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Donna Martinez

BSN, RN

As a clinician, advocate, and someone personally impacted by heart failure, this mission is deeply personal.

Born and raised in Del Rio, Texas, Donna keeps her hometown at the heart of her work, honoring the deep love her father and brother poured into this community. It began as a shared dream with my late brother—to bring specialized heart failure care to the rural and underserved communities that are often left behind. Though he didn’t live to see the foundation formally launched, his vision lives on in everything we do.

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Professional Experience

With more than 19 years in nursing

 

within the advanced heart failure field, Donna has built her career on improving outcomes for patients facing the most complex cardiac challenges.

Clinical background: Houston Methodist Hospital and graduate education
at The University of Detroit Mercy in Detroit, Michigan

Specialties: ICU care, multidisciplinary collaboration,
complex cardiac therapies, and surgery support

Leadership: An expert in advanced heart failure therapies,
led collaborative initiatives, and mentored clinical teams

Impact: Reduced hospital stays and readmissions, improved quality of life,

and optimized care coordination

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A Personal Legacy

The foundation was created in loving memory of her father and brother, both of whom battled heart failure with courage and grace.

  • Her brother, Rodney, played a key role in the foundation’s vision, inspired by a life of community service and compassion.

  • Her father, Homero, was a dedicated educator and radio personality who instilled in his children the values of service and resilience.

“I carry their legacy forward—one heart, one community at a time.”

On going Education & Commitment

Donna is currently pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at the University of Detroit Mercy, specializing in Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist with a focus on Advanced Heart Failure.

This academic path strengthens her mission: to deliver evidence-based, patient-centered care for the most vulnerable populations in America.

Leadership Vision

Donna, our Founder & President, guides this work with courage,

Compassion, and accountability to the communities we serve:
Servant + Transformational leadership, participatory in practice, so every family feels seen and supported.
• Lead with empathy, vision, and trust—servant and transformational leadership in action
• Empower teams through practical education, coaching, and support
• Champion health equity for every family supported
• Co-create programs with community partners, providers, patients, caregivers, and veterans
 
• Meet communities where they are—rural-first, bilingual education, and navigation
• Stay accountable—clear outcomes, continuous improvement, and transparent communication
 
She is committed to ensuring that no patient is left behind due to geography, lack of resources, or systemic healthcare inequities.