Tag Archives: volunteerism

Dubra Karnes-Padilla, 2022 ACHA Volunteer Award Winner

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Congratulations to our very own Seven Bar North resident and volunteer, Dubra Karnes Padilla!

Influencer of the Year Award: Dubra Karnes-Padilla
This award is presented to a member of the CHD community who has gone above and beyond to spread the word about CHD and the need for lifelong care—an outreach aficionado.

Dubra, a member of the Patient and Family Advisory Board (PFAB), reached far in her networks and beyond to spread the word about ACHA and CHD both regionally and nationally. One way she did this is through her role as co-chair of the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee on the PFAB. Dubra was an active participant in ACHA’s Virtual Advocacy Day in May. She also spread awareness in multiple ways during Heart Month, including securing a CHD Awareness Week proclamation in her home state of New Mexico, and having a letter published in the Santa Fe New Mexican.

Dubra also interacted with many through her involvement in ACHA events throughout 2022. She participated in the Virtual Arizona Regional Conference in March by sharing her story, and also letting the audience know that she is available for further support if needed. During the Virtual National Conference in June, Dubra was a featured speaker in the “How to Bring ACHA into Your Community” general session. She also co-led her Regional Conversations session and reported back on next steps in this general session. We look forward to supporting Dubra in her future outreach efforts!

Congratulations Dubra Karnes-Padilla

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Dubra Karnes-Padilla has been appointed to the National Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA) – Patient, Family Advisory Board (PFAB).  PBAB is a new initiative by the ACHA to advise the ACHA Board and better serve those CHD patients and families in our country in eight designated regions. It is a three year term, and she will be one of two representatives for the Mountain Region.  She wants everyone to know about the important work ACHA is doing. One in every 100 babies is born with a Congenital Heart Defect (CHD). CHD is the number one birth defect. 1.4 million Americans have CHD, and this population grows by 5% annually.  As those living with CHD grow up and transition into adulthood, they will need specialized care by trained congenital cardiologists, from infancy and youth, adulthood and into advanced age. ACHA is there to advocate for and educate those with CHD and their families. Adult Congenital Heart Association – Home – ACHA (achaheart.org)

Dubra retired in 2012 from UNM Valencia Campus where she was a faculty member and taught physical education and health education courses along with managing the Campus Fitness and Wellness Education Center. She serves on the UNM Retiree Association Board and chairs the Legislative Committee, 2016 to present and is committed to protecting teacher’s retiree pension benefits. In January, she was appointed by the Albuquerque City Council to the City of Albuquerque Department of Senior Affairs Advisory Board and serves on two committees, the Age Friendly Committee and Facility Committee.

Dubra and her husband Ed have been residents of the Casas del Norte neighborhood since 2014.  She also is a volunteer on our HOA Landscape Committee.  Congratulations, Dubra!