*Registration payment includes Credit Cards and Interfund Transfers ONLY.
Community health ambassadors, community and faith-based leaders, health educators, grassroot and neighborhood organizers, non-profit and community-based organizations, wellness, mental health and other health advocates.
Day 1: Public Health Track
Thursday, March 26, 2026 / Public Health & Leadership Development
9:00 am - 4:00 pm - Registration 8:30 am
A continental breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided.
Click HERE to go back to the Institute main page.
THEME: Engage, Empower, Elevate
Are you ready to take your passion for community health to the next level?
Join us for Day 1 of the 2nd Annual Community Engagement Ambassador Institute—a dynamic experience designed for community champions, public health ambassadors, and faith-based leaders across Mecklenburg County.
Why Attend Day 1?
• Gain essential public health knowledge and leadership skills.
• Explore strategies for prevention, advocacy, and emerging health issues.
• Learn how to use your voice to influence policy and connect residents to vital resources.
• Network with local partners and discover programs that support healthier communities.
• Enjoy a vendor expo, interactive sessions, and complimentary breakfast, snacks, and lunch.
Day 1 Objectives: Engage, Empower, Elevate
Discover how Day 1 of the 2nd Annual Community Engagement Ambassador Institute will equip you to make a lasting impact in Mecklenburg County. Our objectives are designed to help you grow as a leader, advocate, and connector in your community:
1. Empower Ambassadors with Core Public Health Knowledge
o Equip participants with foundational concepts in public health, prevention, and emerging health issues.
o Foster understanding of health disparities and social determinants of health.
2. Develop Leadership and Advocacy Skills
o Provide tools and strategies for effective leadership in community health settings.
o Enable participants to use their voice to influence policy and advocate for healthier communities.
3. Strengthen Community Engagement Strategies
o Teach methods for engaging diverse communities in health initiatives.
o Connect ambassadors to local resources and programs that support community wellness.
Become a Community Engagement Ambassador!
Are you passionate about making a difference in Mecklenburg County? Are you ready to inspire change and connect with fellow leaders? Submit your application today and be part of this impactful event!
Opportunities available:
• Attendee: Participate in one or both days of the Institute.
• Facilitator/Presenter: Share your expertise and lead sessions.
• Vendor/Exhibitor: Showcase your organization or services.
How to Apply:
Click HERE to complete the Community Engagement Ambassador Application.
Important Dates:
• Application Deadline: January 5, 2026
• Notification of Acceptance: By Friday, January 30, 2026
Eligibility:
Applicants must live or work in Mecklenburg County.
Full AGENDA coming soon!
Institute Creator
Gwendolyn Devins, MPH,CCHW
Community Engagement Manager, Mecklenburg County Public Health
Understanding the Why
“Rooted in my resilience and born from a deep passion to engage community, this Institute is meant to empower! It's more than a training—it's the start of a movement joined by those closest to the issues." - Gwendolyn Devins
Institute Facilitators
Charlene Whitaker-Brown, DNP, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, CHFN, RN
CEO & Founder, The Mindheart Institute and Wellness Center 
Jada Jackson, MEd
Associate Director of Academic and Community Partnerships
Location
South Piedmont AHEC
5039 Airport Center Parkway, Building K
Charlotte, NC 28208
Classroom 17/18
Continuing Education Credits
0.6 CEUs
6.0 Contact Hours
National Commission for Health Education Credentialing
Application for CHES® (entry-level) / MCHES® (advanced level) Category I continuing education contact hours (CECH) has been made to the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC).
Certified in Public Health by National Board of Public Health Examiners
Up to 6.0 CPH Recertification Credits may be earned per each day attended.
Click HERE to learn more about the National Board of Public Health Examiners and the credit submission process.
Sponsors and Partners
Registering for the conference gives South Piedmont AHEC permission to share your information with conference partners and Mecklenburg County Public Health. Registering for and attending a South Piedmont AHEC program authorizes South Piedmont AHEC to take audio, video, and/or still images to be used for promotional and educational purposes. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your South Piedmont AHEC team member.
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