Reflections on a Shared Day of Community and Commitment 

On April 25, the North Carolina Global Health Alliance welcomed 120 members of our state’s global health community to the NC Biotechnology Center for a powerful day of reflection, reconnection, and forward momentum. The Global Health Futures Symposium was more than a professional gathering—it was a reunion, a healing space, and a rallying cry.

As we gathered over coffee, breakfast, and long-overdue hugs, it was clear how much we all needed this moment. In the wake of an unprecedented 95-day pause in U.S. foreign aid programs—triggered by an Executive Order to “Reevaluate and Realign” international assistance—our sector has been shaken. Jobs lost. Futures uncertain. But our purpose remains clear.

In her opening remarks, Brianna Clarke-Schwelm, Executive Director of NCGHA, met the moment with honesty. She spoke to the exhaustion and uncertainty many in the room were feeling — and also to the unshakable importance of our work. “This is lifesaving work,” she said, “and when we say lifesaving, that is not hyperbole.” Quoting John Lewis, she reminded us: “...each one of us in every generation must do our part… the responsibility is ours alone to build a better society and a more peaceful world.”

To open our hearts before the policy conversations began, Brianna introduced Emily Cataneo and Arshia Simkin, founders of the Redbud Writing Project, who invited attendees to engage in healing through storytelling. They led with a poignant reading, then encouraged everyone to write—offering writing prompts and a midday workshop that many attendees described as moving and transformative.

The first panel, moderated by Brianna, brought Elisha Dunn-Georgiou, JD, MS, President & CEO of the Global Health Council, and Jeremy Tolbert, Deputy National Outreach Director of the US Global Leadership Coalition, into conversation on the state of global health advocacy. They unpacked the challenges of navigating today’s political climate, from litigation to preserve global health funding to reframing how we talk about international investment with local relevance. “Leading globally matters locally,” Jeremy reminded us—a theme echoed throughout the day.

After the break (and Redbud’s writing workshop), we shifted focus to the local application of global expertise. In a session facilitated by Deborah Baron, PhD, MPH, MIA, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Health Behavior at UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, panelists Laura Rowley, PhD, Vice President of Life Sciences Economic Development at the NC Biotechnology Center and Patrick Brown, PharmD, Executive Director of the NC Public Health Collaboration, explored how global health skills—advocacy, cross-sector leadership, resilience—can and should power local health efforts. Their message was clear: your skills are transferable, and North Carolina needs you.

In a moving moment that left few dry eyes, Redbud returned to the stage to introduce two audience members who shared stories they had written that day—raw reflections of service, struggle, and enduring commitment to health equity.

NC Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall closed the symposium with a powerful reminder of North Carolina’s long-standing and ongoing role in global health leadership. Drawing on her office’s 26-year partnership with Moldova, she emphasized the importance of diplomacy, collaboration, and storytelling. “You represent the best of who we are,” she said. “As you listen, collaborate, and lead—never turn down the opportunity to share your story.”

Brianna concluded the day with a message of belonging: whether or not you remain in the traditional global health sector, you will always be part of this community. The North Carolina Global Health Alliance is, and will remain, a home for all who believe in global health equity.

Let us continue the climb—together.