Tomás León is driven by a desire to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the healthcare business and beyond.
“A mentor and life experiences taught me the value of a simple principle: People support what they create,” he said. “If we give people a seat at the table where ideas are generated, strategies developed and resources are allocated, we can forge a collective future for Arizona. It’s the right thing to do and the intelligent thing to do.”
León is able to make a real impact on that mission in his role as president of the Equality Health Foundation. The Arizona nonprofit, which was established in 2018, aims to level the healthcare playing field in culturally diverse and under-resourced communities. “Our goal is to eliminate health disparities, expand access to care, accelerate health education, and build and serve as active members of overall healthier and vibrant communities throughout Arizona,” the organization said.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, León recognized communities of color were disproportionately impacted. To address the inequities, he brought together a diverse alliance of public-private partners to focus on ensuring fair and equitable access to testing, vaccinations, and social and medical support.
He helped found the One Community Initiative Against COVID-19 in coordination with the Arizona Department of Health Services and county and city municipalities to strengthen the community response and reach neighborhoods at high risk. The coalition continues to meet biweekly with support from the Valley of the Sun United Way.
“As a fourth-generation Arizona native, I have a vested interest in the well-being and success of all Arizonans and the future of our state,” León said. “Envisioning a collective future that we want involves daily actions and ensuring that all voices in our community, regardless of your political affiliation, reflect the current reality and solutions needed to achieve it.”
León was recently named one of Arizona’s most influential minority business leaders. He’s been recognized with the 2005 Arizona Daily Star 40 Under 40 Community and Business Leader Award, the 2007 Hispanic Professional Action Committee Distinguished Community Service Award, the Metropolitan Pima Alliance Common Ground Award of Distinction, the Champion for Worksite Wellness Award presented by the Wellness Council of Arizona, and the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Award.
“His lifelong passion has been advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in business, healthcare and society,” León’s team said. “That is why the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Award, presented by his colleagues at the Diversity Leadership Alliance in 2014, was personally rewarding to him.”
