October 10, 2025
At GCI Health, we believe that real impact starts with understanding culture. This Hispanic Heritage Month, our People of Culture (POC) Employee Resource Group (ERG) had the privilege of hosting Maritza Puello, a true powerhouse in both media and wellness. Her journey shows us that reaching people means more than just sharing information; it’s about connecting with them on a human level — a fundamental principle for effective health communications.
Maritza, a former media executive who helped launch major companies like Fox News Channel and Fusion Media, now works as a certified well-being coach. This unique blend of experience gives her a powerful perspective. She reinforced that health communications must be built on trust and cultural understanding, especially when partnering with Hispanic-led media. It is not about what we say, but about making sure the community hears “news they can use,” and that the information that is actionable and relevant, ultimately driving positive health impact.
Key Takeaways for Impactful Communications
Maritza’s insights are crucial for anyone striving to achieve meaningful outcomes through their outreach:
Make it Actionable: Maritza stressed that health messages need to be more than just facts. They need a clear call to action (CTA), like telling people where to get a vaccine, so they can take control of their health.
Embrace the Bicultural Experience: In a world where many people consume content in both English and Spanish across different devices, we must meet them where they are. This recognition is paramount for resonant health communications and achieving broad health impact.
Lead with Curiosity: She reminded us to “stay curious,” using that inquisitiveness to craft stories that resonate deeply and create real, lasting impact.
Thank you, Maritza, for an incredible session that truly embodies what it means to be a health impact agency, driving tangible outcomes through culturally intelligent health communications.
Want to learn more about how we lead with culture for our health communications work? Reach out to our team: CultureCompass@gcihealth.com.