Communications Manager & Executive Assistant to the Chair
Yasmine Castañeda, MSC is a communications and healthcare professional with over a decade of experience advancing strategic messaging, digital engagement, and executive operations within academic medicine. She currently serves as Communications Manager and Executive Assistant to the Chair of the UCSF Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery (OHNS), where she plays a central role in shaping the department’s internal and external communications strategy.
In this dual role, Yasmine leads digital communications across web, social media, and analytics-driven campaigns to expand audience reach and engagement. She oversees the development of the department’s newsletter, Heads Up!, and has led key initiatives including a full website redesign and the implementation of an internal intranet—enhancing accessibility, storytelling, and operational efficiency.
Alongside her communications leadership, Yasmine provides high-level executive support to departmental leadership, managing complex operations, coordinating strategic initiatives, and executing high-profile events such as the Sooy Year-End Graduation Dinner, COSM, and national Academy meetings with precision and professionalism.
Her work has been recognized across UCSF, including the 2023 STAR Achievement Award, 2024-2026 Kudos recognition, and 2025–2026 honors including the OHNS Exceptional Employee of the Year nomination and a UCSF SPOT Achievement Award.
Yasmine holds a Masters in Strategic Communication and Innovation (Health Communication focus) from Texas Tech University (summa cum laude) and a Bachelor’s degree in Communications Media Production from California State University, East Bay (cum laude).
She has built her career across leading healthcare organizations—including UT Southwestern Medical Center, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, UCSF Benioff Children’s Physicians, Canopy Health, and the California Department of Public Health—driven by a commitment to impactful storytelling, patient-centered communication, and public health advancement.
In this dual role, Yasmine leads digital communications across web, social media, and analytics-driven campaigns to expand audience reach and engagement. She oversees the development of the department’s newsletter, Heads Up!, and has led key initiatives including a full website redesign and the implementation of an internal intranet—enhancing accessibility, storytelling, and operational efficiency.
Alongside her communications leadership, Yasmine provides high-level executive support to departmental leadership, managing complex operations, coordinating strategic initiatives, and executing high-profile events such as the Sooy Year-End Graduation Dinner, COSM, and national Academy meetings with precision and professionalism.
Her work has been recognized across UCSF, including the 2023 STAR Achievement Award, 2024-2026 Kudos recognition, and 2025–2026 honors including the OHNS Exceptional Employee of the Year nomination and a UCSF SPOT Achievement Award.
Yasmine holds a Masters in Strategic Communication and Innovation (Health Communication focus) from Texas Tech University (summa cum laude) and a Bachelor’s degree in Communications Media Production from California State University, East Bay (cum laude).
She has built her career across leading healthcare organizations—including UT Southwestern Medical Center, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, UCSF Benioff Children’s Physicians, Canopy Health, and the California Department of Public Health—driven by a commitment to impactful storytelling, patient-centered communication, and public health advancement.