2009 Health Leadership Fellows Selected for One-Year Training Program

NEW BRITAIN (Oct. 17, 2008) - The Connecticut Health Foundation (CT Health) has selected 18 area individuals to participate in its annual fourth Health Leadership Fellows class for 2009.  The program is designed to increase Fellows’ knowledge and skills to better advocate and lead effective health strategies for those vulnerable to health disparities.  

 “Investing in future leaders who can influence health-systems change is a sound strategy to improve the health of Connecticut residents," says Patricia Baker, foundation president & CEO.

“Through the fellowship program, we’re creating a growing community of influential minority leaders who can provide unique and valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of achieving equity in health,” adds Will Crimi, foundation vice president of program & evaluation, and program founder.

The 2009 Fellows are professionals with outstanding credentials and proven commitment to decreasing racial and ethnic health disparities in Connecticut.  Launched in 2005, the program selects individuals who represent public and private sectors in public policy, health practice, health care administration, community, law, business and commerce, advocacy, academia and other related fields. 

The 2009 Health Leadership Fellows Class

• Eric Arzubi, M.D., Resident Physician, Yale School of Medicine (New Haven)
• Ashika Brinkley, Asthma Initiative Project Director, New Haven Health Department (New Haven)
• Janier Cabán-Hernández, Director, AIDS Legal Network (Hartford)
• Desiree Díaz, Clinical Resource Lab Coordinator, UCONN School of Nursing (Storrs)
• Monika Doshi, Senior Associate, Matrix Public Health Solutions, Inc. (New Haven)
• Karen Eichstaedt, Director, Human Resources, United Community & Family Services (Norwich)
• Pedro Gonzales, Training and Technical Assistance Coordinator, The Multicultural Leadership Institute (Wallingford)
• Violete O. Haldane, Benefit Analyst, Manager, CIGNA (Bloomfield)
• Yvette Highsmith-Francis, Director, Hartford County Sites, Community Health Center, Inc. (New Britain)
• Wilhelmina G. Jackson, Certified Nursing Midwife, Bridgeport Hospital (Bridgeport)
• Cristina Lima, Coordinator for Latino Outreach Programs, Cancer Care of Connecticut (Norwalk)
• Gloria Francesca Mengual, Program Director, Everyday Democracy (East Hartford)
• Alyssa Norwood, J.D., MPH, University of Connecticut (West Hartford)
• Jeffrey Shaw, Legislative Aide, Connecticut House of Representatives (Hartford)
• Margaret Steinegger-Keyser, Executive Director, Greater Hartford Interfaith Coalition for Equity and Justice (Hartford)
• Donald P. Tutson Jr., J.D.,  Attorney at Law, Law Office of Donald Tutson Jr. (Hartford)
• Tawanna Woolfolk, Senior Clinician, Hill Health Center (New Haven)
• Patricia J. Wrice, Executive Director, Operation Fuel (Bloomfield)

The 2009 Fellows, selected through a competitive process, make a one-year commitment to attend two weekend retreats and monthly seminars featuring local and national public health leaders, cultural and linguistic competence experts, and policy-makers. Each Fellow also will receive a stipend of $1,500 to aid in their personal or professional development.  Those who work for a nonprofit organization receive an additional $500.

For additional information about the Fellows program or the foundation, please contact Maryland Grier, communications officer at 860.224.2200, ext. 32 or maryland@cthealth.org.