At the age of 15, Teresa Niño was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. After surgery, radiation and two years of aggressive chemotherapy treatment at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s in Chicago, IL, she went into remission and has been in remission ever since. “Not that I’m grateful for the cancer,” says Teresa. “but, it humbled me, made me appreciate life, my family, friends and community – and taught me the importance of helping others in need.” Teresa, a Mexican immigrant from Tampico, Tamaulipas, MX, earned a BA in Television and Communications from Columbia College, Austin, TX and went on to become a news reporter for Spanish language television in Chicago where she was nominated twice for a Chicago Emmy.

Her work in television led her to become Assistant Press Secretary to Chicago’s Mayor Daley – as well as serve in two Presidential Administrations in Washington, DC (Clinton 1993-1996; Obama 2009-2017) – both times serving in leadership roles at the US Department of Health & Human Services where she led the Communications and Public Engagement teams during the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) implementation. Teresa also advised the communications and legislative offices at the US Citizenship and Immigration Services during the DACA and DAPA rollouts, and then led the “If You See Something Say Something” national security campaign for the US Department of Homeland Security.

Teresa is now leading the electronic health records communications for University Health System – San Antonio’s Level 1 Trauma Center and also the county hospital. Teresa’s desire to serve on The Latino Cancer Institute board of directors is to help guide the organization towards better research, care, treatments and cures for Latinos with cancer.

“Throughout her career, Teresa has worked on high visibility national issues and has always found a way to make sure that the Latino voice is represented”, said TLCI founder, Ysabel Duron. “I have witnessed her navigate through DC’s complicated policies and politics and am pleased that she will help guide The Latino Cancer Institute.”

Notable Awards & Recognition:
Congressional Certificate of Special Recognition in Healthcare (2014) ; Latinas in Power presented by the Puerto Rican Chamber of South Florida (2013); Leadership Award presented by the National Organization for Mexican American Rights (2012); Hispanic Leadership Award presented by the National Hispanic Medical Association (2010); Leadership Award presented by the Adelante Leadership Institute (2007); “40 Under 40” Rising Stars presented by the San Antonio Business Journal (2002); “Super Mom” recognized by Latina Magazine (1995).