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  • PRESS | NC Global Health

    The North Carolina Global Health Alliance Urges North Carolina's Congressional Delegation to Advocate for the Reversal of the Stop Work Order The North Carolina Global Health Alliance urges members of the North Carolina Congressional Delegation to immediately advocate for the reversal of the State Department's recent Stop Work Order, which freezes all existing foreign assistance programming and pauses new aid, with limited exceptions. It is critical that policymakers act swiftly to reverse this decision. Read the North Carolina Global Health Alliance's full statement on this issue below. January 27, 2025 The North Carolina Global Health Alliance (NCGHA) expresses deep concerns regarding the State Department’s recently issued “Stop Work Order,” which freezes existing foreign assistance programming and pauses new aid, with very limited exceptions. This action follows the President’s Executive Order on Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid mandating a review of U.S. foreign assistance programs, yet the Stop Work Order goes beyond this mandate, jeopardizing the health, security, and prosperity of both our nation and North Carolina. The North Carolina Global Health Alliance supports efforts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of foreign assistance programs. However, this important review must not come at the cost of interrupting critical ongoing initiatives. On behalf of the many North Carolinians dedicated to advancing U.S. foreign assistance efforts, the NCGHA urges North Carolina’s Congressional Delegation to take action to halt this order and advocate for the continuation of essential foreign assistance programs. The USAID-supported work happening here in North Carolina directly contributes to making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous and any interruption to funding and implementation puts the livelihoods of thousands of North Carolinians at risk. Economic Impact on North Carolina Foreign assistance programs, particularly those funded by USAID, significantly benefit North Carolina’s economy and communities. The 2022 report, “The Global Health Sector’s Contributions to North Carolina’s Economy ,” published by the NCGHA and RTI International, highlights how global health investments generate billions of dollars annually in economic activity for our state. The more than 900 global health institutions operating in North Carolina in 2021 sustained 170,000 jobs in our state across multiple sectors, and these institutions contributed $31.9 billion in total value added to North Carolina’s economy. According to data from USA Spending , North Carolina implementers have received the fourth-largest amount of USAID obligations nationwide, trailing only Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts. This almost $1 billion in USAID funding to North Carolina institutions has supported thousands of high-quality jobs across sectors, from research and innovation to health systems strengthening, positioning our state as a global leader in foreign assistance implementation. Risks of the Stop Work Order The critical work conducted by USAID-funded non-profits, universities, and businesses headquartered in our state serve to both mitigate threats to our national security and foster economic growth that benefits North Carolinians and Americans nationwide. The indiscriminate implementation of the Stop Work Order undermines these benefits and jeopardizes national security, economic stability, and government efficiency. Specifically: National Security Risks: Foreign assistance programs address root causes of instability, such as poverty, disease, and conflict. Pausing these initiatives creates a vacuum that strategic competitors can exploit, undermining U.S. influence and destabilizing regions vital to our interests. Economic Disruption: Halting foreign assistance programs disrupts funding streams to North Carolina-based institutions, leading to immediate job losses and economic instability. Restarting these programs later will incur higher costs and delays, compounding inefficiencies. Public Health Threats: Interrupting health programs risks the resurgence of diseases and the unchecked spread of infectious pathogens. This threatens global health security and, ultimately, the safety of Americans at home. Advancing American Strength and Prosperity USAID-funded programs are strategic investments that promote stability, expand markets for U.S. goods and services, and build goodwill abroad. North Carolinians engaged in this work take immense pride in representing American interests globally, serving as front-line diplomats who foster alliances, counter extremism, and advance health and prosperity. By ensuring the continuation of these programs, the United States strengthens its global leadership and reaffirms its commitment to security, economic growth, and humanitarian values—principles that resonate deeply with North Carolinians. Call to Action North Carolina’s leadership is critical in addressing this urgent matter. The NCGHA urges our Congressional Delegation to: Advocate for the immediate reversal of the Stop Work Order to prevent unnecessary disruptions to vital foreign assistance programs. Support efforts to establish a transparent and efficient review process that allows development institutions to demonstrate compliance with America First principles without undermining their ability to deliver impactful programming. Emphasize the critical role North Carolina implementers play in advancing national security, driving economic growth, and promoting global stability in your discussions with State Department and Congressional colleagues.

  • 2025 Global Health in Transition | NC Global Health

    North Carolina Global Health Alliance's 2025 event - Global Health in Transition. Sponsored by RTI International, Advocate Health, and Mastro Global, LLC; and Hosted by The North Carolina Biotechnology Center. Looking back at an event to remember The 2025 North Carolina Global Health Alliance Fall Event brought our community together at a moment when global health is rapidly shifting, and the energy in the room was undeniable! More than 140 practitioners, students, policymakers, and partners gathered to reflect on an era of transition and to imagine a path forward rooted in collaboration, courage, and hope. Throughout the morning, speakers challenged us to confront the complexities of global health today: evolving disease burdens, mismatched funding priorities, shifting geopolitical realities, and the urgent need for truly community-driven solutions. Storytelling emerged as a central theme, echoed most powerfully by our Ward Cates Emerging Voices in Global Health speakers. These five rising leaders delivered TED-style talks on antimicrobial resistance and climate change, stigma reduction, low value care, creative evaluation, and the importance of centering - and truly hearing - lived experience. Their optimism, insight, and courage reminded us that the future of global health is not only bright, it is already taking shape. Date Friday, November 14, 2025 Time 8:30 am - 12:30 pm Followed by an informal lunch gathering at Boxyard RTP at 1:00 pm Location NC Biotech Center 15 TW Alexander Dr Durham, NC 27713 Agenda 8:30 - 9:00 am Registration & Networking 9:00 - 9:20 am Welcome & Opening Remarks, Brianna Clarke-Schwelm 9:20 - 9:40 am The Ward Cates Emerging Voices in Global Health Session, Five-minute talks with Breanna Barrett & Yue Suo, Introduced by Tim Mastro 9:40 - 10:30 am The Long View: Leading for Global Health's Next Chapter, Panel Discussion with Rashad Massoud, Paul Weisenfeld & Brianna Clarke-Schwelm 10:30 - 11:00 am Break & Networking 11:00 - 11:20 pm The Ward Cates Emerging Voices in Global Health Session, Five-minute talks with Anoushka Das, Lucy Tantum & Lana Abusalem 11:20 - 12:10 pm Expanding Access, Saving Lives: Global Partnerships for Critical Care, Panel Discussion with Diane Lynn, Vafa Akhavan & Jill Sergison 12:10 - 12:30 Closing Remarks with Krishna Udayakumar 1:00 pm + Informal lunch gathering at Boxyard RTP. Join us! Featured Speakers Read Speaker Bios Here Vafa Akhavan CEO, World Pediatrics Brianna Clarke-Schwelm, MPH Executive Director, North Carolina Global Health Alliance Diane Lynn Assistant Vice President, Global Health Care Advocate Health; MBA '26 M. Rashad Massoud, MD, MPH, FACP Head, Global Health USA IQVIA Timothy Mastro, MD, DTM&H Board Chair, NC Global Health Alliance Principal, Mastro Global LLC Jill Sergison, MA, CNM, RN Co-Founder, Points True North Consulting; PhD '27 Duke University School of Nursing Krishna Udayakumar, MD, MBA Founding Director, Duke Global Health Innovation Center Paul Weisenfeld, JD Executive Advisor International Development Group RTI International The Ward Cates Emerging Voices in Global Health Student Speakers Lana Abusalem, MD MS Candidate Duke University Breanna Barrett MS Candidate Duke University Anoushka Das MPH Candidate UNC Chapel Hill Yue Suo, MS Visiting Scholar, Duke University PhD Candidate, Fudan University Lucy Tantum PhD Candidate UNC Chapel Hill Registration has closed. Thank you to our sponsors! Platinum Sponsor Gold Sponsor Silver Sponsors Bronze Sponsor Sponsoring Host

  • 2023 Conference Main Webpage | NC Global Health

    Explore Resilience in the Global Health Ecosystem at this Year's North Carolina Global Health Conference! The North Carolina Global Health Alliance's 10th Annual Conference will take place on November 1, 2023 at NC State University’s McKimmon Center in Raleigh, NC. At this year's event, our global health community will come together to evaluate what it means to have Resilience in the Global Health Ecosystem. Through this theme, we will reflect on the unique components of our resilient global health ecosystem; both those that bolster our resiliency as individuals and also those that strengthen our resiliency as a community in the face of an ever-evolving global landscape. The last few years have forced us all to “pivot” time and time again, and this conference is an invitation to our global health community to take stock of all that has changed and evaluate what has worked that we should bring forward and what has not served us that we should leave behind. This conference is a highly curated intentional space for innovative thinkers to come together to address some of the world's biggest health issues in an inclusive, creative, and bold environment. It will be a space for learning, sharing, reflecting, and connecting, and will serve as just the first step for countless conversations that we will bring forward into the coming year. Speakers include leaders and visionaries from academia, biopharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations, government, medicine, NGOs, and philanthropy. Our three sub-themes will allow us to dive deep into what makes our Global Health Ecosystem Resilient and how we can strengthen that resilience through the choices we make as individuals and as a community. Sub-themes: Expanding Global Health Partnerships : Global health has expanded to include a broader, more diverse range of partners. Who are the partners at this new global health table and how do we work together in this new environment? Who is not at the table that needs to be and how do we include them? Adapting the Way We Work : The workplace is different than it was five years ago – and so are we! How have we adapted to our new environment? What is working for us and how do we let go of what isn’t? Deepening Community Relationships : Localization faces countless challenges. How do we overcome them for a more equitable, collaborative, and sustainable approach to global health? Join us as we come together in-person and learn from one another's big triumphs and big hiccups - We can't wait to see you there! Click to Register! Keynote Speakers Angeli Achrekar, PhD, MPH Deputy Executive Director for the Programme Branch, UNAIDS Assistant Secretary-General, United Nations Congresswoman Deborah Ross United States Representative for North Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District Plenary Panel: What it Means to Have Resilience in the Global Health Ecosystem Gwen W. Collman, PhD Director, Office of Scientific Coordination, Planning and Evaluation (SCOPE), NIEHS Gavin Yamey, MD, MPH, MA Associate Director for Policy, Duke Global Health Institute Director, Center for Policy Impact in Global Health Sid Thakur, BVSc, MVSc, PhD Executive Director of Global One Health Academy Professor of Molecular Epidemiology at the College of Veterinary Medicine at NC State Christian Pitter, MD, MPH Director of Global Health and Population, FHI 360 Closing Remarks From Reserve a Booth at the Day-Long Exhibit Hall and Showcase Your Organization to a Vast Global Health Audience! A reservation includes one 6-foot table and one ticket of admission for someone to represent your organization. Exhibit Hall Pricing Member Organizations: $400 Non-Member Organizations: $600 Email executivedirector@ncglobalhealth.org to confirm your reservation. Registration Rates Tickets on sale now ! Member Professional: $210 Please purchase the “Professional” ticket and add your member discount code at checkout. If you do not have a member discount code, please email ExecutiveDirector@ncglobalhealth.org Non-Member Professional : $265 Member Student : $75 Member Universities: Appalachian State University, Duke University, NC State University, UNC-Chapel Hill Non-Member Student : $100 Low-Income Country Professional : $30 Please purchase the “Professional” ticket and add your discount code at checkout. If you do not have a discount code, please email ExecutiveDirector@ncglobalhealth.org Government Agency Discount : $110 Please be sure to register with your government email address to receive the government discount. If you have any questions, please email ExecutiveDirector@ncglobalhealth.org ! Register Now! Thank You to Our 2023 Conference Sponsors! Gold Level Sponsors Silver Level Sponsors Bronze Level Sponsors Sustaining Sponsors

  • 2022 Annual Conference | NC Global Health

    The 2022 NC Global Health Annual Conference At a time of global economic hardship, and when global health inequities are even more pronounced, our global health programs, services and research need to be more impactful than ever. Are we actually making a difference? Are our programs and services having the individual, social, economic and political impacts that are needed today? Is our research yielding the required evidence? Can we demonstrate this impact? Can we identify when they are not? What are the key elements of effective programs? What lessons can we learn? The 2022 Annual Conference explored these questions and the global health impact North Carolina's organizations, and those based nationally and globally, are having at the individual, community and global levels. Thank you to all of the amazing presenters, speakers, attendees, and sponsors who made the 2022 NC Global Health Annual Conference such a success! Thank You to Our 2022 Annual Conference Sponsors Platinum Sponsors Gold Sponsors Silver Sponsors Bronze Sponsors ...And a Huge Thank You to Our Awesome 2022 NC Global Health Annual Conference Planning Committee Laura Hoemeke , DrPH - Senior Consultant, Clear Outcomes; Adjunct Professor, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health Sydney Nadel , MPH - Advanced Implementation Specialist, Family Connects International Valerie Flax , PhD - Senior Research Public Health Analyst, RTI International Katrina Kulik , MAS - Operations and Development Manager, CFK Africa Suzanne Mama n, PhD - Associate Dean for Global Health, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health Naya Villarreal , MPH - Global Health Associate Director, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health Kathy Walmer , MSN - Executive Director, Family Health Ministries Sut Soneja , PhD - Epidemiologist and Lead Public Health Specialist, MITRE Hannah Bain Lineberger - Communications Manager, CFK Africa André Anthony - Executive Director, North Carolina Global Health Alliance Heather Vahdat , MPH - Executive Director, Male Contraceptive Initiative Brittany Trottier , MPH - Health Specialist, NIEHS Aubrey Weber , MPH - Senior Technical Officer for Science Facilitation, FHI 360 Jennifer Schroeder Tyson , MPH - Lecturer, Appalachian State University Grace Ruffin - Career Development and Community Engagement Intern, North Carolina Global Health Alliance

  • Trump's cuts to funding for scientific research pose grave risks for RTP and global health | NC Global Health

    < Back Trump's cuts to funding for scientific research pose grave risks for RTP and global health Rusty Jacobs, WUNC May 5, 2025 Due to funding cuts, North Carolina has seen over $3 billion disappear from the state's economy on top of impacting the careers of many. Please click below to read/listen to the full article. https://www.wunc.org/2025-05-05/trumps-cuts-funding-scientific-research-rtp-global-health Previous Next

  • WHO WE ARE | NC Global Health

    Our Story Our Origin Story Before 2009, professionals and leaders in North Carolina would see each other at events, including dinners and receptions. They would say, "you know, we have so much in common." This included many shared interests and a commitment to global health, whether in North Carolina or across the globe. "We should do something together," they'd proclaim. But then they'd go home. And when they saw each other again, they'd have the same conversation and come to the same conclusion. ‘We should do something - together ." In 2009, they finally did. Leaders at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Duke University, North Carolina State University, North Carolina Biotechnology Center, FHI 360, IntraHealth International, and RTI International founded what was then known as the Triangle Global Health Consortium, which has now grown and become the North Carolina Global Health Alliance. The evolution of the Alliance hasn't changed its goal to be a successful convener, amplifier, and advocate for global health in the state and abroad, carrying out its mission through collaborative events, networking, and career development. But it's that original spirit that moved us, that recurring after-dinner conversation of "let’s do something together." That's the real tie that binds us together and keeps us moving forward into the future. Join Us! Serving Our Members We help people and groups discover and create the connections they would have otherwise not established. The Alliance is the source for: Partnering for growing business. Through our technical sharing and networking events, we aid organizations in forging alliances for global health innovation to win new projects or bring in new revenue through global initiatives. Access to specialists. Through our knowledge-sharing offerings, forums, and networking events, we help connect people who have specialized expertise to organizations, individuals, and projects with corresponding needs. Access to new talent. By connecting our organizations and their staff and students, we put the Triangle’s exceptional talent to use regionally and globally. We also help prepare the next generation of global health leaders. Access to global health best practices. Through our knowledge sharing and technical events, we help the global health community identify and share best practices and demonstrate how best practices can unite traditionally unilateral sectors. Economic growth for the Alliance and North Carolina. In promoting the Alliance and N.C. as an epicenter of global health worldwide, we help attract new talent, investment, and organizations to the region. Consolidated voice for advocacy. By combining our members’ voices into one common voice for global health, we convey more power, clout, and credibility with other businesses, governments, and communities regionally and worldwide.

  • Past Events | NC Global Health

    Past Events Breakfast Discussion, "Pandemic Preparedness: Local Leadership for Global Impact" August 29, 2024 Alongside our partners at RTI International , the North Carolina Global Health Alliance had the honor of hosting a remarkable panel of experts at our Breakfast Discussion, Pandemic Preparedness: Local Leadership for Global Impact. RTI's President & CEO, Tim Gabel , welcomed over 60 members of our state's global health community to RTI's beautiful campus, where we engaged in a morning of networking, learning, and discussion. We were joined by panelists, James Rosen , CEO of READDI , Dr. Lydia Boyd Campbell, MD,MPH, FACOEM , Vice President & Chief Medical Officer at IBM, Dr. Zack Moore , State Epidemiologist & Epidemiology Section Chief at NC Department of Health and Human Services ' Division of Public Health, and moderator Paul Weisenfeld , Executive Vice President at RTI International . We teamed up with RTI to write a full blog post sharing our reflections and key takeaways from the event; find it published here on RTI's Insights Blog! NC Global Public Health Careers Week March 18-22, 2024 Thank you to all of our guest speakers, attendees and employers who made the North Carolina Global Public Health Careers Week a success! Supporting the job search process of the next generation of global health leaders is a true honor and the NCGHA is grateful to serve as a connection between job seekers and leading global health employers. Bangladesh at 50: Advances in Health February 6, 2024 Dr. Mushtaque Chowdhury is the former Vice Chair of BRAC, the largest and among the most celebrated non-governmental organization globally. Previously, he was its Executive Director, founding Director of the Research and Evaluation Division, and founding Dean of the BRAC University James P. Grant School of Public Health. Dr. Chowdhury founded “Bangladesh Education Watch” and “Bangladesh Health Watch,” two civil society watchdog organizations. He holds a Ph.D. from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, a Master of Science from the London School of Economics. Dr. Chowdhury was a visiting scholar at the University of Norte Dame’s Pulte Institute and Eck Institute for Global Health. He joined us at the Gillings School of Global Public Health to share Bangladesh’s advances in health over the years. NC Global Health Networking Event November 15, 2023 Thank you to everyone who came out to our NC Global Health Networking Event on November 15! As NCGHA Executive Director, Brianna Clarke-Schwelm, told those in attendance, these kinds of social gatherings are foundational to building community. It is in environments like these that we make new connections that lead to both meaningful personal relationships and potential professional partnerships. At this gathering, we were honored to spotlight NCGHA Member Organization CFK Africa ’s new Executive Director, Jeffrey Okoro ! As a resident of Kibera, Kenya, where CFK Africa works, Jeffrey gave a personal testimony to the power of community-led development. He challenged everyone in the room to reflect on our own power as organizations, donors, thought leaders, and academics, and act not as saviors, but as partners and collaborators. “We have to have the patience to walk with the community,” he told us. “For meaningful change to happen… we have to have the trust, the patience, and the courage to invest in [community].” 2023 NC Global Health Conference November 1, 2023 At the 2023 NC Global Health Conference, more than 200 friends and colleagues came together in-person to reflect on what it means to have resilience in our global health ecosystem and how each of us have built resilience into our own work. Over the course of the day, countless connections were made, best practices and learnings were shared, and not for the first time, we saw just how strong and innovative the North Carolina global health community is. Highlights included traditional Senegalese music from the fantastic Diali Cissokho and Will Ridenour, remarks from North Carolina’s Congresswoman Deborah Ross, and keynote speaker Dr. Angeli Achrekar , the Deputy Executive Director for the Programme Branch at UNAIDS. The 2023 conference could not have happened without our incredible sponsors, exhibitors, planning committee, vendors, including NC State and the McKimmon Center, and brilliant speakers who gave their time, talent, and resources to help make the 2023 conference a memorable and meaningful one. A nd finally, to all our attendees, thank you for showing up with energy, curiosity, and openness. As the North Carolina Global Health Alliance moves forward, we hope you will stay engaged with our work and continue to bring your generosity of spirit and incredible visions for a healthier world to our future events and opportunities. International Visitor Leadership Program: African Union Representative Meeting June 7, 2023 Members of the North Carolina Global Health Alliance met with seven officials from the African Union who were visiting the Triangle as part of the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) sponsored by the US Department of State. The ten member organizations in attendance had the opportunity to share their own work, connect with one another, and learn from the visiting officials. The session served as a strong reminder of our region's tremendous impact in global health and the NCGHA is incredibly proud to continue supporting and elevating the work of our diverse membership through meetings like this one. 2022 NC Global Health Conference October 6, 2022 The theme of the 2022 NC Global Health Conference, "Impact in Global Health: Are We Making a Difference?," explored questions surrounding the global health impact that North Carolina's organizations have had at the individual, community and global levels. The conference provided an opportunity for thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, students, and researchers to share their experiences and learnings through a mix of keynote speakers, panels, workshops, storytelling and poster sessions. A Discussion on Global Health Security May 23, 2022 The Alliance had the pleasure of hosting 14 leaders of health departments from 13 different countries for a conversation about Global Health Security and other important topics, as part of the US State Department’s International Visitors Leadership Program, in partnership with International Focus. Thank you to our members and the amazing group of g lobal health leaders from Zimbabwe, Egypt, the United Kingdom, the Dominican Republic, France, Ghana, Uzbekistan, Malaysia, Kenya, Cambodia, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, and Rwanda who were able to join us.

  • Press Release: NCGHA Sounds Alarm on USAID Shutdown, Impacting Jobs and Economy | NC Global Health

    < Back Press Release: NCGHA Sounds Alarm on USAID Shutdown, Impacting Jobs and Economy Feb 3, 2025 North Carolina Global Health Alliance Sounds Alarm on USAID Shutdown, Impacting Jobs and Economy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 4, 2025 North Carolina Global Health Alliance Condemns Dismantling of USAID, Citing Severe Economic and Security Impacts for North Carolina Raleigh, NC – The North Carolina Global Health Alliance (NCGHA) expresses profound concern over the recent actions leading to the dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Following an initial Stop Work Order that paused all funding and caused immediate furloughs and disruptions, the subsequent shutdown of USAID operations has exacerbated the crisis, threatening thousands of jobs in North Carolina and posing significant risks to both the state's economy and global stability. North Carolina stands as the fourth-largest recipient of USAID funding in the nation, supporting a robust global health sector that contributes $31.9 billion annually to the state's economy. The initial funding freeze led to immediate furloughs and disrupted long-standing international partnerships. The complete dismantling of USAID now jeopardizes the future of numerous organizations and the livelihoods of countless professionals dedicated to global health and development. "The dismantling of USAID is a direct assault on North Carolina's economic vitality and our leadership in global health," said Brianna Clarke-Schwelm, Executive Director of the NCGHA. "The initial funding freeze was devastating, but the complete shutdown threatens to decimate an industry that not only provides thousands of jobs but also plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges." Beyond the immediate economic repercussions, the closure of USAID undermines U.S. national security interests. USAID's programs are instrumental in countering global instability, mitigating the influence of adversaries, and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. The absence of these programs cedes strategic ground to competitors and diminishes the United States' ability to respond to international crises. The NCGHA urgently calls upon North Carolina's congressional delegation, including Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, to take immediate action to address this crisis. The organization also encourages concerned citizens to contact their representatives to advocate for the restoration of USAID's critical functions. "We cannot afford to remain passive as an essential agency is dismantled, jeopardizing both our state's economy and our national security," Clarke-Schwelm added. "It is imperative that we act swiftly to restore USAID's operations and protect the interests of North Carolina and the nation." For media inquiries, please contact: Brianna Clarke-Schwelm Executive Director, North Carolina Global Health Alliance Email: Brianna@ncglobalhealth.org Website: www.ncglobalhealth.org Previous Next

  • 2025 Event Speaker Bios | NC Global Health

    North Carolina Global Health Alliance's 2025 event - Global Health in Transition. Sponsored by RTI International, Advocate Health, and Mastro Global, LLC; and Hosted by The North Carolina Biotechnology Center. Panelists Panel Discussion - The Long View: Leading for Global Health's Next Chapter M. Rashad Massoud, MD, MPH, FACP Head, Global Health USA, IQVIA Dr. M. Rashad Massoud is Head of Global Health, USA at IQVIA. A physician executive and global health leader, he is internationally recognized for advancing healthcare quality, health systems strengthening, and equity. Dr. Massoud has managed large-scale programs in more than 100 countries, overseeing multimillion-dollar portfolios and achieving measurable health improvements worldwide. He teaches healthcare improvement at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. In voluntary capacities, he serves as: Chair, International Advisory Board, Ministry of Health, Palestine; Board of Directors, Disaster Health Institute; Executive Committee, ISQua Academy; Board of Directors, Harvard Alumni Association; President Emeritus, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Alumni Association; Advisory Board, World Health Organization Global Report on Quality & Safety. Panel Discussion - The Long View: Leading for Global Health's Next Chapter Paul Weisenfeld, JD Executive Advisor, RTI International Paul Weisenfeld is the Executive Advisor at RTI International, a global research institute and leading international development organization. For the past 10 years, he has led RTI’s international development practice, which is dedicated to improving the human condition through multi-sectoral, inclusive solutions that lead to sustainable economic growth, climate resilience, improved food security, quality education and healthcare, environmental protection, and greater prosperity. Before joining RTI, he served as a foreign service officer for USAID, achieving the highest rank of career minister in the Senior Foreign Service, and led high-profile initiatives across various international development sectors. Panel Discussion - Expanding Access, Saving Lives: Global Partnerships for Critical Care Vafa Akhavan Chief Executive Officer, World Pediatrics Vafa Akhavan is the Chief Executive Officer of World Pediatrics, leading efforts to advance children’s health worldwide. A seasoned global executive and management consultant, he has worked with startups, mid-caps and Fortune 500 clients across seven sectors and sixteen countries. He is a senior faculty member at the Schulich Executive Education Centre, Schulich School of Business, York University, and serves on the Board of Children Believe, contributing to its Audit & Risk and Governance & HR committees. Vafa was selected as one of the top 10 most influential Canadian Professionals by Beyond! Magazine In 2023. He has also been a contributing writer to Canada’s premier business publication, The Globe and Mail. Panel Discussion - Expanding Access, Saving Lives: Global Partnerships for Critical Care Diane Lynn Enterprise Assistant Vice President, Global Health Care, Advocate Health; MBA '26 UNC Pembroke Diane Lynn is the Enterprise Assistant Vice President of Global Health Services at Advocate Health, the fifth-largest nonprofit integrated health system in the U.S. She leads enterprise-wide international and national programs, including destination care, international strategy and business development, and physician observations. With more than 25 years of experience spanning business administration, operations, and healthcare leadership, Diane has served in key roles at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and University of Michigan Health–Sparrow. She holds credentials from National Louis University and Harvard Business School, and actively contributes to multiple boards, including the U.S. Cooperative of International Patient Programs and the WHO World Rehabilitation Alliance. Panel Discussion - Expanding Access, Saving Lives: Global Partnerships for Critical Care Jill Sergison, MA, CNM, RN Co-Founder, Points True North Consulting; PhD '27 Duke University School of Nursing Jill Sergison is the Co-Founder of Points True North Consulting, a firm dedicated to advancing health, gender, racial, and social justice through strategic coalition building, policy change, and campaign development. Under her leadership, Points True North provides tailored consulting services to nonprofits, policy organizations, businesses, and foundations, with a focus on healthcare, scientific research, and policy. Jill’s expertise lies in building organizational capacity by designing structures, processes, and skills essential for long-term mission success. She is also a PhD Candidate at Duke University, a Duke Margolis Health Policy Scholar, and the Founder and Executive Director of NC Nurses for Reproductive Rights. Closing Remarks Closing Remarks Krishna Udayakumar, MD, MBA Founding Director, Duke Global Health Innovation Center Dr. Krishna Udayakumar is the Founding Director of the Duke Global Health Innovation Center and Executive Director of Innovations in Healthcare, a non-profit co-founded by Duke, McKinsey & Company, and the World Economic Forum. His work focuses on advancing the study, scaling, and adaptation of health innovations and policy reforms globally. At Duke University, he serves as Professor of Global Health and has an additional faculty appointment in Medicine. He also chairs the university’s Global Priorities Committee. Dr. Udayakumar earned his MD and MBA from Duke University and has been widely published and featured in leading global media outlets. The Ward Cates Emerging Voices in Global Health Student Speakers The Ward Cates Emerging Voices in Global Health Session: "Getting People in the Room " Breanna Barrett MSc Candidate, Duke University Breanna Barrett is a senior and an Accelerated Master of Science in Global Health student at Duke University, where her work focuses on integrating mental health support into oncology care across Jamaica, the United States, and Tanzania. She has conducted qualitative and implementation research with cancer care providers, community stakeholders, and health ministries, with an emphasis on stigma, psychosocial support, and health systems strengthening. Her current thesis explores pathways for embedding mental health services within cancer treatment settings in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. The Ward Cates Emerging Voices in Global Health Session: "Rethinking the Value of Care: Choosing Wiser Over More " Yue Suo, MS PhD Candidate, Fudan University Visiting Scholar, Duke University Yue Suo is a Visiting Scholar at the Duke Global Health Institute and a PhD candidate at the School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Her research focuses on health services utilization in cancer care, health technology assessment, and health systems. She has worked with the World Bank and the New Development Bank on projects addressing health technologies and health systems in China. The Ward Cates Emerging Voices in Global Health Session: "The Forest Fire We Can’t See: Antimicrobial resistance & climate change as one crisis " Lana Abusalem, MD MSc Candidate, Duke University Dr. Lana Abusalem is a physician and global health fellow who is pursuing a Master of Science in Global Health at Duke University. She has trained in internal medicine and infectious diseases. Her work focuses on antimicrobial resistance and she is currently leading a project in Sri Lanka on resistant infections hoping to advance sustainable approaches to global health that bridge clinical medicine, policy, and planetary health. The Ward Cates Emerging Voices in Global Health Session: "Monitoring Matters: Getting creative about global health evaluation " Lucy Tantum PhD Candidate, UNC Chapel Hill Lucy Tantum is a fourth-year PhD candidate in Environmental Sciences and Engineering at the University of North Carolina's Gillings School of Global Public Health. Her PhD research focuses on impact evaluation of water, sanitation, and hygiene programs in healthcare facility settings. Prior to UNC, Lucy worked on health system strengthening programs and research projects in Liberia. She holds a bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College. The Ward Cates Emerging Voices in Global Health Session: "The People Closest to the Problem Hold the Solutions " Anoushka Das MPH Candidate, UNC Chapel Hill Anoushka Das is pursuing her Master of Public Health in Global Health at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. She has experience working in Kenya on community-driven programs addressing women's health disparities. Her current research focuses on understanding adolescent girls and women's health and advancing equitable health solutions for underserved populations. Return to Event Page Thank you to our sponsors! Platinum Sponsor Gold Sponsor Silver Sponsors Bronze Sponsor Sponsoring Host

  • Staff & Board of Directors | NC Global Health

    Staff & Board of Directors Staff Brianna Clarke-Schwelm, MPH Executive Director Brianna (she/her) comes to the North Carolina Global Health Alliance with fifteen years of non-profit experience in both global health and domestic public health. She began her career working in health clinics in rural Kenya, Honduras, and Panama, before moving to New York City, where she served as a fundraiser for The Hunger Project, an international NGO committed to ending global hunger and poverty through community-led, integrated approaches. Brianna moved to North Carolina to work at the NCDHHS' Office of Rural Health and is proud to serve the people of North Carolina. Board of Directors Tim Mastro, MD, DTM&H Principal, Mastro Global LLC Chair, Board of Directors, North Carolina Global Health Alliance Gerald Bloomfield, MD, MPH Associate Director for Research, Duke Global Health Institute Katie Bowler Young, MFA Senior Director of University Collaborations, RTI International Emily Evens, PhD, MPH Director of Applied Research, FHI 360 Secretary Christopher LeGrand, MS CEO, BroadReach Treasurer Tracey du Laney, PhD Vice President, Science and Technology Development, NC Biotech Suzanne Maman, PhD Associate Dean for Global Health, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health Sid Thakur, BVSc, MVSc, PhD Professor and Executive Director, Global One Health Academy, NC State University Heather Vahdat, MPH Executive Director, Male Contraceptive Initiative

  • About Our Name Change | NC Global Health

    Our Rebrand Story Triangle Global Health Consortium, now North Carolina Global Health Alliance “The strength of the organization comes from the diversity and breadth of our membership, and as you can see we are a powerful and diverse group. The rebrand was conducted thoughtfully to honor our foundation and history, while ensuring our organization’s mission, values and connection to global health innovation. I'm very proud of who we are, and the direction we are heading." Dr. Andy Stringer Previous Chair of the Board of Directors PRESS RELEASE Triangle Global Health Consortium Announces New Name and Rebrand – North Carolina Global Health Alliance The Consortium will rebrand to the North Carolina Global Health Alliance to better align the organization’s name with its mission to advance the state of North Carolina as a center of global health. MAY 3, 2022 - Triangle Global Health Consortium, a nonprofit member organization dedicated to advancing global health in North Carolina, announced today that it is changing its name to North Carolina Global Health Alliance. The new name more accurately reflects the organization’s mission to advance the state as a center of global health by serving and partnering with global health organizations across North Carolina. The North Carolina Global Health Alliance was founded in 2009 by leaders from the University of North Carolina, Duke University, North Carolina State University, North Carolina Biotech Center, FHI 360, IntraHealth International, and RTI International to help elevate North Carolina as a center of global health by building collaborations, convening, amplifying and advocating on behalf of North Carolina’s global health organizations. The Alliance will release a new logo, website redesign, and updated social media presence that will all work with its growing membership, donor base, and other stakeholder groups and partners. “The strength of the organization comes from the diversity and breadth of our membership, and as you can see we are a powerful and diverse group. The rebrand was conducted thoughtfully to honor our foundation and history, while ensuring our organization’s mission, values and connection to global health innovation. I'm very proud of who we are, and the direction we are heading,” stated Dr. Andy Stringer, chair of the organization’s board of directors. “Our organization’s name has changed, but our goal to be a convener, amplifier and advocate for North Carolina-based global health organizations has only become stronger,” said Executive Director, André Anthony. Anthony noted the new logo showcases the organization’s future, showcasing a new icon with an embedded blue N and orange C for the state’s abbreviation. The new icon also symbolizes the organization’s continued dedication to innovation and collaboration in the global health sector. Visit www.ncglobalhealth.org to explore the new website, brand, and global health events. The Alliance is also on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook @NCGlobalHealth. About the North Carolina Global Health Alliance The mission of the North Carolina Global Health Alliance is to advance North Carolina as an international center for research, training, education, program implementation, advocacy and business dedicated to improving the health of the world's communities. We engage academic, governmental, nonprofit and for-profit organizations in this collaborative effort.

  • Conference Speakers | NC Global Health

    2023 North Carolina Global Health Conference Speakers November 1, 2023 McKimmon Center Keynote Speaker Featured Remarks From Angeli Achrekar, PhD, MPH Deputy Executive Director for the Programme Branch, UNAIDS Assistant Secretary-General, United Nations Congresswoman Deborah Ross United States Representative for North Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District Plenary Panel: What it Means to Have Resilience in the Global Health Ecosystem Gwen W. Collman, PhD Director, Office of Scientific Coordination, Planning and Evaluation (SCOPE), NIEHS Gavin Yamey, MD, MPH, MA Associate Director for Policy, Duke Global Health Institute Director, Center for Policy Impact in Global Health Sid Thakur, BVSc, MVSc, PhD Executive Director of Global One Health Academy Professor of Molecular Epidemiology at the College of Veterinary Medicine at NC State Rachel Clad Director of Partnerships and Alliances, BroadReach Group Moderator Christian Pitter, MD, MPH Director of Global Health and Population, FHI 360 Closing Remarks From Concurrent Sessions Overcoming Structural Inequalities in the Global Health Workforce Roy Zwahlen, J.D. Chief Strategy Officer; Eshelman Institute for Innovation Associate Dean, Strategic Partnerships & Risk Management; UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy Janet Muriuki Senior Director of Health Workforce Development; IntraHealth International Gerald Bloomfield, MD, MPH Associate Director for Research; Duke Global Health Institute Associate Professor with Tenure, Medicine; Duke University School of Medicine Danny Hamrick Director of Admissions, Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) Program, Duke University Center for International Development Moderator Mental Health in Global Health: Roundtable Discussions Emma Harver Deputy Director of Communications & Development, United States; CFK Africa Eddah Ogogo, MPH Clinical Health Services Lead, CFK Africa Victrine Oluoch Psychological Counselor, CFK Africa Luke Smith, MD Executive Director, El Futuro Brandon Knettel, PhD Associate Director, Duke Global Mental Health Program Assistant Professor Ismail Amiri Shekibula, MGHc Graduate Student, Duke University Kathy Walmer Executive Director, Family Health Ministries Moderator Emma Hughes BS Candidate, Human Biology & Science, NC State University Moderator Adapting Global Health to Meet a Changing Climate Reality Tracy Mitchell, MA, MS Director of Resilience and Climate Adaptation, RTI International Elizabeth McCormick Assistant Professor, UNC Charlotte PhD Candidate, NC State University Zachary Witkin, MPH Senior Growth & Partnerships Manager, YLabs Karen Setty, PhD Senior Manager, Research Translation, The Aquaya Institute Moderator Deepening Community Relationships Avindra Mandwal Senior Program Manager, IPAS Casey Bishopp Technical Officer II, Demand Generation & Marketing; FHI 360 Daphne de Souza Lima Sorensen CEO; MiracleFeet Suzanne Maman, PhD Associate Dean for Global Health, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health Moderator Expanding Products & Product Development in New Markets Dhiren Thakker, PhD Founding President & CEO; MedAditus Paul L. Domanico, PhD Senior Director of Global Health Sciences, Clinton Health Access Initiative Audrey Fratus Senior Technical Officer, Product Development & Introduction, FHI 360 MPH Candidate, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health Laneta Dorflinger, PhD Distinguished Scientist & Director, Product Development and Introduction; FHI 360 Moderator TechTalks: Interactive Sessions on Technology & its Role in Global Health Erika Samoff, PhD, MPH HIV/STD Surveillance Manager, North Carolina Division of Public Health Michael Levy, MBA CEO, Digital Health Institute for Transformation (DHIT) Brittany Barreto, PhD Founder & Chief innovation Officer, FemHealth Insights Host, FemTech Focus Podcast Forbes Contributor Nancy Warren, MPH Program Manager, RTI Moderator Local is Global: Bringing Global Health Back to North Carolina! Nicolle Miller, MS, MPH, RD Interim Director and a Senior Project Lead for Public Sector & Systems on the North Carolina team; Partners In Health – United States Eve Puffer, PhD Director, Duke Global Mental Health Program; Duke Global Health Institute Associate Professor, Psychology & Neuroscience and Global Health; Duke University Julie Swann, PhD A. Doug Allison Distinguished Professor; College of Engineering, NC State University Head of the Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering; College of Engineering, NC State University Michelle Hindin, PhD, MHS Director, Global Health & Population Research; FHI 360 Moderator Public Health & the People: The Engagement of Users in Systems & Solutions Felicia A. Browne, ScD, MPH Senior Research Social Epidemiologist, RTI International Solomon Ayehu, MD, MSc Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) Candidate, MIDP Fellow, Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University Vandana Shah Vice President, Health Systems Strengthening, Global Health Advocacy Incubator Host Margaret D. Louey, PhD PMP Senior Technical Manager, Global Health Sciences, Clinton Health Access Initiative Paul L. Domanico, PhD Senior Director of Global Health Sciences, Clinton Health Access Initiative Jasmine Benner Graduate Student Intern, RTI International MPH Candidate, Michigan State University 5-Minute Lightning Talks: Global Health at a Glance Benjamin Mukumbya, MS Research Technician, Duke Global Neurosurgery and Neurology Rachel Couper Senior Global Health Specialist, DAI Hannah Dewey PhD Candidate in Fiber & Polymer Science, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University Host Lihan Chen Graduate Student, Department of Chemistry, NC State University Host Jessica Parzygnat PhD Candidate, NC State University Gayoung Lee MPH Candidate in Applied Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health Lauren Enochs UNC Summer Fellow, IntraHealth International MPH Candidate MCFH, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health With a live musical performance from Diali Cissokho and Will Ridenour ! Thank you to our 2023 Conference Sponsors!

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