In early January 2026, the Community-Campus Partnerships for Health (CCPH) visited several scholars from the 2025 Research Leadership Academy (RLA) cohort as part of ongoing partnerships through the North Carolina Community Engagement Alliance (NC CEAL). These site visits highlighted community-engaged research projects supported by RLA seed grants that center historically marginalized communities across North Carolina, including Hispanic, Black and Brown communities, small nonprofits, seniors, caregivers, and other underserved groups. From rural Sandhills communities to Rocky Mount, CCPH staff learned directly from Scholars as they implemented initiatives ranging from community coach training and bilingual outreach to research on how small nonprofits meet community needs under financial constraints. Together, these visits underscored the power of community-led research and the continued impact of RLA Scholars working in and with their own communities.
Pictured from left to right: Anissa Vines of NC CEAL, Demetria Ledbetter of the Bethel Baptist Church Ministries, Al Richmond of NC CEAL (back row), Edwrin Sutton of Men and Women United for Youth and Family, Belinda Jones-Hill of The Roanoke Valley Breast Cancer Coalition, Melvin Jackson of The Prime Collective, Dr. Johnny Williams of Old North State Medical Society and Joshua Chitalo of Craven Terrace Charities, Inc.
Pictured on screen: Ashley Hazell of the Bethel Baptist Church Ministries, Mavis Hill of the Tyrrell County Community Development Corporation