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Posted April 25, 2025
Posted by Public Health and Public Relations
Maria Torres, Health Equity Coordinator with Pottawattamie County Public Health, has been recognized with two prestigious awards for her outstanding contributions to public health and community engagement.
Maria was named a 2025 Iowa Public Health Hero by the University of Iowa College of Public Health, a distinction awarded to individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the health of Iowans. In addition, she received the 2025 Outstanding New Volunteer of the Year Award from the Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter, recognizing her advocacy and outreach efforts to support individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
These honors reflect Maria’s unwavering dedication to advancing equity, inclusion, and well-being throughout Pottawattamie County and the state of Iowa.
“Maria Torres IS a public health hero,” reads her nomination for the Public Health Hero award. “She intuitively and deeply understands the values of public health, has and continues to make incalculable improvements in the lives of Iowans, and promotes a broader understanding of public health by honoring lived experiences.”
Maria’s commitment to community connection is evident through her leadership in several grassroots initiatives. She founded The CommUnity Project for Southwest Iowans to create a safe, welcoming space where people from all walks of life can gather, grow, and build trust. She also launched Wings Around Town, a public art project aimed at bringing neighbors together through creative expression, and helped develop Together for Change, an initiative that educates immigrants, refugees, and migrants about their rights and supports them in creating personalized emergency plans for their households.
Elizabeth Faber, Director of the Iowa Immunizes Coalition, praised Maria’s leadership:
“I’ve been consistently impressed by Maria’s unwavering dedication to improving public health outcomes. Her interpersonal skills and her profound sense of empathy and compassion truly set her apart.”
Pottawattamie County is proud to celebrate Maria’s achievements and grateful for the energy, vision, and heart she brings to public service.
Read more about Maria’s recognitions:
