The Howell Foundation’s Community Engagement Initiatives program recently formed its first community partnership with San Diego State University’s Institute of Behavioral and Community Health (IBACH). The foundation’s new partnership helps bring its goal of supporting pilot research projects that improve the health and well being of San Diego women and their families to life. The internationally recognized IBACH academic research center has conducted community-based research over the past 25 years focused primarily on improving the health and wellness of the San Diego Latino community. With the Howell Foundation’s support, IBACH senior investigator Elva Arredondo now has the fundamental tools required to advance her goal of preempting diabetes and obesity in pregnant Latina women by empowering women to become their own health advocates. Specifically, Arredondo — alongside two bilingual college student researchers — will develop and test an intervention program to promote physical activity and healthy eating among Latina women who are expecting their first child. The Howell Foundation intends to develop additional strategic partnerships over the years through its Community Engagement Initiatives program with an eye on continuous advancement of the promotion of healthy living and disease prevention in women in underserved communities. — Mariko Lamb