{"id":3188,"date":"2026-04-08T12:56:58","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T19:56:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aspenglobalinnovators.org\/?post_type=stories&p=3188"},"modified":"2026-04-09T06:07:19","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T13:07:19","slug":"2026-healthy-communities-fellows","status":"publish","type":"stories","link":"https:\/\/www.aspenglobalinnovators.org\/en\/stories\/2026-healthy-communities-fellows\/","title":{"rendered":"Introducing the 2026 Class of Healthy Communities Fellows"},"content":{"rendered":"

Aspen Global Innovators Group Introduces the 2026 Class of Healthy Communities Fellows<\/b><\/h2>\n

Investing in leaders to receive training to drive healthier, more resilient communities in Kentucky and Texas<\/span><\/i><\/h4>\n

Washington, DC, April 9, 2026 <\/b>\u2013 The<\/span> Aspen Global Innovators Group<\/span><\/a> (AGI) is proud to announce the <\/span>selection of its eighth cohort<\/span><\/a> of <\/span>the Healthy Communities Fellowship<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>The 2026 Healthy Communities Fellows come from the Rio Grande Valley, Texas; Laredo, Texas; and Louisville, Kentucky, bringing expertise in diabetes prevention, maternal health, food security, healthcare access, and mental health. Since its inception, the Healthy Communities Fellowship has built a powerful network of 50+ leaders across the country, working in 17 communities. These fellows are part of AGI\u2019s broader global network, which spans more than 54 countries and has collectively reached over 200 million individuals through fellow-led programs, policy change, and direct services.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Healthy Communities Fellowship is grounded in a simple but powerful idea: those closest to the challenges are closest to the solutions,\u201d said <\/span>Tsion Ghedamu, Deputy Director of Fellowships at AGI. <\/b>\u201cBy investing in leaders with lived experience, we are strengthening communities from within and redefining what innovation looks like.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Lauren Muir<\/b>, a member of the 2026 cohort, was also selected as the recipient of <\/span>the Lola Adedokun Aspen\u2013Doris Duke Award<\/span><\/a>. The Award honors a leader who exemplifies AGI\u2019s late Executive Director Lola Adedokun\u2019s legacy of courageous, values-driven leadership and a deep commitment to advancing more inclusive and responsive mental health systems. \u201cLola led with vision and generosity,\u201d said <\/span>Peggy Clark, Founder and Executive Director, AGI.<\/b> \u201cThis award continues Lola’s legacy by investing in a leader who is not only driving systems change, but does so with the integrity, empathy, and courage that defined her life and work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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MEET THE HEALTHY COMMUNITIES FELLOWS:<\/b><\/p>\n

The 2026 Healthy Communities Fellows are based in Kentucky and Texas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS FELLOWS<\/b><\/p>\n

Moises Arjona Jr. | <\/b>CEO, Unidos Contra la Diabetes<\/span><\/p>\n

Sandra de la Cruz-Yarrison | <\/b>Executive Director, Holy Family Services, Inc.<\/span><\/p>\n

LAREDO, TEXAS FELLOWS<\/b><\/p>\n

Marcella Juarez | <\/b>Co-Founder, Palo Bianco Farm and Ranch<\/span><\/p>\n

Ray Sanchez |<\/b> Co-founder and Executive Director, Smiles From Heaven<\/span><\/p>\n

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY FELLOWS<\/b><\/p>\n

Cassia Herron | <\/b>Founder and CEO, Herron Inc; Co-Founder, Louisville Community Grocery<\/span><\/p>\n

Attica Scott | <\/b>Director of Special Projects, Forward Justice<\/span><\/p>\n

Christopher 2X | <\/b>Executive Director and Founder, 2x Game Changers<\/span><\/p>\n

Lauren Muir |<\/b> Co-Owner, Martin and Muir Counseling<\/span><\/p>\n

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These eight leaders will receive tailored communication and narrative skills training, along with leadership development, to expand their innovations, enhance their visibility, amplify their voices, and drive impactful change in their communities and beyond.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAt Methodist Healthcare Ministries, we are proud to partner with the Aspen Global Innovators Group on the Healthy Communities Fellowship, which invests in leaders addressing the root causes of poor health,\u201d said <\/span>Jaime Wesolowski, President and CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries.<\/b> \u201cWe are excited to expand the program further across South Texas and to support fellows as they scale community\u2011driven solutions that advance health equity.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/b>Advancing strong, locally rooted leadership is essential to improving the health of Rio Grande Valley families. The Healthy Communities Fellowship builds on the meaningful impact of local leaders, equipping them with the tools, perspective, and connections needed to further strengthen and sustain community-driven solutions. We are proud to support and be part of this important work,<\/span>\u201d <\/b>said <\/span>Cristina Trejo-Vasquez, CEO of Knapp Community Care Foundation<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

“We are delighted to support the AGI Healthy Communities Fellowship. The Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana, which serves the Louisville, Kentucky area, strives to cultivate healthy communities for all, especially those who are vulnerable. We need strong, community-based leaders to fulfill this goal, so we look forward to seeing the creativity, innovation, and inspiration generated by this year’s class of Fellows, especially the four from Louisville,\u201d said <\/span>Anne Monell, Executive Director of the Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana.<\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cValley Baptist Legacy Foundation is excited and proud of the two Rio Grande Valley Fellows chosen for the 2026 cohort. Both of these leaders are passionate and deeply committed to the work they do and we’ve seen such growth in the organizations they lead due to their innovative leadership style,\u201d said <\/span>Judy Quisenberry, Executive Director of Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation.<\/b><\/p>\n

The Fellowship is supported by our generous funder partners <\/span>Humana Foundation<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Knapp Community Care Foundation<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Methodist Healthcare Ministries<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>Valley Baptist Foundation.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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Contact: <\/b>Ladin Bacakoglu, Communications and Events Manager<\/span>
\n<\/span>ladin.bacakoglu@aspeninstitute.org<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

###\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Aspen Global Innovators Group<\/b><\/p>\n

For more than 15 years, the Aspen Global Innovators Group (AGI) has championed health and development leaders and innovators from 54 countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the United States of America to design, champion, and advocate for innovative programs, policies, and partnerships that result in a safer and healthier future for all people and communities. Our network of 7600+ individuals and organizations has served 200 million people, improving health and well-being. We identify and amplify the voices of visionary, proven, and impactful local leaders, advocates, and practitioners. For more information, visit us at<\/span> www.aspenglobalinnovators.org\/<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation (VBLF) is a private foundation with a mission to improve the health and well-being of all communities in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas by investing and serving as a catalyst for ideas, partnerships, medical education, research and programs. The Foundation defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being. The Legacy Foundation works with other organizations to measurably improve the health of those living in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy Counties, supporting programs that promote healthy lifestyles and providing increased access to healthcare for all.\u00a0 For more information, visit <\/span>www.vblf.org<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Knapp Community Care Foundation\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

The Knapp Community Care Foundation (KCCF) is a private foundation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents in the Mid-Valley region of the Rio Grande Valley, Texas. Established in 2013, KCCF continues the legacy of Knapp Medical Center\u2019s mission by investing in initiatives that improve health outcomes in surrounding communities. Recognizing the profound impact of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), KCCF focuses on key factors such as education, access to nutritious food, housing stability, economic opportunities, all elements that shape overall well-being. By investing in these areas, the foundation hopes to foster healthier, more resilient communities. Visit here: <\/span>https:\/\/www.communitycare.today\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana<\/b><\/p>\n

The Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana (LFK) cultivates healthy communities for all, especially those who are vulnerable, through impact-driven philanthropy. The Foundation makes charitable grants in six Louisville, Ky.-area counties: Jefferson, Shelby, Bullitt, Nelson, and Hardin in Kentucky, and Clark in Indiana. LFK is part of Saint Joseph Health in Lexington, Ky., which is part of CommonSpirit Health, one of the nation\u2019s largest nonprofit health care systems.<\/span><\/p>\n

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.<\/b><\/p>\n

Methodist Healthcare Ministries broadens the definition of healthcare by providing low-cost clinical care for the uninsured and by supporting community-led efforts that improve living conditions that cause people to be sick in the first place. Using its earnings as co-owners of Methodist Healthcare, the organization strives to ensure that people who are economically disadvantaged and uninsured can live their healthiest lives. This is accomplished by advocating for, investing in and providing access to quality clinical care and addressing factors that affect health\u2014including economic mobility, supportive relationships, food security, broadband access, and safe neighborhoods. Ultimately, the organization fulfills its mission of \u2018Serving Humanity to Honor God\u2019 by advancing health equity so that more resilient individuals and families living in its 74-county South and Central Texas service area can thrive.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Aspen Institute<\/b><\/p>\n

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society\u2019s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.<\/span><\/p>\n

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