Xochitl Castañeda is the Founding Director of the Health Initiative of the Americas within University of California, Berkeley’s School of Public Health, a program she founded in 2001. Her leadership to improve the health and the quality of life of underserved populations is widely recognized. In 2020, Dr.  Castañeda received the Mexican National Award of Health in the category of “Sin Fronteras” (No Borders) for her lifetime of work to improve the health of Mexicans living abroad. In 2019, she received the Othli Award, one of the most prestigious distinctions presented by the Mexican Government to a person who has positively affected the lives of immigrants in the United States. In 2010, the California Latino Legislative Caucus honored her with the National Spirit Award for her leadership to improve the health of Latinos in the U.S. In 1999, she received the National Mexican Award on Social Science and Medicine. Her vision and commitment led to the creation of nationally recognized health programs for underserved populations.

In addition to her trailblazing career, Xochitl is dedicated to public service and has served on the boards and advisory committees of numerous organizations including Latino Coalition for a Healthy California, California Immigrant Policy Center, and California Wellness Foundation.