< Back NCGHA Member Organizations Reflect on Impacts Facing North Carolina Tom George Mar 6, 2025 RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. (WTVD) -- The non-profit research institute RTI International has announced more cuts due to a lack of federal funding. Previous Next

< Back A Message to The North Carolina Global Health Community Jan 30, 2025 The NCGHA is Taking Steps to Make Your Voice Heard. Now, See What You Can Do to Get Involved Dear NCGHA Community, In recent days, the global health and humanitarian aid sectors have faced unprecedented challenges that threaten the progress we’ve made, the people we serve, and the jobs that sustain our work. The State Department’s Stop Work Order has placed critical foreign assistance programs on hold, creating uncertainty for thousands of professionals dedicated to advancing health, stability, and economic growth worldwide. At the North Carolina Global Health Alliance (NCGHA), we recognize how deeply this moment affects our community. Many of you are grappling with disruptions to your work, funding concerns, and the unsettling reality that livelihoods may be at risk. We want to acknowledge this hardship while also reaffirming our commitment to supporting you and ensuring that North Carolina’s vital role in global health does not go unnoticed. Our Actions on Your Behalf The NCGHA has taken immediate steps to elevate North Carolina’s unique position as the fourth-largest recipient of USAID funding in the country. We have: Sent letters to our Senators and key members of Congress to emphasize the economic and national security consequences of halting foreign assistance. Engaged in direct conversations with the offices of Senators Tillis and Budd, as well as Congresswoman Ross, providing real-time job impact data to strengthen their efforts to protect North Carolinians. Collaborated with national advocacy organizations to ensure that North Carolina’s voice is amplified in discussions on Capitol Hill. Widely shared our statement on the Stop Work Order and encouraged partners to use its data in their own advocacy efforts. Read our statement here. How You Can Take Action Advocacy is most powerful when we stand together. Here are ways you can join us in fighting for the future of global health: Contact Your Representatives: Call or email your Senators and Congresspeople to urge them to advocate for the reversal of the Stop Work Order and protect USAID-funded programs. ( Find your representatives here ). Share Job Impact Data: If your organization has experienced furloughs, layoffs, or other workforce impacts due to the Stop Work Order, please send us this data. All information can be aggregated and kept anonymous; however, this data is one of the most compelling tools we have when engaging with policymakers. Share Your Story: If your work or organization has been directly impacted, consider sharing your experiences with us. Personal stories can be instrumental in making the case for continued funding. Engage on Social Media: Raise awareness by posting about the importance of global health funding and tagging your elected officials. Tag the NCGHA on LinkedIn and we will amplify your post. Supporting Our Community We know that uncertainty in funding can create instability for professionals and students in our sector. As part of our commitment to supporting the careers of our members, the NCGHA will: Continue sharing job opportunities across global health and complementary sectors for those who may need to explore new opportunities. Follow us on LinkedIn where we are most active. Host our annual Global Health Careers Week from March 17-20 , offering career development resources and hosting new discussions tailored to the evolving landscape. You can sign up on our website here; please note that topics are subject to change. In times of uncertainty, we find strength in community. While we cannot predict the immediate future, we can continue to stand together, raise our voices, and advocate for the work that has saved lives, driven economic growth, and strengthened America’s leadership in the world. We see you. We support you. And we will not stop fighting for you. In partnership, Brianna Clarke-Schwelm Executive Director North Carolina Global Health Alliance Brianna@ncglobalhealth.org Previous Next

< Back USAID Contract Terminations & the Impact on the Global Health Sector in North Carolina NC Global Health Alliance Sep 30, 2025 An Urgent Workforce Challenge Since January 20, 2025, the NCGHA has tracked how many North Carolina jobs have been lost due to USAID contract terminations. Job data sourced directly from impacted institutions, impacted individuals, WARN system, NC Commerce, press releases, and media. Contract data sourced directly from USASpending.gov, impacted institutions, USAID Stop Work, and AID on the Hill. NORTH CAROLINA’S GLOBAL HEALTH SECTOR AT A GLANCE The global health sector adds $31.9B to North Carolina’s economy per year. Over 900 NC global health institutions operate in more than 175 countries. In 2021, global health organizations employed more than 56,000 direct global health jobs in North Carolina and sustained an additional 117,850 jobs across multiple sectors. North Carolina is home to one of the most sophisticated global health ecosystems in the nation, anchored by world class institutions including RTI International, FHI 360, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, and Duke Global Health Institute. Historically, the sector has been a stable, high-wage, and high-skill employer. IMPACT OF RECENT FEDERAL FUNDING CUTS NC is the fourth-highest state recipient of USAID funding; NC won $1B in awards in 2024. Since January 2025, North Carolina institutions lost $3 billion in future payments with 86% of USAID-funded awards terminated. As of September 2025, at least 625 North Carolinians lost their jobs as a direct result of USAID cuts. Ripple effects are impacting partner institutions, contractors, and students across the state. Impacted workers face a decimated job market and intense competition for remaining positions. WHY THIS MATTERS FOR NORTH CAROLINA Global Competitiveness – NC’s reputation as a global health leader is at stake; loss of capacity jeopardizes our ability to remain a beacon for innovation on the global stage. Economic Impact – Global health organizations bring federal and philanthropic dollars into NC, fueling local economies. Job losses threaten regional economic stability. Brain Drain Risk – Skilled professionals are being offered to leave NC for opportunities elsewhere, eroding decades of sector expertise that would otherwise strengthen high-demand industries in NC. WHAT WE’RE HEARING FROM IMPACTED WORKERS “ I am a PhD educated public health researcher… and I am now trying to figure out if we need to move outside the city or to another state .” – J.A., Carrboro “ Over the past 7 months, I’ve submitted over 2,000 job applications, have networked with over 100 individuals… nearly every sector I’ve looked at and networked in continues to face enormous numbers of overqualified applicants, hiring freezes and layoffs. As a single parent and the sole provider for my family, I am struggling with how to proceed .” – A.T., Apex OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMMEDIATE COORDINATED ACTION Tap the Talent – Work with existing statewide resources to elevate these professionals to prioritize transition into our booming biosciences, life-sciences, rural health, and innovation sectors. Cross-Sector Job Matching – Leverage transferable skills into life sciences, public health, education, social services, tech, and other public and private sector roles in-state. Rapid Response Workforce Support – Career transition resources, retraining programs, and targeted job fairs for displaced global health professionals & other impacted workers. Pipeline Preservation – Support internships, fellowships, and apprenticeships to keep students and early-career talent in the state. Previous Next

< Back WRAL News Coverage of Funding Freeze and Stop Work Order Effecting North Carolina Eric Miller, WRAL Feb 5, 2025 A funding freeze and stop work order at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is threatening thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic impact in North Carolina. WRAL coverage of the funding freeze and stop work order To view the full article: https://www.wral.com/news/local/public-health-experts-warn-trump-funding-freeze-impact-north-carolina-february-2025/ Previous Next

< 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

< Back More RTP layoffs as Lenovo, National Institutes of Health Confirm Job Cuts Sean Coffey Jul 16, 2025 NCGHA Executive Director Discusses Layoffs at North Carolina Businesses with ABC11 RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. (WTVD) -- More layoffs are coming to Research Triangle Park -- from two very different places. Please follow the link to watch the video and read the full story on ABC11: https://abc11.com/post/more-rtp-layoffs-lenovo-nih-confirm-job-cuts/17139573/ Previous Next

< Back USAID helps NC in several important ways. We can’t let that be ruined. Feb 13, 2025 An Op-ed by NCGHA Executive Director Published in Raleigh's The News & Observer Closure of USAID will be catastrophic for NC | Raleigh News & Observer Read the full article at: https://www.newsobserver.com/opinion/article300191279.html Previous Next

< Back Foreign Aid Workers Call on Triangle Officials to Condemn USAID Funding Freeze Lena Geller Mar 7, 2025 The Triangle is one of the largest recipients of federal foreign aid money in the nation. With that funding jeopardized, hundreds of local workers have lost their jobs. Indy Week's Lena Geller reports on the Durham City Council meeting and impact felt by North Carolina residents as a result of USAID's shuttering. Please follow the below link to read more: https://indyweek.com/news/durham/amid-mass-layoffs-triangle-foreign-aid-workers-call-on-triangle-officials-to-condemn-usaid-funding-freeze/ Previous Next

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

< 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 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. Previous Next

< Back North Carolina News CBS17 Coverage of NCGHA Statements Keaton Eberly, CBS17 Feb 4, 2025 Brianna Clarke-Schwelm, Executive Director of the NCGHA, was featured on CBS17 highlighting the impacts of executive orders on North Carolina industry and employment as a result of USAID turmoil USAID turmoil: NC Global Health Alliance urge state lawmakers to save foreign aid programs https://www.cbs17.com/news/north-carolina-news/nc-health-leaders-stress-immediate-action-as-trump-administration-aims-to-shut-down-u-s-aid-agency/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=socialflow Previous Next

Membership Our members are committed to exploring innovative collaborations for the benefit of our world's health. Join us! We help organizations and individuals discover and create the connections they would have otherwise not established. The NCGHA is the catalyst for: Convening diverse institutions, disciplines, sectors, and priorities toward a common interest in global health. We create interactions, professional exchange, and new partnerships that would have otherwise not occurred. Convergence of many vertical stakeholders and resources to address the increasingly interconnected areas of global health. This convergence identifies unmet needs, creates synergy, and further engages new combinations of stakeholders to address these needs. Collaboration among individuals and diverse groups, working together to create increased understanding, enhanced approaches, unique ideas, and new opportunities. Member Opportunities Build Community and Facilitate Partnerships Networking & strategic partnership opportunities facilitated through NCGHA introductions Participation in topical round-table discussions with other industry leaders Invitation to national Global Health Networks Participatory events (e.g. member meeting, networking) Share Best Practices Annual Conference in the Fall Virtual opportunities to learn from experts Bi-weekly newsletter Member spotlights on NCGHA social media Opportunity to elevate events, research, and news to thousands of NCGHA newsletter recipients Prepare the Next Generation of Global Health Leaders Connection and access to qualified job-seekers In-person career fair Student field trips to local global health organizations Online Career center to post and view global health jobs NCGHA leadership visits to member universities Advocate For & Elevate the North Carolina Global Health Community Annual Award Ceremony In-person and virtual advocacy events Access to NCGHA’s neutral voice and resources Collaborative advocacy opportunities with other NCGHA member organizations Testimonials Leah M. Devlin, DDS, MPH Foundation Board Chair Centers for Disease Control and Prevention "The networking with like-minded professionals from globally focused businesses, nonprofits, and academic organizations provides enormous potential for innovative health investments and strategies that can change North Carolina and the world!" Anonymous Member of the Alliance & Annual Conference Attendee "The Alliance provides a crucial forum for local partners to connect -- as well as those from other locales. It's nice to take advantage of resources in the Research Triangle. You are doing incredible work, are an invaluable asset." Timothy Mastro Chief Science Officer FHI 360 "I love being a member of the Alliance because it serves as a connector of people and organizations in North Carolina dedicated to global health. The Triangle is a much richer place because of NCGHA." Member Perks Growth Career Center Event Discounts Community New Business & Partnerships Credibility Best Practices Advocacy Visibility Membership Dues The NCGHA is committed to making our membership as accessible as possible. Annual membership dues are based on the annual gross revenue of an organization or the number of students at a university. Students and professionals who are affiliated with one of our member organizations are considered to be members. Though we primarily work with institutional partners, we welcome individual students and professionals to apply for membership if their institution is unable to formalize membership. Please feel free to email us at ExecutiveDirector@ncglobalhealth.org with questions. University Membership Less than 1,000 students: $1,000 1,000 - 4,999 students: $3,000 5,000 - 9,999: $6,000 10,000+ students: $12,000 Nonprofit Membership For-profit Membership Less than $1 million: $350 $1-10 million: $1,250 $10-100 million: $2,500 $100-$500 million: $6,000 $500 million+: $12,000 Less than $1 million: $700 $1-10 million: $2,500 $10-100 million: $6,000 $100-$500 million: $12,000 $500 million + : $20,000 Apply Now