Founder
Velinda Hertwig
Executive Director and Founder Velinda Rivera-Hertwig’s community
involvement inspired her to establish the Ve Valance Wellness Institute. As
an immigrant, she realized the importance of culturally oriented education
and resources necessary to achieve equality. With more than 30 years’
experience as a medical aesthetician and entrepreneur, she has
established more than a dozen businesses, such as beauty salons,
conference centers, and real estate investments. The experience from
employing and training all diverse populations fueled her passion to
advocate and follow the public health profession. She earned her master’s
degree in public health and bachelor’s degree in integral nutrition, as well
as community health worker instructor certification and a diabetes
certificate for educator specialists.
“Take the first step toward your health journey—schedule an appointment
with us today. We would be happy to guide and support you in achieving
your wellness goals”.
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Our Mision
Austin Diabetes Services
The mission of Austin Diabetes Services is to empower individuals with the
knowledge and skills to prevent type 2 diabetes, manage existing diabetes,
and reduce complications through lifestyle changes, self-care, and
professional education and support. Key goals include preventing or
delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes in at-risk individuals, teaching people
with diabetes how to control blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol,
and promoting overall health to improve quality of life.
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Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME)
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Diabetes Supplies
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A1C Tests
Optimal Health Alliance
Optimal Health Alliance's mission is to address community wellness by
providing educational health programs through a collective of professionals,
aiming to help individuals overcome obstacles and achieve their optimal
health. Their educational mission involves bridging the gap between health
education and the community. By offering health-related certificate
programs utilizing the expertise of health educators, dietitians, and public
health professionals.
Core aspects of the mission
*Education and empowerment: Educating and empowering
individuals through programs that address community health needs,
such as Community Health Worker (CHW), hemodialysis technician,
and nutrition specialist.
*Bridging the gap: They aim to work with other health professionals
to offer a more complete and preventative health path.
Allure Austin Chapter
Our mission is to break the cycle of disadvantageous wages and achieve
job equity. Individuals in marginalized groups may be relegated to jobs with
fewer resources and benefits, perpetuating a cycle of poor health and
economic hardship. Achieving health equity requires educational programs
and access to training and advancement opportunities that promote fair
hiring and wages.
Our Programs:
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Cosmetology
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Aesthetician