From SFCHC’s earliest days, Maritza Artan has been part of its story—believing in our mission, nurturing our growth and deepening our commitment to the patients we serve.
Maritza’s journey with SFCHC began even before the clinic officially opened its doors, when CEO Audrey Simons invited her to join a newly formed advisory council. Inspired by Audrey’s vision of creating a true healthcare home for the community, Maritza generously accepted the invitation despite her already full schedule.
That early advisory group soon evolved into SFCHC’s governing board of directors, where Maritza has remained a guiding voice ever since. “I see the clinic as a jewel in the heart of the San Fernando Valley,” she said. “It’s an honor and a pleasure to be even a small grain of salt in the work Audrey and her staff are doing for our community.”
In the clinic’s formative years, Maritza was especially inspired by SFCHC’s diabetes prevention program and Promotoras initiative—a grassroots outreach led by community health educators offering friendship, health education and vital care to those who might otherwise be overlooked.
“This group of women offered patients a better option than visiting a hospital or emergency room,” Maritza said. “They brought preventive care directly to members of our community with a spirit of understanding and compassion.”
That spirit continues today. Maritza recently came across the clinic’s mobile medical van while driving through San Fernando. When she stopped to see what was happening, she witnessed SFCHC staff gently treating the wound of a man experiencing homelessness. “These young professionals were showing so much care and compassion,” she said. “It was beautiful. What the clinic has accomplished is truly beautiful.”
As SFCHC expands its reach and prepares to open a new satellite clinic in Panorama City, Maritza said one of the greatest challenges facing its leadership team is how to expand services with potentially less funding and fewer resources. Yet, she remains optimistic about the future. “We’re all in this together,” she said. “We’re part of this community and will continue to provide much-needed healthcare services.”
Maritza’s commitment to uplifting others and creating community is reflected in her decades-long career supporting individuals and families in need. After earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Mount Saint Mary’s University, she worked in both the private and nonprofit sectors as a health educator, youth counselor, case manager and family advocate.
She went on to lead Casa Esperanza as executive director for nearly two decades, transforming a single apartment unit into a vibrant neighborhood hub with multimedia rooms, a computer lab, counseling space and wide-ranging programs – from tutoring and job training to gang prevention and public safety.
In addition to her work at SFCHC, Maritza is a member of the Northridge Hospital Dignity Health Community Board. She has also contributed her time and talent to numerous other organizations, including Mission Community Hospital, Los Angeles Police Department Hispanic Forum, Rotary Club, Panorama City Neighborhood Council and Boy Scouts of America.
Maritza has received many honors for her leadership and community service, including the Pioneer Woman Award from the City of Los Angeles and the Woman of Distinction Award from Assemblymember Cindy Montañez, as well as commendations from the California State Assembly, the U.S. Congress and the Los Angeles Police Department.
Although she is formally retired, Maritza keeps a more active pace than ever. She volunteers at St. Euphrasia Catholic Church and enjoys quilting, hand-embroidering and even baking gluten-free sourdough bread to meet her husband’s dietary needs.
Maritza is especially passionate about tending her plot at a community garden in Granada Hills—one of many “victory gardens” created after World War II to encourage neighbors to grow their own produce. Her 10-by-30-foot space overflows with heirloom and steak tomatoes, yellow and green zucchini, and tall stalks of corn. She often wears aprons she sews from upcycled men’s shirts, crafted with care and fitted with deep pockets for her gardening tools.
Each morning, Maritza rises with the sun to care for the soil and whatever is in bloom. She believes staying active and beginning each day with gratitude are keys to excellent health. She calls her time in the garden pura vida—Spanish for “pure life.” It’s the same phrase she uses to describe SFCHC.
