William Navarrete Moreno is the founder and director of TheCHANGEproject, where he leads efforts to empower communities to dismantle systemic health disparities through a model centered on lived experience and grassroots organizing. His commitment to this mission is deeply personal. Growing up as the son of immigrants from Guerrero, Mexico, William saw his parents struggle to access quality healthcare, a reality that became painfully clear when his mother's untreated thyroid condition nearly cost her life. These experiences have fueled his dedication to building a healthcare system that genuinely serves all people, particularly those who have historically been marginalized.

Under William's leadership, TheCHANGEproject has launched initiatives like the Health Equity Incubator, which provides resources and advocacy training to community leaders, and the 'Parity' media project, which amplifies the stories of underrepresented voices through multimedia formats. William's vision is driven by the principle that real change must come from within the communities most affected by health disparities, ensuring their voices and experiences shape every step toward equity.

Beyond his work with TheCHANGEproject, William is a FACETS scholar at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where he researches health disparities under the mentorship of Dr. Ankur Pandya. His academic achievements are numerous: he is a 2024-2026 Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholar, selected out of tens of thousands of applicants for his dedication to public service; a 2023 NIGMS MARC Scholar, recognized for his potential to contribute to biomedical research; and a 2022 Boettcher Scholar, honored for his leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to community service.

William’s drive to address health inequities also extends to his work as a researcher and advocate. He is particularly focused on understanding how social determinants, like discrimination in medical settings, impact physiological outcomes such as allostatic load. His research and advocacy are rooted in a belief that healthcare is a fundamental human right, and he is committed to creating a future where every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, has the opportunity to achieve optimal health and well-being.

A fierce advocate for social justice, William embodies a spirit of resilience and hope, constantly striving to transform pain into purpose. His journey is more than a career—it's a calling to use his platform and privilege to bridge the gaps in healthcare, advance health equity, and drive systemic change.