Dr. Irma Elisheva Diaz is one of the most compassionate people I have ever known. Her love for humanity runs so deep that anyone who crosses her path feels it instantly. I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside her as a volunteer for many years, and I’ve seen firsthand how tirelessly she pours herself out to bless and uplift those around her. What makes Dr. Diaz extraordinary is the way she brings both heart and vision wherever she serves. She doesn’t just care for individuals in the moment—she also builds connections and systems that allow compassion to ripple outward. During the pandemic, she stepped into the role of Health & Mental Health Liaison for Congresswoman Grace Napolitano and brought together an entire network of leaders—health professionals, educators, first responders, clergy, and community partners. Because of her leadership, families received better support: easier referrals, outreach in Spanish for those too often overlooked, resources for caregivers, and trauma-informed help for young people and seniors alike.seniors alike. Her impact hasn’t stopped there. She continues to work with Congress, training teams on how to respond to people in crisis with empathy and safety—skills that truly change lives and restore trust. In hospice and hospital settings, I’ve watched her guide grieving families with tenderness and wisdom, always honoring each person’s faith, culture, and story. Hundreds of families every year find comfort, stability, and practical tools through the spaces she creates. She has served as a First Responder Chaplains Advisory Council for the Spiritual Care Association since its inception. Dr. Diaz also shares her voice on a national and international level—speaking with leaders about children’s mental health, offering education through organizations like the World Boxing Council, and creating accessible workshops and podcasts through Soul Synergy Network. Wherever she goes, she meets people right where they are. For her compassion, her courage, and the countless lives she has touched, I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition than Dr. Irma Elisheva Diaz.
