Winners of the Dr. Audrey Evans Leadership Award demonstrate a legacy of care, dedication to collaboration, empowerment of others, and a tenacious advocacy for family participation in children’s care. 2024 winners were vetted and chosen by their peers.

Diana Peña – A Legacy of Care

Diana is known as a collaborative and inclusive leader who has directed the growth and impact of RMHC Columbia since 2013. As one colleague shared, “Diana is an excellent leader whose work impacts not only RMHC Colombia, but the entire region. Her commitment, creativity, dedication and collaborative spirit make her worthy of this recognition.”

Diana has led the care of more than 80,000 families in Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena and Cali, significantly expanding new programs and services to strengthen families, promote healing and remove barriers to care:

  • 2014 - Ronald McDonald Family Room at Hospital General de Medellín, provides a place of rest and comfort for families of hospitalized patients.

  • 2015 - Ronald McDonald House Cartagena (72 beds) and Casa Ronald McDonald Bogotá (60 beds) provide a welcoming space of shelter for families of children undergoing medical treatment.

  • 2017 - Two Ronald McDonald Family Room programs at Simón Bolívar Hospital, one in the pediatric section and the other in the burn ward.

  • 2023 - Casa Ronald McDonald Cali (35 beds), expanding the RMHC mission in southwestern Colombia.

  • 2024 - Expanding Casa Ronald McDonald Bogota in progress and opening a new Family Room.

Diana’s experience and expertise are widely recognized thanks to her generous nature and willingness to collaborate with colleagues, address key issues, mentor others, share resources and represent the region on RMHC Global initiatives.

As another peer shared, “Diana is the true reflection of what a great leader should be, as well as Dr. Audrey Evans…a professional with a lot of charisma, who transmits love and passion for guest families, inspires and motivates her team, Board of Directors and her peers in the region.”