Nava Mekel
Executive Director,
Medical Education Management Division
Nava brings over 30 years of extensive administrative experience in the field of medical meeting management. Her leadership, organizational skills, and genuine passion for working with people make her uniquely qualified to lead the Medical Education Division at the Metabolic Institute of America.
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With a strong background in medical education programs, Nava has served as Course Director of the Annual World Congress on Insulin Resistance, Diabetes & Cardiovascular Disease (WCIRDC) since its inception in 2003, and of the Annual Heart in Diabetes (HiD) Congress since 2017. She oversees the planning and execution of both national and local educational projects, medical conferences, and CME-accredited meetings. Nava also has deep expertise in securing corporate grant sponsorships and developing CME programs.
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Nava has extensive experience working with pharmaceutical companies and industry partners, building long-standing collaborations to support and enhance the scientific and educational goals of the meetings she organizes. She actively engages with medical affairs and grant teams to align their strategic objectives with conference content, ensuring meaningful participation through sponsorship, exhibits, and thought leadership opportunities.
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Nava also has significant experience in nonprofit management. She previously served as Secretary of a nonprofit organization responsible for large-scale festivals in Los Angeles. Currently, she serves as the Administrator for both the Metabolic Endocrine Education Foundation (MEEF) and the Diabetes Cardiorenal & Metabolism Institute (DCMi). She holds a degree in Computer Graphic Design from California State University, Northridge.
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Originally from Israel, Nava has called California home since 1992.
Tania Lazo
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Administrative & Project Coordinator
Tania Lazo, is a Los Angeles native with a background in television and film. Transitioning from the dynamic world of entertainment, Tania now thrives as a Project Coordinator at TMIOA.
With a foundation rooted in the creative realm , Tania brings a unique perspective to project management. Her experience in navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry has honed her skills in organization, communication, and problem-solving.
As a dedicated Project Coordinator, Tania ensures the seamless execution of initiatives at TMIOA. She’s committed to delivering excellence in every task she undertakes and loves the satisfaction of seeing projects come into fruition.
JC Javellana ​
Administrative and Program Coordinator
JC, an accomplished professional who brings extensive experience in communications and project coordination.
A former Creative Director at McCann Worldgroup, a leading multinational advertising agency in Manila, he holds a Master’s in Integrated Marketing Communications, blending creativity with strategic marketing expertise and project management.
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With a career spanning two decades, JC has honed his skills in marketing, advertising, and project coordination, making him a valuable asset to any team.
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As part of the TMIOA team, JC applies his expertise to ensure the seamless execution of medical conferences. His diverse background provides a well-rounded perspective, enhancing his contributions to the team’s success.
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Ciana DeMaio
Marketing and Social Media
Rosa Albert
Faculty Liaison and Administration
