Board Spotlight: Mariana Leñero Solar
Q3 2026
Can you tell me about a moment where you were especially proud of being a Tichenor Clinic for Children Board Member?
One of the moments I’m most proud of was during the COVID pandemic. Together with Mayra Jiménez, we found a way to continue supporting families by offering virtual parent classes when so many felt isolated and uncertain. What started as an online effort became something much bigger. Our parent community grew from about 20–30 families to 50–80 participants, and those connections continue today through our Siento, Pienso y Actúo (I Feel, I Think and I Act) program and our monthly Social Day events. Seeing families come back month after month, supporting one another, learning together, and building a true community has been incredibly rewarding. It has also helped introduce many more families to the services and opportunities that Tichenor provides, and I feel very proud to have been part of that growth.
What made you say “yes” when you joined the Tichenor Clinic for Children Board?
Even after seven years, I still remember when the parents from my classes asked me to represent them on the Board. Knowing they trusted me to be their voice meant so much to me. I was also honored to become one of the first Latina women to serve on the Tichenor Board. I said “yes” because I wanted to give back to an organization I believed in and make sure the families I worked with had someone who understood their experiences and could bring their perspective to the table.
How has serving on the Tichenor Clinic Board of Directors changed the way you think about the needs of children and their families in our community?
Serving on the Board has shown me what can happen when people with different backgrounds come together for the same purpose. Our Board includes healthcare professionals, lawyers, business leaders, and community members, and everyone brings something valuable. What inspires me most is seeing how generously people give their time, ideas, and expertise because they truly care about children and families. It has reminded me that when people work together for the common good, every contribution matters. That spirit of collaboration is what makes Tichenor so special, and I feel grateful to be part of it.
