Meet the changemakers

William Navarrete Moreno is the Founder and Executive Director of TheCHANGEproject, a youth-led nonprofit advancing health equity through community organizing, policy design, and storytelling. Born and raised in Denver to parents from Guerrero, Mexico, William’s commitment to justice is rooted in lived experience—witnessing how language, status, and cost barriers keep families from care. TheCHANGEproject is his response: a movement that equips communities with the power, resources, and voice to lead systemic change from within. Under his leadership, TheCHANGEproject has launched flagship initiatives such as the Health Equity Incubator, CU CHANGE student chapters, and TheCHANGE Media, each working to dismantle health disparities by amplifying lived expertise and re-centering trust in care. William also serves on the Aspen Institute’s Community Advisory Group, bringing grassroots perspectives to national financial-security policy, and on the National Youth Advisory Board for Young Invincibles, helping shape legislation that expands healthcare and education access for young people. A 2024-2026 Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholar, William studies Public Health and Human Biology at the University of Colorado Denver. His research spans work at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, focusing on how racism, discrimination, and policy design shape physiological and patient-experience outcomes. William believes healthcare should not be a privilege negotiated by systems—but a right co-created by communities. Through TheCHANGEproject, he is building a new generation of health equity leaders committed to ensuring that those most impacted by inequity design, lead, and own the solutions.

Marwa Mommandi is a passionate public health advocate with a desire to pursue a dual degree in law and public health. With experience in healthcare, research, business development, and legal advocacy, Marwa brings a multidisciplinary approach to addressing systemic inequities in healthcare. She has worked in various capacities, from serving as a medical scribe and healthcare volunteer to leading business development initiatives at a Stanford d.school startup. Marwa’s commitment to equitable healthcare access is informed by her journey as a low-income student and her experience navigating healthcare systems that often marginalize vulnerable populations. As she prepares to pursue a dual degree in law and public health, Marwa aims to leverage her expertise in both fields to advocate for policy reforms that ensure fair and inclusive healthcare for all. In her free time, she enjoys weight-lifting, reading, baking, and playing pickeball.

Nmeso is a recent college graduate of the University of Houston. There, she majored in Psychology and minored in Biology. She has focused her efforts on learning more about healthcare systems, through research, advocacy, and clinical experiences. Nmeso is dedicated to improving healthcare systems, infrastructure, and reducing health inequities.

Julien Orellana, is a passionate public health professional with extensive experience in program management, health promotion, and community engagement. He has led initiatives in mental health, housing, and equity-focused programs, bringing a client-centered and trauma-informed approach to improving the well-being of underserved populations. Julien’s work spans nonprofit, academic, and community-based settings, where he has managed diverse teams, streamlined service delivery, and built partnerships with local organizations, government agencies, and stakeholders to expand services and reduce barriers to care. His commitment to advancing health equity is driven by a belief in holistic, person-centered solutions that address homelessness, mental health challenges, and the broader social determinants of health. Outside of his professional work, Julien enjoys mentoring future health professionals, contributing to community service projects, and exploring creative approaches to community building.