Monica Paz

Medical Case Manager

Pronouns: Ella/she/her/hers

I am a resilient bilingual trans-woman of color, hailing from El Salvador and nurtured in the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, now finding my home in the heart of San Francisco for over a decade. Through two decades of navigating the harsh realities of sex work, drug use, homelessness, discrimination, false arrests, and pervasive biases, I've transformed from a victim into a survivor, harnessing the strength to rise above adversity.

My journey from adversity to empowerment fuels my passion to support and uplift others, guiding them to embrace their true selves and live authentically. Drawing from my own lived experiences, I aspire to inspire individuals to not just exist but to thrive.

In my role as a seasoned medical case manager at San Francisco Community Health Center, formerly API Wellness, I've worn many hats. From working on the frontline of our street outreach medical team to collaborating on critical initiatives such as our COVID-19 response efforts and coordinating testing and vaccination events at GLIDE Memorial Church for the Tenderloin neighborhood.

Certified by the Department of Public Health as an HIV/HEPC tester and counselor, as well as a substance use counselor, I am committed to providing holistic support to those in need. Additionally, as a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ Advisory Board, I lend my voice and advocacy to champion inclusivity and equality within our community.

Through dedication, empathy, and unwavering resolve, I strive to be a beacon of hope, driving positive change and fostering a world where everyone can thrive unapologetically as their authentic selves.