• Workforce

Diverse Healthcare Leaders Mentorship Program

Applications for the 2026 cohort are now open and will close on September 12, 2025.

To apply, see the application section below in the dropdown menu.

As North Carolina’s population continues to grow and diversify, hospitals and health systems are prioritizing leadership and workforce strategies that reflect the communities they serve. A workforce enriched by a wide range of backgrounds and experiences is one of the most valuable assets any organization can have, often boosting employee engagement, strengthening retention, and helping to address ongoing healthcare staffing challenges.

Creating a workplace culture that welcomes diverse perspectives fuels innovation and generates solutions to today’s most complex healthcare issues. NCHF and NCHA are committed to cultivating the next generation of healthcare leaders who will guide our systems forward with vision, inclusivity, and purpose.

Since 2019, the Diverse Healthcare Leaders Mentorship Program has fostered meaningful connections between experienced executives and rising professionals dedicated to advancing inclusion and broad representation across the industry. The program develops a strong pipeline of leaders with a variety of lived experiences and professional insights. Our mission is not only to elevate diverse voices in leadership, but to ensure participants are prepared, confident, and ready to lead with impact.

Participants benefit from dynamic learning opportunities, direct access to industry leaders, and one-on-one mentoring from seasoned professionals who serve as trusted advisors on their leadership journey. 

Our Program

The robust 9-month long Diverse Healthcare Leaders Mentorship Program consists of four components: 

  1. One-on-One mentoring – Mentors and mentees meet for at least one hour each month while also engaging in regular communication via phone, email, in-person meetings, etc. Mentees and mentors are encouraged to schedule in-person meetings to gain the most out of the program.
  2. Mentoring Circles – Mentees meet with peers for one hour each month in mentoring circles to learn and share experiences. Mentors meet twice for one-hour with their peers throughout the program.
  3. Learning and networking opportunities – A monthly Leadership Series featuring diverse leaders from across the healthcare spectrum to address a range of topics. Mentees attend NCHA’s Winter and Summer Membership meetings where they are afforded an opportunity to network with healthcare executives. Mentees also have access to NCHA’s educational webinars and conferences. 
  4. Capstone Project – The group capstone serves as the culmination of the mentorship journey, with a focus on addressing critical issues in healthcare leadership. This project is designed to deepen participants’ knowledge and generate actionable insights that benefit the broader healthcare community across the state.
Apply to be a Mentee

Ready to Take the Next Step in Healthcare Leadership?

Are you an aspiring healthcare leader seeking to enhance your professional growth and expand your leadership potential? The Diverse Healthcare Leaders Mentorship Program offers a unique opportunity to engage with accomplished executives, gain valuable insights, and access resources designed to support your continued development.

Applications for the 2026 cohort are now open and will close on September 12, 2025. Apply here.

Duration of Commitment

  • February 2026 – October 2026
  • Commit to an investment of time
  • Meet with your mentor for at least one hour monthly (in-person meetings are encouraged).
  • Meet with your peers for at least one hour each month in mentoring circles.
  • Attend Leadership Series Lunch & Learn every 2nd Thursday of each month– 45-minute sessions (virtual).
Apply to be a Mentor

Advance Healthcare Leadership by Serving as a Mentor

We invite experienced executive healthcare leaders to participate in the Diverse Healthcare Leaders Mentorship Program as mentors. This distinguished opportunity allows you to impart your knowledge, provide guidance, and play a pivotal role in cultivating the next generation of healthcare leaders.

Applications for the 2026 mentor cohort are now being accepted and will close on September 12, 2025. Apply here.

Duration of Commitment

  • February 2026 – October 2026
  • Meet with your mentee(s) for at least one hour monthly (in-person meetings are encouraged).
  • Attend two, one-hour meetings with other mentors in the program.
  • Commit to identifying opportunities for connections for your mentee(s) through at least two formal introductions and advocating for your mentee(s) to health system executives.
Application and Selection Process

How matches are made

Mentees identify three goals they want to achieve through the course of the year.

Mentors are matched with mentees based on how well their strengths align with the needs of the mentees.

The program seeks to match people who are from similar organizations based on size, agency type, incorporation, or other factors such as mentees’ interest.

Mentor-Mentee Pairing Notification 

Participants will be notified of who they are paired with in December 2025.

Orientation & Program Kick-off Events

A Mentee Roundtable will be held in December 2025 (virtual).

Orientation will be held in late January 2026 (in-person).

Current Class of Mentors/Mentees

2025 COHORT

Mentees
  • Gillian Agyemang, MPH, CHES, MLS (ASCP), CM, Public Health Epidemiologist, Mission Hospital
  • Derrick Boyce, DSL, Senior Operational Excellence Specialist, ECU Health
  • Shavonne Brewington, Manager of Uninsured Programs, ECU Health – Access East
  • Artina Dawkins, PhD, MPA C-TAGME, Program Manager, Social Impact & Co-Director, Diversity and Inclusion, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
  • Sarah Figueroa, Project Manager, Transformation Execution, ECU Health
  • Yasmin Gay, PhD, MS, LCAS, LCMHCS, MAC, Hospital Based Violence Intervention Program Director, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
  • Demetries Green, Supervisor, Claims Follow Up, Insurance Dept., ECU Health
  • Uzuri Holder, MSW, LCSW, Program Manager, Duke University Hospital
  • Cory Holt, MBA, Director, HR Strategic Business Partner, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
  • Jalyn Howard, MHA, Practice Manager III, UNC Physicians Network
  • Michael Jimenez, Manager, Cardiopulmonary Rehab and Fitness Services, UNC Health Southeastern
  • Kamica Johnson, Pharmacy Employment Coordinator, Health Unit Coordinator, UNC Health, Duke University Health System
  • Amber Locklear, BSN, RN, Unit Manager, Intensive Care Unit, UNC Health Southeastern
  • Charles Mallett, MBA, Assistant Director – Human Resources, Sr. HR Business Partner, Duke University Hospital
  • Chanda Miller, BSN, RN, Supportive Care Nurse Coordinator, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
  • Seyi Olusina, MHA, Administrative Director for Urgent Care, Advocate Health
  • Ashley Owen, MSN, RN-BC, Clinical Informaticist, Advocate Health, Levine Cancer Institute
  • Ernest Samuel, MBA, FACHE, CRA, CNMT, Administrative Director, Imaging Services, FirstHealth of the Carolinas
  • Rebekah Scrivens, PharmD, Pharmacy Manager, Sterile Products and Perioperative Services, UNC Health Rex
  • Nialah Sharp, MHA, MS, Help NOW & Hope Housing Senior Strategist, Advocate Health 
Mentors
  • Greg Gombar, Former Chief Financial Officer, Carolinas HealthCare System
  • Christine Khandelwal, DO, MHPE, FAAFP, FAAHPM, Director of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Brian Middleton, MHA, Vice President, Surgery Care Division, Advocate Health
  • Chuck Wallington, Ph.D., EVP & Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Cone Health
  • Tri Tang, DBA, MHA, FACHE, Facility Executive, Atrium Health Lincoln
  • William Spencer Lilly, Former President, Carolinas Medical Center and Central Division, Atrium Health
  • Adia K. Ross, MD, MHA, Chief Medical Officer, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist – High Point Regional Hospital
  • Alicia Campbell, Facility Executive, Advocate Health Pineville
  • Brian M. Wofford, MBA, MHA, Vice President & Facility Executive, Atrium Health Lake Norman, Advocate Health
  • Chere Gregory, MD, MHS, SVP, Chief Equity Officer, Novant Health
  • Jakki Opollo, PhD, RN, MSN, MPH, NEA-BC, Vice President, Talent Initiatives; Regional Chief Diversity Officer, Atrium Health, Wake Forest Baptist
  • James H. Taylor, DMan, MBA, MHA, LFACHE, Retired CEO, University of Louisville Medical Center 
  • John Green, MBA, President & CEO, Iredell Health System
  • Roxie Wells, MD, SVP; Chief Physician Executive and Strategy Officer, Novant Health, Coastal Market
  • Eric Wolak, DNP, MHA, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Nursing Officer
    UNC Health Chatham 
  • Jason Carter, Chief Operating Officer Duke Regional Hospital
  • Kenyatta Elliott, MBA, MHA, Associate Vice President Duke Primary Care 
  • Mickey Foster, Chief Executive Officer FirstHealth of the Carolinas 
  • Paul Hammes, MBA, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer Hugh Chatham Health 
  • Tameka S. Peterson, MBA, CPMSM, CBCS, VP, Chief Provider Experience Officer
    Novant Health 
Program Alumni

2024 COHORT

  • Fatma AbdelSalam, PHCO Program Manager III, Centene 
  • Jonathan Barrett, Practice Manager III, UNC Health 
  • Britney Brown, Project & Program Coordinator, Advocate Health 
  • Rowena Cassim-Sims, Strategic Human Resource Business Partner, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
  • NaTonya Daniels, Nurse Manager, Advocate Health 
  • Dana Driver, Learning and Education Specialist, Novant Health 
  • Charmaine Duckie, Clinical Nurse Manager, Duke Primary Care 
  • Kwesi Etsiwa Mensah, Security Manager, North and East Market, Cone Health 
  • Marianne Fletcher, Inclusion & Pipeline Programs Sr. Specialist, Novant Health 
  • Morgan Gravley, Pharmacist, UNC Health, WakeMed Health 
  • Dwan Kelsey, Associate Director of Education, Transitions LifeCare 
  • Kaylyn Locklear, Benefits & Wellness Manager, Scotland Health Care System 
  • Timmie Locklear, Lead Residency Coordinator, UNC Health Southeastern 
  • Lakeshea Love, Pharmacy Manager, UNC Health Southeastern 
  • Diandrea McCotter, Inpatient Director of Rehabilitation Services, Duke Health 
  • Doug McGhee, Administrative Director of Support Services, Duke University Hospital 
  • Sydney Nelson, Director, Supplier Diversity, Advocate Health 
  • Shenevia Patterson, Director, System Medical Staff Operations, Novant Health 
  • Aravindan Rajasekaran, Engineering Manager, UNC Health Wayne 
  • Annanora Short, Divisional Lead Social Worker, Davita 
  • Vani Sistla, Manager, Quality & Safety, Duke Children’s Hospital 
  • Shaniqua Wade, Enterprise Privacy Manager, Advocate Health 
  • Yazmahn Wall, Practice Manager II, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist 
  • Qua’Tavia White, Community Health Prevention Coordinator, ECU Health 
  • Leo Williams, Executive Assistant, HCA: Mission Health 

2023 COHORT

  • Irene Bolis, Business Operations Manager, Atrium Health 
  • Kevin Briggs, Administrator-Laboratory & Respiratory Care Services, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Health Equity, Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center 
  • Carlton Brunson, Assistant Director, Human Resources, Duke University Health System 
  • Dolapo Busuyi, Digital Content Specialist/Administrative Fellowship Manager, ECU Health 
  • Kimberly Carter, Quality Nurse Specialist III, ECU Health 
  • Amanda Eley, Nurse Manager, Operation, Duke Raleigh Cancer Center 
  • Candice Faison, Lead, Revenue Cycle Management, Aledade, Inc. 
  • Melissa Fennell, Project Manager, Atrium Health 
  • Douglas Fisher, Director of Pharmacy, Atrium Health 
  • Morgan Jones, Manager, Patient Experience, UNC Health Southeastern 
  • Evette Law, Director, Emergency Department, Cone Health MedCenter High Point and Greensboro Drawbridge 
  • Bridgett Luckey, Director, Community Hospital Grants and Outreach, ECU Health 
  • Kris-Shae McCall, Assistant Director, Enterprise Health Information Management, Novant Health 
  • Delores McNair, Spine Division Administrator, Duke University Health System 
  • George Monjimbo, Business Operations Program Manager, Novant Health 
  • Crystal Redfern, Director of Clinical Improvement, Novant Health 
  • Cassiopeia Reid, Director, Talent Insights, Novant Health 
  • Stefanie Resillez, Administrative Director – Ambulatory Care Operations, Duke University Health System 
  • Derrick Rodgers, Manager Learning Systems and Technology, Novant Health 
  • Vernita Kaye Rouse, Health Equity Manager, ECU Health 
  • Jennifer Williams, Clinical Nurse Manager Operation, Duke University Hospital 
  • Tramaine Young, Head of Pharmacy, NC Department of Corrections 

2022 COHORT

  • Jasmine Ballard of Charlotte, Administrative Director at Atrium Health
  • Ramona Basnight of Durham, Clinical Operations Director at Duke University Hospital
  • Euniqua Bullock of Chapel Hill, Patient Services Manager at UNC Hospitals
  • Liening (Earl) Chen of Laurinburg, Strategic Analyst at Scotland Healthcare
  • Marissa Garcia of Charlotte, Strategy Execution Manager at Novant Health
  • Alexa Jones of Charlotte, Project Manager at Atrium Health
  • Swapna Joseph, MD of Durham, Hospitalist Physician at Duke Raleigh Hospital
  • Rosalynne Lopez of Greensboro, Manager at Cone Health
  • Colby Marks of Greensboro, Practice Administrator at Cone Health
  • Koai Martin of Greenville, Administrative Fellow at Vidant Health
  • Dennis Mitchell of Chapel Hill, Analytical Solutions Manager at UNC Health
  • Dana Peebles of Durham, Assistant Director at Duke Raleigh Hospital
  • Antonio Peterkin of Fayetteville, Clinic Supervisor at Cape Fear Valley
  • Candace Ramirez of Durham, Administrative Director at Duke University Hospital
  • Ylenia Sharif of Chapel Hill, System Manager at UNC Health
  • Jonathan Young of Chapel Hill, Administrative Supervisor at UNC Health

2021 COHORT

  • Christopher Bridgeman of Laurinburg, Director of Nutrition at Scotland Memorial Hospital
  • Turkeisha Brown of Chapel Hill, Patient Services Manager III/Nurse Manager at UNC Medical Center
  • Alexandra Collins of Chapel Hill, Strategy Consultant at UNC Health
  • Alvin D’Angelo of Atlanta, Vice President of Operations at Emory Healthcare
  • William English of Durham, Administrative Manager at Duke Health
  • KaSheta Jackson, DNP of Greenville, Nursing Executive Fellow at Vidant Health
  • Sonia Kaul of Durham, Manager of Patient Revenue at Duke University Health System
  • Stephen Logan of Greensboro, Administrative Fellow at Duke Health
  • Jennifer Mack of Durham, Clinical Nurse IV at UNC Health
  • Diane Mitchell of Raleigh, Director of Operations Administration at Duke Raleigh Hospital
  • Nadia Pasha, MD of Raleigh, Associate Medical Director at Duke Raleigh Hospital Medicine
  • Ram Rimal of Chapel Hill, Manager of Data Science Engineering at UNC Health
  • Michael Smith of Charlotte, Senior Manager, Ambulatory Services at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute in Pineville
  • Deborah Wang of Chapel Hill, System Manager, Strategic Planning at UNC Health

2020 COHORT

  • Alicia Barfield, Manager, Duke Health Strategic Planning (Duke Raleigh Hospital)
  • Geard Fossett, Corporate Financial Analyst, (Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center)
  • Candace Gaillard, Diabetes Program Manager (Novant Health)
  • Cinthya Garcia White, Quality Improvement Facilitator (Cone Health)
  • Garland F. Goins, Jr., Director – Revenue & Documentation Integrity (Duke University Health System)
  • Katherine Jordan, Assistant Director – Human Resources (Duke University Hospital: Private Diagnostic Clinic)
  • LeVelton Thomas, Program Director, Operations & Management Services (Duke Health)

Donate Now to Support Our Mentorship Program

The North Carolina Healthcare Foundation is committed to building a pipeline of underrepresented individuals into healthcare leadership roles through the Diverse Healthcare Leaders Mentorship Program. We are currently engaged in a 5-year campaign to raise $300,000 to support the expansion and sustainability of the program.

NCHA Staff Contact