• A single microphone on a stand on a dimly lit stage.

    The UAID 2026 Health Equity Leadership Conference, held April 11-12, is an annual event that unites passionate, innovative, and inspiring student and professional leaders from across the nation. Together, we're not just imagining change—we're making it happen.

    Register Here
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    We aim to ignite a revolution in health equity solutions that bring about large-scale impact at the local level, deeply rooted in the communities we serve.

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  • Two people holding hands, with one person's hand on top of the other's, in a close-up shot.

    By fostering authentic partnerships and embracing diverse perspectives, we push ourselves to lead not only boldly and creatively but also responsibly and sustainably.

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  • Group of people stacking their hands together in a huddle, some wearing colorful sweaters and rings.

    Join us as we build a future where health equity is not just a goal, but a reality for all.

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Emerging Leaders Itinerary

Designed for undergraduate, graduate, and
early-career professionals passionate about health equity

April 11, 2026

9:00 - 10:00: Welcome & Keynote

10:00 - 11:00: CHNA Poster Presentation Competition

11:00 - 11:10: Break

11:10 - 12:10: Community Health Improvement Project Presentation Competition

12:10 - 12:45: UAID Alumni “Ask Me Anything” Panel

12:45 - 1:00: Awards & Closing Remarks

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Trailblazers Itinerary

Tailored for mid- to senior-level professionals and
practitioners leading health equity initiatives

April 12, 2026

9:00 - 10:00: Welcome & Keynote

10:00 - 11:00: Unpacking the “Isms”: Health Equity at Every Intersection

11:00 - 11:10: Break

11:10 - 12:10: Frontlines of Health Equity: Confronting Today’s Critical Issues

12:10 - 12:45: From Awareness to Action: Building Pathways to Health Equity

12:45 - 1:00: Awards & Closing Remarks

*Itinerary is subject to change. Please check this page for the most up to date information.

FEATURED 2026 CONFERENCE EVENTS

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Unpacking the “Isms”: Health Equity at Every Intersection

A dynamic series of rapid-fire panels exploring how racism, sexism, ageism, classism, and ableism shape health outcomes. Each speaker delivers a 5-minute insight from their lens, followed by an open “Ask Me Anything” dialogue that invites candid conversation and collective problem-solving.

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Community Health Needs Assessment Poster Presentation

  • Join us for the Community Health Needs Assessment Poster Presentation Competition, a pivotal event dedicated to identifying the most pressing health challenges within our communities in the United States.

  • Participants will showcase their comprehensive health needs assessments through visually engaging and informative posters.

    UAID chapters are encouraged to submit the results of step 2 of their Community Project.

    Non-UAID conference participants are welcome to submit their own original research on any community health needs assessment in the United States.

  • A distinguished panel of judges comprising of experienced public health practitioners and academic leaders will evaluate each poster based on clarity, research rigor, relevance, and potential impact. Winners will receive recognition and awards for their outstanding contributions.

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Frontlines of Health Equity: Confronting Today’s Critical Issues

Engaging, forward-looking sessions examining how emerging forces — from AI innovation to shifts in federal funding and policy language — are reshaping the fight for health equity. Thought leaders share concise insights, followed by open discussion on navigating these evolving challenges.

A woman wearing a face mask pointing at a large screen in a meeting room, with a man partially visible in the foreground. The screen displays a project management or planning tool with various tasks and timelines.

Community Health Improvement Project Presentation

  • Join us for the Community Health Improvement Project Presentation Competition, a dynamic and inspiring event dedicated to showcasing innovative projects that advance health equity within local communities in the United States.

  • Participants will present their community health improvement projects through engaging PowerPoint slides. These presentations will highlight project objectives, methodologies, outcomes, and the impact on community health.

    UAID chapters are encouraged to submit presentations on the process and cumulative impact of their completed Community Projects.

    Non-UAID conference participants are welcome to submit their own original work related to tangibly improving health equity in local communities in the United States.

  • A distinguished panel of judges comprising of experienced public health practitioners and academic leaders will evaluate each presentation based on innovation, effectiveness, scalability, community impact, and sustainability. Winners will receive recognition and awards for their outstanding contributions.

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From Awareness to Action: Building Pathways to Health Equity

Interactive workshops equipping participants with skills to translate passion into progress. Through focused sessions on advocacy, research, and community empowerment, attendees learn tangible ways to create meaningful, lasting impact in advancing health equity.

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Health Equity Abstract Submission

Students, professionals, and community leaders are invited to submit abstracts showcasing innovative projects, research, and initiatives advancing health equity. Selected presenters will share their work through oral or poster sessions, fostering dialogue, collaboration, and action toward more equitable health systems. These presentations will foster dialogue, collaboration, and action toward more equitable health systems. Abstract submissions are due by 1/3/26.

Student Registration*:
Early deadline, 12/31/26: $45
Regular deadline, 3/1/26: $60
Late deadline, 4/10/26: $75

Professional Registration:
Early deadline, 12/31/26: $75
Regular deadline, 3/1/26: $100
Late deadline, 4/10/26: $125

All conference registrants are welcome to attend both days!
The conference is free for UAID Advanced and Leaders Tier members! Click here to learn more.

Click Here to Register!

*To qualify for the student registration rate, attendees must be currently enrolled full-time in an accredited undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree program at the time of registration and through the conference dates. Part-time students, recent graduates, residents, or fellows are not eligible and should register under the professional category.

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