Gabrielle Serafini is a healthcare professional whose passion to serve has taken her around the globe. Through two decades of cultural and professional engagement, experiences in Africa embedded an appreciation for diversity and a deep understanding of the health challenges faced by millions.

Inspired by a vision to provide equitable access to health care, she co-founded WelTel Health — a company focused on leveraging digital technology to provide quality health care for all, including the world’s most marginalized, leaving no one behind.

Gabrielle’s lived personal experience drives her to lead authentically, in directions that improve the way health care is delivered around the world. Expanding WelTel’s reach has become one of the most exciting and important journeys of her life.

Dr. Richard Lester is an Infectious Diseases physician, Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia, Canada, and Co-Founder of WelTel Health (www.weltelhealth.com), a digital health social enterprise. He led the WelTel Kenya1 trial, providing the world’s first evidence that direct patient text messaging could improve treatment outcomes for HIV/AIDS patients starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Kenya. Supported by PEPFAR and published in The Lancet in 2010, this trial helped pioneer mobile health innovation.

WelTel’s patient follow-up and engagement service has since expanded globally, supporting patients with HIV, TB, chronic and non-chronic diseases, mental health challenges, and maternal and newborn child health (MNCH) in Africa, Canada, the United States, New Zealand, and Peru.

In 2020, the Government of Rwanda adopted WelTel to support outpatients through the national COVID-19 Home-Based Care program, later extending its use to Ebola response. WelTel is now a registered company in Rwanda.

Dr. Lester is a Member of the Roster of Experts for the World Health Organization Digital Health Task Force and was recognized as Digital Health Canada’s Clinical Innovator of the Year in 2020. WelTel remains dedicated to improving outcomes and saving lives for all — including women, children, and vulnerable populations — ensuring no one is left behind.

With over 30 years of experience in the technology sector, Joaquin Ruiz is a passionate product innovator, entrepreneur, and leader who brings a wealth of skills and insight to every venture. He has successfully exited six start-ups in Silicon Valley and deeply understands the challenges of start-up culture and the importance of focus in mission-driven companies.

Joaquin places high value on design, technology, data, and company culture, recognizing their critical role in shaping exceptional product experiences. As a hands-on leader, he excels at defining product vision, crafting strategy, and executing with precision.

His extensive technical background, paired with deep experience in product development, marketing, and business operations, gives him a well-rounded perspective that allows him to navigate and lead across all areas of the industry with confidence.