Milagros Castillo, vice president of nursing for Mercy Health – Lorain Hospital and Mercy Health – Allen Hospital, was named a 2023 Notable Latino Leader by Crain’s Cleveland Business. The 45 notable leaders who made the list were recognized for their commitment to fostering understanding of Hispanic and Latino culture and promoting efforts that recognize the community’s skills and abilities.

“As the first Latina vice president of nursing for Mercy Health – Lorain and Allen Hospitals, I am honored to be recognized by Crain’s Cleveland Business for my commitment to the Hispanic and Latino community of Lorain and its surrounding areas,” said Castillo. “Nurses are called to serve others and it has been my privilege to care for our patients and the people of Lorain throughout my career. I look forward to continuing my work with our Hispanic and Latino community as we promote health and well-being throughout Northeast Ohio.”

Castillo oversees the standard of nursing practice and patient care, managing a team of approximately 1,100. During the pandemic she helped the Latino population to overcome vaccine hesitancy by being a part of events held at Latino churches throughout Lorain County to improve outreach to the community. Castillo has served Mercy Health for 17 years and was promoted to her current role in March 2022. Castillo serves on numerous boards, including the YWCA of Elyria and the Lorain County Corrections planning board. She also led the North Star Committee Project for the hospital to foster inclusivity for Hispanic and Latino patients.

“Milagros is a leader who keeps her heart and our ministry’s mission at the center of all she does,” said Stacie Call, chief nursing officer for Mercy Health – Lorain and Youngstown. “Her dedication to Northeast Ohio and the Latino community is unrivaled, as is her service to our patients and people. We are proud to have a compassionate leader like Milagros guiding our nurses and in Lorain and Oberlin.”