AMBASSADORS
Meet The Ambassadors
Community Helath Worker (CHW) Ambassadors are professionals who use their lived experience to provide education, outreach, navigation, and advocacy to communities, organizations, and government. They serve as a bridge between healthcare providers and community members, often working in underserved areas to ensure that everyone has access to essential health services.
2025 Amabassador Cohort

Celita Washington
Community Health Worker
Region: Central
Concentration: Mental Health
Bio Highlight: Celita has been a certified community health worker for 5+ years

Ana Zuniga
Community Health Worker
Region:
Concentration:
Bio Highlight: Ana is from Honduras and served her community by increasing literacy and vaccinations

Malvina Sandidge-Penn
Community Health Worker
Region:
Concentration:
Bio Highlight: Malvina is a mental health professional and the creator of The Living Map Design for end-of-life planning.

Keith Shaner
Community Health Worker
Region:
Concentration:
Bio Highlight: Keith is a retired Navy veteran, Peer Recovery Specialist and loves helping veterans recover and navigate services.

Omega Boone
Community Health Worker
Region: Central
Concentration: Community Outreach
Bio Highlight: Omega likes connecting with diverse populations, raising health awareness, and building strong community relationships.
2024 Ambassador Cohort

Breanna Burke
Community Health Worker
Region: Southwestern
Concentration: Community Advocacy
Bio Highlight: Breanna is very passionate about foster care and dream of building a foundation for informing parents and protecting children.

Charmine Henry
Community Health Worker
Region: Eastern
Concentration: Maternal Health
Bio Highlight: Charmaine loves being an advocate, educator, and supporter of pregnant women. I am also a certified doula and medical assistant.

Kitt Mayo
Community Health Worker
Region: Southwestern
Concentration: Mental Health
Bio Highlight: Kitt has a passion for community advocacy that continues to sharpen her leadership skills and inspires her to be the change she wants to see.
2023 Ambassador Cohort

Marco Thomas
Community Health Worker
Region: Central
Concentration: Housing + Employment
Bio Highlight: Marco’s calling is rooted in the premise of building deep connections within a community. Life experiences are key to building trust.

Jackie August
Community Health Worker
Region: Central
Concentration: Community Resources
Bio Highlight: Jackie has a knack for empowering others to advocate for themselves to overcome barriers to healthy living.

Bennie Gates
Community Health Worker
Region: Central
Concentration: Diabetes Self-Management
Bio Highlight: Bennie loves encouraging and promoting the principles of wellness. My life is a testimony of perseverance and resistance.

Charlene Pitchford
Community Health Worker
Region: Central
Concentration: Community Resources
Bio Highlight: Charlene serves my community. I find joy in being able to serve as a conduit of information and resources.

Chelsea Ferguson
Community Health Worker
Region: Northern
Concentration: Cancer Education
Bio Highlight: Chelsea’s role is to educate and strengthen the trust within the African community about health and culturally sensitive topics.

Dayana Camacho
Community Health Worker
Region: Central
Concentration: Cancer Education
Bio Highlight: Dayana is called is to lead, support, and connect Latino communities with local resources.

Iris Gil
Community Health Worker
Region: Central
Concentration: Cancer Education
Bio: Iris is highly passionate about learning, teaching and helping raise awareness.

Laura Alipaz
Community Health Worker
Region: Central
Concentration: Cancer Education
Bio: Laura is very passionate about promoting health in my community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of health issues do community health workers address?
What is the job outlook for community health workers?
What kinds of work settings do community health workers typically work in?
What is the role of community health workers in health promotion and disease prevention?
What are some examples of programs that employ community health workers?
Community health workers may work for a variety of programs and organizations, including healthcare systems, community health centers, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. Examples of programs that may employ CHWs include diabetes management programs, HIV prevention programs, and maternal and child health programs.
What are common challenges that community health workers face?
Community health workers at VACHWA often grapple with inadequate training, lack of access to essential resources, and overwhelming caseloads. These challenges can hinder their ability to provide quality care and support to the communities they serve. Despite these obstacles, VACHWA remains dedicated to addressing these issues and empowering community health workers to drive positive change in the healthcare sector. related to the social determinants of health, including poverty, housing instability, and limited access to healthcare. They may also face challenges related to stigma, discrimination, and lack of resources. In addition, the work can be emotionally challenging, as CHWs often work with individuals who are dealing with complex health issues.
What impact do community health workers have on health?
VACHWA
The Virginia Community Health Worker Association (VACHWA) is led by industry professionals; who are committed to serving, developing and building their community through access to education and equity in public health.
QUICK LINKS
CONTACT US
- Phone: 804-616-0449
- Email: info@chwofva.com
1717 E. Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23223