The U.S. public health workforce is facing extraordinary pressure. From political interference and funding cuts to widespread burnout and workforce shortages, early-career public health professionals are entering the field at one of the most challenging times in recent history. Yet with challenge comes opportunity—and at Global Health Corps (GHC), we see this moment as a critical inflection point for the future of health equity.
In 2022, GHC launched the U.S. Leadership Accelerator with a bold vision: to invest in the next generation of diverse, equity-driven public health leaders and equip them with the tools, networks, and community needed to lead transformative change. With the generous support of founding partners, like Adtalem Global Education Foundation, that vision became reality.
Over the past two years, the U.S. Leadership Accelerator has supported more than 60 fellows across New York City, Dallas, and other urban and rural communities nationwide. These fellows are advancing health equity in pivotal roles within local health departments, community-based organizations, and national nonprofits. They lead public health outreach in immigrant communities, strengthen mental health services, address systemic barriers in sexual and reproductive health, and so much more.
This program is designed not only to sharpen professional skills, but to foster deep community among values-aligned leaders. Through two in-person national convenings, personalized mentorship, executive coaching, and leadership development skill building grounded in equity and collective care, fellows are building the kind of leadership muscle our health systems urgently need.
We’re proud to share that Adtalem Global Education Foundation has renewed its commitment to the U.S. Leadership Accelerator, ensuring GHC can continue to expand this critical work. This renewed investment reinforces a shared belief: that leadership development is a powerful—yet often overlooked—lever for long-term, systems-level change.
“Adtalem Global Education Foundation’s support has been instrumental in making the U.S. Leadership Accelerator what it is today,” said Heather Anderson, CEO of Global Health Corps. “We’re thrilled to deepen our partnership and continue equipping early-career leaders who reflect the communities they serve and are committed to building a more just and equitable public health future.”
This fall, GHC will welcome its third cohort of U.S. Leadership Accelerator fellows—rising leaders ready to navigate today’s complexities and reimagine what’s possible for tomorrow. With ongoing support from Adtalem Global Education Foundation and our growing community of partners, we remain committed to developing a diverse, resilient, and equity-centered public health workforce.
Stay tuned to meet our next cohort in September and to follow along as these leaders shape the future of health equity in the U.S.