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2024 North Carolina Global Health Conference Agenda Tuesday, October 22, 2024 McKimmon Center 1101 Gorman St, Raleigh, NC 27606 Click Here to View a Map of the McKimmon Center! See our full list of speakers here! Conference Speakers PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A DRAFT AGENDA, SUBJECT TO CHANGE UP UNTIL CONFERENCE DATE 8:15 - 9:00 9:00 - 9:15 Room 2 Registration, Poster Presentations, & Exhibit Hall Connect with Exhibitors and hear poster presentations from 40 researchers! As soon as you sign in, swing through Room 1D to visit Exhibiting Organizations and then cross the hall to Room 2 (the main conference room) to engage with presenting researchers! See all Posters Welcome & Opening Remarks Brianna Clarke-Schwelm, MPH, Executive Director, NCGHA 9:15 - 10:00 Room 2 Fireside Chat: North Carolina's Place in the World Secretary Kody Kinsley, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Service With Brianna Clarke-Schwelm, MPH, Executive Direcor, NCGHA 10:00 - 10:45 Room 2 Keynote Speaker Peter Kilmarx, MD, Deputy Director, Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health (NIH) With an Introduction by Tim Mastro, MD, FACP, DTM&H, Principal, Mastro Global, LLC., & Chair, Board of Directors, NCGHA 15-Min Transition Don’t forget to visit the all-day Exhibit Hall in Room 1D! CONCURRENT SESSIONS - ROUND 1 11:00 - 12:00 Room 2 Countering Misinformation on the Journey to Earning Trust Hear from the experts who know a thing or two about how misinformation impacts our health, and what we can do to actively rebuild and gain trust in communities. Learn about climate messaging, vaccine hesitancy, and trust in science all in one dynamic conversation. Kathie Dello, PhD, State Climatologist of North Carolina, Director of the North Carolina State Climate Office Brian Southwell, PhD, MA, Distinguished Fellow &Lead Scientist for Public Understanding of Science, RTI International Erin Fry Sosne , MPH, Director of Strategy, Department of Public Health, NCDHHS Sachiko Ozawa, PhD, MHS , Associate Professor, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy Room 1C Global to America's Local: Learning from Global Health Models to Address American Challenges (Roundtable Discussions) Be inspired by work that was developed elsewhere and successfully adapted to the American context. Move between three tables to take part in interactive discussions on reproductive freedom, AI and cancer treatment, and perinatal care from experts who understand what it takes to translate models across geographical contexts. Pearl Friedberg , Senior Program Director, Ipas Jenny Jensen, MSN, MPH, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, Family Connects International Lauren Bevington, LCSW, MBA, Implementation Consultant, BroadReach Group Moderated by Kristen Sullivan, PhD, MSW, MBA, Director of Undergraduate Programs, Global One Health Academy, NCSU Room 7 North Carolina Leadership for Global Impact Learn from the leaders in North Carolina health whose work you really should know about. From vaccine equity to rehabilitation to workforce development, these NC experts are leading the way! Michelle Ries, MPH, President & CEO, North Carolina Institute of Medicine Peter Cassidy, MBA, FACHE, Vice President, Atrium Health Brandon Young, PhD, Senior Medical Science Liaison, Seqirus Moderated by Solomon Ayehu, MD, MSc, MIDP, Duke Global Health Institute & Duke Sanford School of Public Policy, MIDP '24 Transition Don’t forget to visit the all-day Exhibit Hall in Room 1D! 12:00 - 1:00 Room 2 Lunch, Poster Presentations, & Exhibit Hall Pick up boxed lunch in Room 1D (Exhibit Hall) 1:00 - 1:10 Room 2 Performance Taal Harmony School of Dance 1:10 - 2:15 Room 2 Plenary Panel: Opportunities to Bridge North Carolina with the World Suzanne Maman, PhD, Associate Dean for Global Health, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health Lindsey Bickers Block, MPH, Director of Health Education & Community Transformation, Durham County Department of Public Health Francis Lajara de los Reyes III, PhD, MS, Glenn E. & Phyllis J. Futrell Distinguished Professor, University Faculty Scholar, Dept. of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, NC State University Liz Mallas Law, MPA, MS, MA, Director, FOCUS Regional Lead, NC, SC, AR, Gilead Sciences Moderated by Chris Beyrer, MD, MPH, Director, Duke Global Health Institute 15-Min Transition Don’t forget to visit the all-day Exhibit Hall in Room 1D! CONCURRENT SESSIONS - ROUND 2 2:30 - 3:30 Room 2 Conflict to Community: The Continuum of Healthcare Provision from Displacement to Resettlement Hear from the experts as they track healthcare provision from crisis through displacement to resettlement right here in North Carolina. Coy Isaacs, Senior Director, Crisis Response and Resilience, FHI 360 Jennifer Toller Erausquin, PhD , Associate Professor, Public Health Education, UNC Greensboro Tra Tran, MS, Research Coordinator, Refugee Community Partnerships Moderated by Cristina España , Deputy Director of the Office of Public Engagement, Office of NC Governor Cooper Room 1C New Models of Leadership for Tomorrow's Global Health (Roundtable Discussions) Join this interactive session to contribute your voice to an exploration of how we can transform our models of leadership and practice to align with our evolving global health landscape. Katherine Tur ner, MPH, President & Founder, Global Citizen LLC; Adjunct Professor, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health LaHoma Smith Romocki, PhD, MPH, Professor & Department Chair, Public Health Education, North Carolina Central University Karah Pedersen, MPH, Deputy Director of Business Development , IntraHealth International Room 7 Addressing Global Health Priorities in North Carolina Communities What global health threats are disproportionately affecting marginalized communities here in NC? Join this interdisciplinary conversation to hear more about rural healthcare, vector borne illnesses, and environmental exposures - three critical topics here and everywhere! Mercedes Bravo, PhD , Assistant Research Professor of Global Health & Associate Director for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Duke Global Health Institute Ross Boyce, MD, MSc, Assistant Professor of Medicine, UNC School of Medicine Nick Galvez, MBA, CCMA Rural Hospital Program Manager, NC Department of Health and Human Services Moderated by Zainab Alidina, PhD, MPH, Data and Evaluation Manager, The Center for Child & Family Health 10-Min Transition Don’t forget to visit the all-day Exhibit Hall in Room 1D! 3:40 - 4:00 Room 2 Closing Call to Action Congresswoman Deborah Ross, United States Representative for North Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District 4:00 + Room 2 Ice Cream Social Thank You to Our 2024 Conference Sponsors! Gold Level Sponsors Silver Sponsors Bronze Sponsors Sustaining Sponsors Mastro Global, LLC

2023 North Carolina Global Health Conference Agenda November 1, 2023 McKimmon Center 1101 Gorman St, Raleigh, NC 27606 Click Here to View a Map of the McKimmon Center! Don’t forget to visit the all-day Exhibit Hall in Room 1D! 8:15 - 9:00 CHECK-IN, NETWORKING & LIVE MUSIC Enjoy a live musical performance from Diali Cissokho and Will Ridenour while you check-in! Then, visit Susan Lankford, Director of Science and Technology Development at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, at a table past check-in to learn more about professional networking! 9:00 - 9:10 Room 2 WELCOME & OPENING REMARKS Tim Mastro , NCGHA Board Chair; Senior Science Advisor, FHI 360 9:10 - 9:20 Room 2 OPENING REMARKS: CONGRESSWOMAN DEBORAH ROSS C ongresswoman Deborah Ross , United States Representative for North Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District 9:20 - 10:15 Room 2 PLENARY PANEL: WHAT IT MEANS TO HAVE RESILIENCE IN THE GLOBAL HEALTH ECOSYSTEM Gwen Collman , Director, Office of Scientific Coordination, Planning and Evaluation (SCOPE), NIEHS Sid Thak ur , Executive Director of Global One Health Academy; Professor of Molecular Epidemiology at the College of Veterinary Medicine at NC State Gavin Yamey , Associate Director for Policy, Duke Global Health Institute; Director, Center for Policy Impact in Global Health Rachel Clad , Director of Partnerships and Alliances, BroadReach Group; Moderator BREAK/TRANSITION CONCURRENT SESSIONS - ROUND 1 10:30 - 11:20 Room 2 Overcoming Structural Inequalities in the Global Health Workforce Roy Zwahlen , 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 , 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 Room 6 Mental Health in Global Health: Roundtable Discussions Luke Smith , Executive Director, El Futuro Emma Harver , Deputy Director of Communications & Development (United States), CFK Africa Eddah Ogogo , Clinical Health Services Lead, CFK Africa Victrine Oluoch , Psychological Counselor, CFK Africa Brandon Knettel , Associate Director, Duke Global Mental Health Program Ismail Amiri Shekibula , Graduate Student, Duke University Kathy Walmer , Executive Director, Family Health Ministries; Moderator Emma Hughes , BS Candidate, Human Biology & Science, NC State University; Moderator Room 5 Adapting Global Health to Meet a Changing Climate Reality Tracy Mitchell , Director of Resilience and Climate Adaptation, RTI International Elizabeth McCormick , Assistant Professor, UNC Charlotte; PhD Candidate, NC State University Zachary Witkin , Senior Growth & Partnerships Manager, YLabs Karen Setty , Senior Manager, Research Translation, The Aquaya Institute; Moderator BREAK/TRANSITION CONCURRENT SESSIONS - ROUND 2 11:30 - 12:20 Room 2 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 , Associate Dean for Global Health, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health ; Moderator Room 6 Public Health & the People: The Engagement of Users in Systems and Solutions 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 Felicia A. Browne , Senior Research Social Epidemiologist, RTI International Solo mon Ayehu , MD, MSc, Master of Internatio nal 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 Room 5 5-Minute Lightning Talks: Global Health at a Glance Jessica Parzygnat , PhD Candidate, NC State University Gayoung Lee , MPH Candidate in Applied Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health Benjamin Mukumbya , Research Technician, Duke Global Neurosurgery and Neurology Lauren Enochs, UNC Summer Fellow, IntraHealth International; MPH Candidate MCFH, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health 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 12:30 - 1:30 1:30 - 2:20 Room 2 Room 2 BREAK/TRANSITION LUNCH, NETWORKING & EXHIBIT HALL KEYNOTE SPEAKER: ANGELI ACHREKAR, UNAIDS Angeli Achrekar , Deputy Executive Director for the Programme Branch, UNAIDS; Assistant Secretary-General, United Nations BREAK/TRANSITION CONCURRENT SESSIONS - ROUND 3 2:30 - 3:15 Room 2 Expanding Products & Product Development in New Markets Dhiren Thakker , Founding President & CEO, MedAditus Paul L. Domanico , 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 , Distinguished Scientist & Director, Product Development and Introduction, FHI 360 ; Moderator Room 6 TechTalks: Interactive Sessions on Technology & its Role in Global Health Erika Samoff , HIV/STD Surveillance Manager, North Carolina Division of Public Health Michael Levy , CEO, Digital Health Institute for Transformation (DHIT) Brittany Barreto , Founder & Chief innovation Officer, FemHealth Insights; Host, FemTech Focus Podcast; Forbes Contributor Nancy Warren , Program Manager, RTI; Moderator Room 5 Local is Global: Bringing Global Health Back to North Carolina Nicolle Miller , Interim Director and a Senior Project Lead for Public Sector & Systems on the North Carolina team; Partners In Health – United States Eve Puffer , Director, Duke Global Mental Health Program, Duke Global Health Institute; Associate Professor, Psychology & Neuroscience and Global Health, Duke University Julie Swann , 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 , Director, Global Health & Population Research, FHI 360; Moderator 3:20 - 3:30 Room 2 TRANSITION CLOSING & CALL TO ACTION: CHRISTIAN PITTER Christian Pitter , MD, MPH, Director of Global Health and Population, FHI 360 3:30 - 4:00 Room 2 ICE CREAM SOCIAL Don’t forget to visit the all-day Exhibit Hall in Room 1D! Thank you to our 2023 Conference Sponsors!

< Back Carrboro Council Passes Resolution In Solidarity With USAID Employees, Urges Restart of Federal Aid Brighton McConnell Mar 6, 2025 NCGHA and Member Representatives Attended Carrboro Council Meeting to Support the Passing of a Resolution in Support of North Carolina Global Health Businesses and Employees Please follow the below link to read the full story: https://chapelboro.com/news/local-government/carrboro-council-passes-resolution-in-solidarity-with-usaid-employees-urges-restart-of-federal-aid Previous Next

The NCGHA 2026 Spring Event The Global Health Workforce: An Economic Imperative Mon, April 20 | 9 am - 12 pm | Durham, NC After a year of instability for the global health workforce, the need to make a clear economic case for robust investments in its stability has never been greater. This special Spring Event examined how strategic investments in the global health workforce drive economic resilience. Recap: A Morning of Health, Economics, and Action On Monday, April 20, 2026, the North Carolina Global Health Alliance (NCGHA) convened 60 global health leaders from across North Carolina at FHI 360's headquarters in Durham to bridge a critical gap in our state's dialogue: the intersection of global health and economic development Connecting the Global to the Local Dr. Jerry Bloomfield, the NCGHA’s new Board Chair, kicked off the event by defining the Alliance’s unique role. He described North Carolina not just as a participant in global health, but as a leader. The Alliance serves as the glue connecting our world-class research institutions and thriving businesses to something larger than any one organization could achieve alone. Following Dr. Bloomfield, NCGHA Executive Director, Brianna Clarke-Schwelm, addressed the question, why does North Carolina need its own global health alliance? The answer lies in economic development. With over 900 organizations reaching 175 countries, this sector brings $32 billion in value to our state annually, an impact comparable to the construction industry that we see on our daily commutes. The Human Infrastructure Karah Pedersen then took the stage to shift our focus to the frontline. She spoke passionately about the people who make health systems function. Her message was clear: the global health workforce is not just a budget line item, it is the essential infrastructure of a functioning society. Without paid, safe, and supported workers, even the most advanced medical technology fails to reach those in need. Fireside Chat: Healthy Populations as Economic Engines After a brief networking break, we welcomed Dr. Mandy Cohen of Manatt Health and Dr. Tessie San Martin of FHI 360 for a two-chapter conversation that served as the heart of the event. Chapter One: Health as Infrastructure. The speakers discussed how a healthy population is the bedrock of economic productivity. Dr. San Martin noted that under-investment in health leads to massive productivity losses, while Dr. Cohen emphasized that the global health sector is a major employer within our own state borders. Chapter Two: The Workforce as an Engine. The discussion turned toward the workforce itself. We explored how the 56,000 global health jobs in North Carolina create a ripple effect, supporting local businesses and fueling innovation. The audience engaged deeply here, asking how we can better translate health outcomes into economic data that policymakers can't ignore, and what individual impacted workers can do to continue careers of impact. Dr. San Martin emphasized that health is a long-term investment that drives productivity. She noted that global growth results in demand for U.S. products, meaning we are deeply invested in the health of the rest of the world for our own prosperity. Dr. Cohen spoke on the importance of trust and communication. She highlighted that for the public to value health as an "end" in itself, we must be better translators of our work, moving from "wonky" policy talk to human-centered stories. The View from Raleigh To bring the conversation home, Marina Pieretti from the NCDHHS Division of Public Health gave a presentation on workforce development efforts right here in NC. She showcased how the state is working to bridge the gap between global expertise and local public health needs, ensuring that the skills learned abroad are being applied to keep North Carolinians safe. What's Next? At the NCGHA, we are committed to ensuring North Carolina remains a place where this talent is valued, utilized, and integrated into our economic vision. We cannot afford to lose the very people who keep our state and the world running. The conversations shared in this session were more than just reflections, they are the foundation for the NCGHA's state-level advocacy strategy over the coming year. As we look to the future, our focus is clear: we must protect, retain, and grow the life-saving talent that calls North Carolina home. Our current priorities include: Protecting our Current Workforce: The stories we have heard from our community over the last year, and the recent reports of skilled professionals facing career uncertainty, underscore the fragility of our sector's current infrastructure. The NCGHA is committed to being a vocal champion at the state level to ensure that these workers are recognized as essential economic contributors. We are working to ensure that when global shifts occur, our local workforce has the support and visibility needed to pivot and remain in the spaces where their expertise is most effective. Building a Pipeline for the Future: North Carolina's universities are graduating some of the brightest young minds in global health, but a degree is only the first step. To keep this talent from leaving our state, we need to better bridge the gap between graduation and long-term career placement. Our goal is to create an ecosystem where North Carolina isn't just a place to study global health, but the premier destination to build a career in it. Meet the Speakers Mandy Cohen, MD, MPH National Advisor, Manatt Health; Former Director, CDC; Former Secretary, NC Department of Health and Human Services Tessie San Martin, PhD, MPA CEO, FHI 360 Gerald Bloomfield, MD, MPH Associate Director for Research, Duke Global Health Institute; Associate Professor with Tenure of Medicine and Global Health, Duke University Board Chair, NCGHA Karah Pedersen, MPH Steering Committee, Frontline Health Workers Coalition; Head of Global Health Partnerships, Global Communities Marina Pieretti, MPH Director of Public Health Workforce Development, Division of Public Health, NC Department of Health and Human Services Brianna Clarke-Schwelm, MPH Executive Director, North Carolina Global Health Alliance Thank you to our Sponsors! Sponsor Host Agenda 9:00 am - 9:30 am Registration & Networking with light refreshments 9:30 am - 9:40 am Welcome, Brianna Clarke-Schwelm 9:40 am - 9:50 am Opening Remarks, Dr. Jerry Bloomfield 9:50 am - 10:10 am Centering Frontline Health Workers, Karah Pedersen 10:10 am - 10:30 am The Economic Return of Global Health in North Carolina, Brianna Clarke-Schwelm 10:30 am - 11:40 pm Fireside Chat with Dr. Mandy Cohen & Dr. Tessie San Martin, Moderated by Brianna Clarke-Schwelm Chapter 1: Healthy Populations as Economic Infrastructure Chapter 2: Health Workforce as an Economic Engine 11:40 am - 12:00 pm Closing Remarks, Marina Pieretti 12:30 pm + Please join us for an informal lunch gathering across the street at the American Tobacco Campus. Find us in the covered courtyard area at the tables in front of Boricua Soul (705 Willard St).

Staff & Board of Directors Staff Brianna Clarke-Schwelm, MPH Executive Director Brianna Clarke-Schwelm is the Executive Director of the North Carolina Global Health Alliance, where she leads efforts to strengthen and connect the state’s vibrant global health ecosystem. In this role, she champions the next generation of global health leaders, fosters cross-sector collaboration, and advocates for North Carolina’s leadership in global health innovation. Brianna brings a deep commitment to community-led development and health equity, shaped by her early work in rural health clinics in Kenya, Honduras, and Panama, and her later roles at The Hunger Project, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Rural Health, and InterAct, a domestic and sexual violence service organization in Raleigh, NC. Brianna holds a Master of Public Health in Global Health from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and a bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies from Bucknell University. She has made North Carolina her home for nearly a decade and is proudly raising three North Carolinian kiddos alongside her husband, who is an incredibly talented luthier. Board of Directors 2026 Board Chair Announcement Gerald Bloomfield, MD, MPH Associate Director for Research, Duke Global Health Institute Chair, Board of Directors Katie Bowler Young, MFA Senior Director of University Collaborations, RTI International Emily Evens, PhD, MPH Senior Director of Applied Research, FHI 360 Secretary, Board of Directors Christopher LeGrand, MS CEO, BroadReach Treasurer, Board of Directors Diane Lynn Enterprise Assistant VP of Global Health Services, Advocate Health Tracey du Laney, PhD Vice President, Science and Technology Development, North Carolina Biotechnology Center Tim Mastro, MD, DTM&H Principal, Mastro Global LLC Executive Committee Sid Thakur, BVSc, MVSc, PhD Professor and Executive Director, Global One Health Academy, NC State University Heather Vahdat, MPH Executive Director, Male Contraceptive Initiative

2022 NC Global Health Annual Conference Agenda Thursday, October 6, 2022 McKimmon Center, NC State Want to learn more about this year's speaker lineup? Click here ! Register Here View the agenda on the conference web app.

< Back A Statement From the North Carolina Global Health Alliance on Recent Executive Orders Jan 28, 2025 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 Global Health Sector Economic Impact Report 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. Previous Next

< Back Chapel Hill Town Council Meets, Discusses USAID, Hears Local Petition Kristin Kharrat Feb 16, 2025 Chapel Hill Council Passed a Joint Resolution with the City of Durham Calling for an Immediate Lift o the Stop Work Order and Re-opening of USAID On Wednesday, the Chapel Hill Town Council met to discuss two proposed developments. What’s new? Please follow the below link to read the full story: https://www.dailytarheel.com/article/2025/02/city-chapel-town-council-021225 Previous Next

2026 NC Global Health Career Week Monday, Feb 2 - Friday, Feb 6 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm ET every day Register below! Mon Mon, Feb 2 @ 12:00 pm ET Purposeful Preparations: How to think about career decisions in 2026 Join us for a candid conversation about how to think strategically about career decisions in 2026. We'll dive deep into doing the groundwork that leads to smarter choices in a competitive landscape. Register Tues Tues, Feb 3 @ 12:00 pm ET Where the Jobs Are (and How to Find Them) If you're wondering where the real job opportunities are right now, this session is for you. We'll take a practical look at where jobs are emerging in life sciences, civic service, and government work. We'll share concrete tools. Register Wed Wed, Feb 4 @ 12:00 pm ET A Recruiter's Guide to Acing the Interview Ever wonder what's really going through a recruiter's mind during an interview? Join us a for a behind-the-scenes look at the good, the bad, and the unexpected from the point of view of the people making hiring decisions. Register Thurs Thurs, Feb 5 @ 12:00 pm ET Standing Out in a Crowded Field: How to get noticed for the job you want In a competitive job market filled with highly qualified candidates, standing out can feel overwhelming. Join us as we break down what actually makes a candidate memorable - from first impressions, resumes, cover letters, and follow-up. Register Fri Fri, Feb 6 @ 12:00 pm ET Success Stories: Conversations with global health professionals who made the pivot work Career pivots aren't easy, but you are not alone. We will hear directly from global health professionals who navigated job transitions in 2025 and found new roles that align with their skills and values. Hear lessons learned to jumpstart your own 2026 job search. Register

Resources 01. North Carolina Global Health Economic Impact Report Our 2022 Economic Impact Report has been released. This report highlights North Carolina's leadership in global health. Read the full report to learn more! Read All 03. The Global Goals - Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation The Global Goals (known as the Sustainable Development Goals) are the solution to end poverty, and inequality, and reverse climate change Read All 05. KFF Health Tracking Poll – March 2022 This poll finds the public’s health care priorities for Congress focus on reducing out-of-pocket costs Read All 07. USAID Vision for Health System Strengthening 2030 USAID’s ten-year vision is rooted in health system strengthening (HSS) approaches that are based on whole-of-society engagement Read All 09. National Climate Assessment (NCA) - Volume II The full report of the National Climate Assessment provides an in-depth look at climate change impacts on the U.S. Read All 02. COVID-19 Issue Briefs - U.S. Global Leadership Coalition The USGLC takes an in-depth look at the global pandemic response and COVID-19’s impacts on vulnerable populations, global development and policy change Read All 04. Global Health Legislation Tracker - Kaiser Family Foundation This tracker provides a listing of global health-related legislation being considered by the 117th Congress (Jan. 3, 2021 – Jan. 3, 2023) Read All 06. 2021 Global Health Council Briefing Book This is a resource for well-informed decision-making on issues involving U.S. engagement in global health Read All 08. Duke-Margolis White Paper This white paper evaluates current challenges in collecting and using such data for AI-enabled clinical decision and diagnostic support tools Read All 10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC’s Climate and Health Program provides resources for public health professionals Read All COVID-19 Find global COVID-19 information as well as guidance on what prevention steps you should take in your community. LEARN MORE

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

Our Mission & Vision The North Carolina Global Health Alliance (NCGHA) is dedicated to advancing North Carolina as a center of global health. We work to foster collaboration and innovation in our state and region by acting as a connector and advocate on behalf of our global health community. Our Vision The North Carolina Global Health Alliance envisions a world in which collaboration and innovation lead to healthier communities. Our Mission The North Carolina Global Health Alliance works 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, non-profit, and for-profit organizations in this collaborative effort. Our Objectives Connect Inform Prepare Advocate