Pictured: Fr. Jose, Manuela Cacares, Dr. Rosa, Bishop Angel Zapata at the dedication of the new Padre Julio Roos chapel.
Following a wide job search, the Center hired a new Director, Dr. Rosa Altuna Gonzales, in October 2025. Manuela Carceres, who took over as Director in 2020, has returned to her prior role in Obstetrics.
A native of Chimbote, Dr. Rosa holds both a Master’s degree and a law degree. She has held a variety of roles of increasing responsibility over her impressive 30-year career in the public and private sectors, including several management positions and legal work in the areas of labor, collective bargaining, and employment reconciliation.
Given Peru’s challenging labor and employment laws, Director Rosa is uniquely positioned to both oversee the management of the 160-plus employees at the Center and address the complicated labor regulations impacting the Center and its employees.
Most recently, Dr. Rosa was with the Universidad Católica Los Ángeles de Chimbote, first as Labor Legal Specialist, then as head of Human Resources, and finally as head of the Legal Advisory Office. She is also accredited as an extrajudicial conciliator by the Peruvian Ministry of Justice and has pursued extensive professional training in labor law, occupational health and safety, public administration, and organizational leadership.
“Secular hospitals do not serve the poor adequately. The great mission of the Maternidad is to provide the best attention to the poorest of the poor, set the example, and make sure our employees live their faith at the Center. This job fulfills my soul.”
Beyond her strong professional experience, however, it is clear that Dr. Rosa fully understands and is committed to the Catholic values of the Center and its focus on the poor. “Secular hospitals do not serve the poor adequately. The great mission of the Maternidad is to provide the best attention to the poorest of the poor, set the example, and make sure our employees live their faith at the Center. This job fulfills my soul.” Her career reflects a deep commitment to serving vulnerable populations, ensuring fair labor practices, and strengthening institutional capacity. As the new Director of Maternidad de María, Dr. Rosa brings proven leadership, legal expertise, and a collaborative approach to advance the organization’s mission.