🎙️ This post shares highlights from our Healthcare Ops Wave podcast, where Third Way Health CEO Frederik Mueller sat down with Graciela Soto, CEO of Altura Centers for Health.

Listen to the full episode here

From Candy Striper to CEO

Graciela Soto Perez’s healthcare journey began in 8th grade as a candy striper, working side by side with patients and staff. From there came internships, shadowing, and hands-on experience that deepened her commitment to healthcare. After earning her master’s in health administration at USC, she came across a job posting for CEO of a small clinic.

At first, she was passed over. But instead of waiting, she showed up in person with her resume. “I came in person and guess what? I got a call the next day. The board interviewed me and I got the job—and I’ve been here almost 22 years.”

At just 26, she became CEO, and she continues to serve as CEO today.

Scaling Without Losing Community Roots

Altura began as a single rural clinic and has grown into nine locations and three mobile units across California’s Central Valley. Expansion came with challenges like shortages of providers, limited funding, and rising wage pressures.

Through it all, the organization stayed grounded in its mission, and many staff members have remained part of the team for nearly two decades.

Innovation in Access and Staffing

Altura embraced technology early, from telemedicine to two-way texting. They were among the first to adopt Artera (formerly Well Health) in 2017. “Our patients are getting texts directly by each department. They don’t go into one queue—they go straight to the right team. And that works out great.”

On staffing, Graciela also led a pioneering move: recruiting physicians from Mexico through AB1045, bringing much-needed specialists to underserved communities.

Advocacy and the Road Ahead

As California raises healthcare wages and Medicaid funding faces cuts, Graciela is vocal about the stakes. “We can’t do everything we do and serve our mission and pay our employees up to $25 minimum wage if Medi-Cal gets cut. It’s going to affect all of the clinics.”

She’s taken that fight to the board of the California Primary Care Association, ensuring rural voices are heard in statewide policy.

Final Thought

Graciela’s story is rare. She stepped into the CEO role early and has grown with her organization for more than 20 years. What stands out to us at Third Way Health is how she has blended persistence, innovation, and heart to keep Altura moving forward. At the end of the day, whether it is new technology or stronger teams, the goal is the same: making care easier to reach while keeping the human connection at the center.