05/22/2026
To our Washtenaw Health Project community,
We write to you with profound sadness to share that our friend and colleague, Citlali Espino, passed away this week after a battle with cancer.
When Citlali joined our team in 2024, she fit in right away, as if she had been the missing piece. She jumped in and handled complex forms and issues with responsibility and professionalism beyond her years. She helped her clients with kindness, making sure they found the support they needed, even when it extended beyond our scope of services.
Citlali transformed our days together. She brought more laughter, more conversation, and more connection to our workplace, as well as to the many activities outside of work that she brought her coworkers-turned-friends to. She easily welcomed others into her world, sharing stories and photos of her family, friends, travels, beloved dog Kiddo, and the side hustles she pursued with creativity and determination.
Citlali was driven by a desire to help others — to make people feel more hopeful, cared for, healthy, and optimistic. She was not only an incredibly important part of our team, but also a wonderful friend.
We are so grateful to have known her and to have been changed by her warmth, determined nature, beautiful smile, and humor. Our hearts are with Citlali’s beloved family during this difficult time, as they navigate the loss of someone so deeply important and loved.
