Samaris O. Vega Torres holds a Master's degree in Public Health with a specialty in Epidemiology and has a Certificate in Maternal and Child Health from the University of PR (UPR), Medical Sciences Campus. She is currently pursuing her Doctoral degree in Social Work at the UPR-Rio Piedras campus and is Project Director at the non-profit organization Grupo Nexos Inc. Since 2011, she has worked in the development, implementation, and evaluation of prevention programs. She has extensive experience working with the implementation of evidence-based programs and fostering collaborations with various community organizations. Her experience and expertise includes diverse topics of interest: prevention of teen pregnancy and high-risk behaviors, promotion of comprehensive maternal and child health, positive parenting skills, and other health issues. Since 2019, she has been co-leading two federally funded initiatives (Comienzo Saludable and PR Optimal System Change Teen pregnancy Prevention Program) that have impacted more than 3,000 people (children, youth, pregnant women, parents, and families) across more than 15 municipalities on the island.