Meet Miguel Valdez Soto: Supporting Prevention Through Community Connections

Sep 17 1:36pm | Jasmine Souers | @jasminesouers

As a community engagement coordinator, Miguel Valdez Soto helps connect Mayo Clinic researchers and health initiatives with community partners and individuals who may benefit from learning about screening, prevention, and early detection opportunities. One example of this work is his support of Friend to Friend activities, which bring health education into familiar community spaces through trusted, person-to-person conversations.

Recently, Miguel led a Friend to Friend event at The Center Clinic in Dodge Center, Minnesota, in partnership with Joselle Cook, M.B.B.S., and the MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) and Multiple Myeloma Awareness and Genetics Insights Campaign. The Center Clinic, led by Dr. Enid Campos, is a volunteer-driven community health clinic that provides accessible, culturally aware care to rural and underserved communities. Its trusted presence made it a meaningful place to share information about MGUS, multiple myeloma, and the value of early detection.

Held in May 2026, the event brought together 16 participants for a light meal, education session, open discussion, surveys, resources, and sample collection. Dr. Cook shared information in clear, approachable language and explained how testing could help identify risk earlier. Miguel’s role included helping coordinate the event, supporting communication with partners and participants, and helping create an environment where community members felt comfortable asking questions and considering whether testing was right for them.

Together, these efforts reflected the type of prevention work Miguel helps make possible: trusted partners, a familiar location, shared food, bilingual support, and open discussion all helped make screening and early detection information more approachable. Feedback from participants reinforced the value of this approach, including one attendee who encouraged “more events like this and invite more people.”

The event also offered lessons for future outreach. Survey completion was stronger before the presentation than afterward, suggesting that built-in prompts during the program could help improve post-event feedback. It also reinforced the value of planning for interpretation, confirming supplies, and allowing enough time for participants to ask questions, complete forms, and access resources without feeling rushed.

When asked what community engagement means to him, Miguel compares it to customer service. Whether the goal is healthcare, research participation, or screening education, people deserve clear information and the resources they need to make informed decisions. His approach centers on listening first, understanding the needs of community partners, and creating environments where individuals feel respected, informed, and empowered.

Through his work on prevention activities like Friend to Friend, Miguel continues to help bring screening and early detection education into trusted community spaces. His efforts support outreach that is not only informative, but also accessible and grounded in relationships that help people feel respected, prepared, and empowered to take the next step for their health.