and then legally had Castillo immigrated seven years later in 2001 when he was 17 years old.
“ It was amazing,” he said about reuniting with his father.
He said while living in Cuba, there were few resources and opportunities.
“ It makes you appreciate everything you do and have,” he said.
After moving, he began living in Louisville, and currently lives in Taylorsville, Kentucky with his family.
He began working in the food and nutrition department at Baptist Hospital East in Louisville, but wanted to pursue the medical field. He ended up working 10 years at Baptist Health, and then moved hospital to hospital to try and find other leadership opportunities.
Castillo said he was interested in working in healthcare since it was stable work that would allow him to support his family, and that he felt would be a good way to contribute to the community.
“ I’ ve never looked back,” he said.
Castillo said he also hasn’ t seen much discrimination regarding him being a Cuban-American, especially in the work environment. He said he tries to always see the positive in people and treat others with respect.
Singleton said that in order to properly address patients, who come from all backgrounds, health care workers need to constantly think outside of their beliefs in order to remain effective.
“ You’ re not able to reach out to everybody of all different cultures if everybody thinks the same,” Singleton said.
Castillo said people looking to work in healthcare should do it not for the money, but for the patients.
“ You have to care,” he said.
Yates said those interested in working in healthcare ought to never give up, even if it becomes quite difficult.
“ Just hang in there,” she said.
July | August 2025 DIVERSITY 25