NCHF Congratulates Diverse Healthcare Leadership Mentorship Graduates

Raleigh, N.C. – October 4, 2024 – The North Carolina Healthcare Foundation (NCHF), the charitable non-profit, innovative and programmatic arm of the North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA), celebrated the graduation of the 2024 class of the Diverse Healthcare Leaders Mentorship Program. The competitive program is designed to help cultivate a diverse pipeline of leaders for the healthcare field. This year, the program paired 25 healthcare professionals from underrepresented communities with 21 executive leaders from health systems and hospitals who serve as mentors.

“NCHF is pleased to celebrate and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the newest class of the Diverse Healthcare Leaders Mentorship Program. Since its inception, 84 healthcare leaders have graduated from the program, representing hospitals and community healthcare organizations from all four major regions of North Carolina.” said Dr. LaPonda Edmondson, NCHF President.

Throughout the program, mentors and participants meet regularly to share experience and knowledge around leadership development, staff coaching, health equity, and diversity in healthcare. Mentees participated in NCHA events such as Winter and Summer membership meetings to network with and learn from other healthcare leaders. Program participants and mentors gathered in High Point, NC to share their gratitude and takeaways from the 9-month program through presentations.

“I chose to join the Mentorship program because I saw value in networking with other minority healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds,” said 2024 mentee, Kaylyn Locklear. “As a Lumbee woman who is early in her career, I also recognized the value in learning from experienced leaders in healthcare who have navigated various challenges and have been successful in their careers. I knew that the mentorship program would offer the opportunity for me to grow both personally and professionally.”

NCHF congratulates the 2024 Program Mentees:

2024 Program Mentors:

NCHF is currently seeking applicants for the 2025 class. If you or someone you know are interested in this unique career development program, apply or nominate someone by October 18 at https://www.ncha.org/programs/mentorship-program/.