Health Careers & Workforce Diversity hosted the 1st annual statewide Emerging Leaders in Healthcare Conference for AHEC Scholars from February 16-18, 2024. This event, tailored for Scholars in Cohorts 5 and 6, drew approximately 169 AHEC Scholars to the Piedmont AHEC region for 20 hours of vital didactic education as part of a new statewide enrichment model complementing region-specific didactic hours across AHEC centers.
Participants, including speakers and special guest exhibitors, convened in High Point to engage in diverse sessions aimed at fostering networking, collaboration, and skill development. Dr. Brisa Urquieta de Hernandez, founder and CEO of Be the Link Consulting, shared her insights:
"I'm really impressed with the fact that the AHEC Scholars program brings together scholars from diverse disciplines in one room. It creates a safe space for shared learning, where we can build on each other's experiences and ask questions together. I'm hopeful for the shift and transformation that will come from this group of scholars, and I truly appreciate the team for organizing this opportunity and inviting me to be a part of it."
Piedmont AHEC, and co-host Melanee Mills of Northwest AHECs, alongside the entire Health Careers team, contributed to the success of the conference. Plans are underway to launch the statewide conference for its 2nd year with regional AHEC host Michelle Boyd from South Piedmont. The HCWD team anticipates the event will be held in Charlotte, NC for Cohorts 6 and 7 in February 2025.
Learn more about Northwest AHEC Scholars Program