TEAM
optimists with a vision for a more vibrant world
We are a group of problem solvers, strategic thinkers, bootstrappers and bold visionaries. We bring a wealth of experience and knowledge; however, it is our unwavering determination and shared worldview that sets us apart. We came together by happenstance when our career paths crossed most unexpectedly, but we take this journey together expressly by design.
“My path has been untraditional, but it has convinced me of the transformative power of the entrepreneurial spirit. It has shown me that we need to inspire, innovate, support and talk about social change differently. But most importantly, it has taught me that no matter where you are, it is precisely where you are supposed to be.”
Amber Curry Gracia
Co-Founder
Amber is a strategist and seasoned entrepreneur. She revitalized a business on the brink and has started and successfully operated several of her own. She also previously founded Cinco Strategy Group where she advised national and international business leaders and leading NGOs on how to innovate for growth amidst rapid change. Trained in architecture and design, Amber brings an unconventional blend of design thinking, consulting and development experience to her role. She has done work in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and East Africa and served at UN-HABITAT during the crafting of the Millennium Development Goals. She holds a BS from the University of Texas Arlington and an MA from Thunderbird.
“Having traveled the globe since childhood, I have encountered many courageous, creative and inspiring people working to transform their communities. I came to see myself as a bridge, one who could share insights, knowledge and skills between people of different backgrounds and cultures, all leading me to the vision of Impact AO.”
Karinn Sammann
Co-Founder
Karinn brings over 15 years of experience in the healthcare and nonprofit sectors, including co-founding DrugVoice, a consumer market research and consulting company focused on bringing the patient perspective to the forefront of strategic decision making. She was previously a strategy consultant for Accenture where she focused on product development, marketing and consumer-centric strategies within the healthcare industry. Karinn has developed programs, raised funds and measured impact for community-based healthcare programs, including programs throughout East Africa. She holds a BA from Stanford University, and an MBA and MPH from the University of California at Los Angeles.
“Growing up in an environment of have-nots and being acutely aware of disparities, I have always believed a better way is possible. Through my exchanges with people, both locally and globally, I’ve learned that we are all more alike than we are different. Our collective well-being and progress matter, now more than ever.”
Juana Véliz
Co-Founder
Juana has over a decade of experience in designing and leading strategic initiatives for major nonprofits, foundations, government and global corporations. Most recently she served as the Multicultural Growth & Innovation Program Manager at Texas Health Resources to drive market share growth and develop capacity and readiness strategies to better serve the needs of multicultural healthcare consumers. Her career has included establishing a marketing strategy consulting firm and leading a practice at a multicultural marketing communications agency. She holds a BA from the University of Texas at San Antonio and an MA from California State University Los Angeles.
Founding Board Members
Mandana Varahrami
Board Chair
Mandana has 20+ years serving the health sector, as a social worker, public health advocate, entrepreneur, healthcare consultant and product leader. She led a statewide public health program for the American Lung Association of Texas and Washington State, served as an Administrator for a family home healthcare business and, most recently, served in a senior leadership capacity for both consulting and product at the Advisory Board Company. In addition to serving as the Chair of the Board for Impact AO, Mandana is a volunteer product leader for Techfugees and believes strongly in leveraging technology to affect change on a global scale. Mandana holds a BSW from the University of Texas at Austin and an MPH/MBA from Emory University. Visit my LinkedIn.
German Galaso
German is Managing Consultant at Navigant’s Healthcare Strategic Solutions Practice Team. He has experience in health system and hospital strategy, clinical service line planning, and data analytics. Prior to joining Navigant, German was a Strategy Project Manager at Texas Health Resources with strategic oversight responsibilities over several large and small acute-care facilities. German holds a BA from Brigham Young University and an MPH from Texas A&M University. Visit my LinkedIn.
Ann Haggart
Ann is the Director of Operations at explore.org, a philanthropic multimedia division of the Annenberg Foundation. She has experience in non-profit management and oversight of documentary content. Ann has spent over 15 years in film production, with expertise in utilizing the media and the arts to ignite social change. She is founder of Buyayear.org, a nonprofit organization supporting delivery of healthcare and community. Visit my LinkedIn.
Gabriela Torres
Gabriela is a Partner at Momentum Solutions Team. Gabriela is an expert multiculturalist and communicator with experience in health care, education, home ownership, women and diversity. Previously, she was Manager of Marketing Strategy at L.A. Care Health Plan where she helped expand and shape the brand identity. Gabriela holds a BS from Woodbury University and an MA from California State University Los Angeles. Visit my LinkedIn.
Rob Freer Ph.D.
Rob Freer is a researcher and community impact strategist passionate about issues of social justice, cultural differences, and sustainable initiatives that address community needs. Rob also has over 15 years of experience in sales and project management in the technology and wireless sectors. Rob holds a Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University. Visit my LinkedIn.