After graduating from Chula Vista High School, Ivy began working at a specialty pharmacy in Hillcrest in 1991. It was at the height of the AIDS epidemic that she connected to the community that she would continue to serve for her entire career. While working, she continued her education and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from San Diego State University. Her work in the pharmacy allowed her to provide a safe, stigma-free, and supportive environment to the LGBTQ+ community. She continues to be passionate about advocating for patients and being part of ending the HIV epidemic. Throughout her more than 30 years of work in HIV specialty pharmacy, Ivy has taken on various leadership roles including Manager, Director of Operations, VP of Sales and Operations, and CEO.
Ivy currently serves on the San Diego Women’s HIV conference planning committee and is involved in various other groups and nonprofits that serve the HIV community. She also served on the executive board of Working Wonders, and organization in the Palm Springs area that provided support for women, families, and children affected by HIV. In 2019, she was nominated for a Bradley A Truax Service award and was also recognized as a 30 Year Hero by Being Alive, San Diego.
Ivy is a San Diego native, raised by first-generation Mexican-American parents. She has four siblings. Ivy and her husband, Liam met in 1999 and have raised 4 children together. They enjoy traveling to Mexico and spending time with friends and family.
