Nalhe
NALHE NORTH CAROLINA Chapter
North Carolina is the 28th largest and 9th most populous state of the United States. It comprises three main geographic regions: the central Piedmont region, the coastal region, and the mountain region. Raleigh is the state’s capital and Charlotte is its most populous city. The Charlotte metropolitan area is the largest metropolitan area in the state and is known as the largest banking center in the nation after New York City. The Research Triangle, which is comprised of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, is the second largest metropolitan area in the state.
The Research Triangle is home to three Tier-1 research universities: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, and North Carolina State University. At the center of these is the Research Triangle Park (RTP) which is North Carolina’s premier global innovation center making remarkable advancements in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical research, and healthcare. This intersection between academia and industry at the RTP forms a talent pipeline like no other. North Carolina is also home to nearly 200 hospitals and 26 integrated delivery networks according to Definitive Healthcare data from January 2023.
North Carolina has a population of 10.7 million with the Latino population being the fastest growing community in the state since the 1990s. As of 2020 the Latino population has grown by 40% over the previous decade which represented 11% of the state’s population. The rates of uninsured amongst Latinos in North Carolina is higher than national average and Latinos in the state are less likely to see a healthcare provider. According to the Commonwealth Fund report on healthcare disparities, Latinos in North Carolina face the worst access to healthcare in the nation.
It is a crucial time to engage healthcare stakeholders within North Carolina to bring visibility to the healthcare needs of the Latino community in the state and steward leadership in our community.
Get to Know the DMV Chapter Leadership Board
(Click on each photo to see Bio)
Armando Quiñones Cruz
Secretary
Marianne Rojas Fletcher
Chair, Education
Lindsay Sloan
Co-Chair of Education
Sarah Figueroa
Chair, Membership
Ana-Elis Perry
Board Advisor
Bernardo Medrado
Chair, Marketing and Communications
Strategic Plan
This strategic plan describes the goals and objectives of the North Carolina Chapter which help to increase the representation of the Latino, Latina and multicultural groups in leadership roles. The goals and metrics ensure the participation of individuals and organizations that foster culturally inclusive professional opportunities in the healthcare industry and promote the education and acknowledgement of healthcare disparities within our community.
Mission
The primary mission of the Chapter is to be the acknowledged local and regional organization in North Carolina for Latino/a/x and multicultural healthcare leaders and professionals, early careerists, students, local industry experts, community stakeholders, partners, sponsors, and individuals with aligned interests, goals, and values. With these collaborations, we strive to support advocacy for the Latino communities in North Carolina.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Chapter is to enhance the presence and impact of Latino/a/x and multicultural individuals within our state’s healthcare sector. Through networking, educational resources, and advocacy efforts, the Chapter strives to cultivate professional growth, create leadership pathways, and champion health equity initiatives across diverse communities throughout North Carolina.
VISION
To be a professional organization that increases the representation of Latinos/as in leadership roles within the North Carolina healthcare leadership space to foster greater participation in the advancement of diversity and inclusion and health equity initiatives at a local level.
Goals
- Provide opportunities for professional development through educational and networking events.
- Collaborate with partners throughout the healthcare continuum and other healthcare professional organizations to encourage participation, promote sponsorship, and gain visibility across North Carolina.
- Grow chapter membership to advocate for the healthcare needs of the Latino community and create a sense of belonging.
- Recruit and retain members
- Host educational and networking events for members
- Establish partnerships with local professional organizations
- Secure sponsorships with local healthcare organizations and other community organizations
Metrics
- Providing Educational Sessions: 3 virtual or in-person events and 1 virtual or in-person General Body meeting
- Providing Networking Sessions: In-person sessions one in Charlotte and one in Durham/Chapel Hill
- Engaging in Partnerships & Sponsors: i.e. Seeking partnership organizations (i.e. ACHE, NAHSE, etc.) and recruiting sponsors (i.e. AdventHealth, Novant Health, Atrium Health, UNC Health, business consulting firms, medical equipment, local government agencies, professional networking organizations, etc.)
- Membership: first year goal of 50 members and growing membership by 2% in year two and beyond
- Raising funds: raise $3k-$5k to provide scholarships, mentorship and educational components