voice, Jovelyn is working to expand access to early detection for Latina women and beyond. She knows this work is not just about exams or devices—it’s about bridging community and technology, building trust, and ensuring dignity and peace of mind for women who have historically been left behind. 

“Serving as a BEA Advisor is more than a role for me—it’s a commitment,” she shares. “It’s about standing alongside women who don’t have access to screenings and making sure they’re not left to navigate this alone. Innovation like Bexa isn’t just about detecting cancer; it’s about restoring hope, dignity, and possibility.” 

As BEA celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, Jovelyn’s story resonates even more deeply. It is a reminder that representation matters—not only in leadership but in access to healthcare itself. By ensuring Latina voices are at the table and Latina women are prioritized in solutions, we can rewrite the future of women’s health. 

The future Jovelyn envisions is one transformed by innovation and technology, strengthened by community, and powered through collaboration. It’s a future where a woman’s story doesn’t end in fear and uncertainty, but in confidence, resilience, and health. 

At BEA, we are thrilled to welcome Jovelyn to our Advisory Board and to stand beside her in this mission. Together, we will continue to push forward until no woman is left behind.