This symposium offers insights into developing, pitching, and funding innovative project ideas that utilize community-academic partnerships. Participants will receive an introduction from Giridhar Mallya of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation on "Partnering to Achieve Health Equity", followed by a "shark-tank style" pitch competition where the Penn Community Scholars will pitch their ideas to improve social and health outcomes in local communities. Pitches will be judged by a panel of funders and academics.
This symposium is part of the Penn Community Scholars Program, primarily supported by the the University of Pennsylvania's Office of the Provost, with additional support and partnership from the Penn Injury Science Center and the Center for Public Health Initiatives.
Keynote Speaker - Giridhar Mallya, MD, MSHP
Giridhar Mallya, MD, MSHP, is a public health physician and health policy expert who serves as the Senior Policy Officer for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. In this role, he leads state and local policy initiatives to build a Culture of Health. His responsibilities include: informing Foundation-wide policy prioritization and agenda-setting; developing strategies for grant-making and partnership development in emerging health and social policy areas; and liaising with city, state, and federal leaders and organizations that represent them. His current areas of work span budget and tax policy, preemption, housing affordability and stability, and income support policies affecting families with young children.
Featured Panelists - Funders
- Victoria Cargill, MD, MSCE - National Institutes of Health
- Heather Major - Independence Blue Cross Foundation
- Laura Mckenna - The Patricia Kind Family Foundation
- Joe Pyle, MA - The Scattergood Foundation
- Alex Trouteaud, PhD - Arnold Ventures
Featured Panelists - Academics
- Karen Glanz, PhD - Penn Prevention Research Center
- Doug Weibe, PhD - Penn Injury Science Center
Community Scholars
- Kiera Kenney - African Family Health Organization
- Julia Quintavalle - Delaware Valley Fairness Project
- Cheryl Seay - Jarell Christopher Seay Love and Laughter Foundation
- Latesha Sims - Lenfest Center
- Gwen Soffer & Christina Kubica - Nationalities Service Center
- Lynette Medley - No More Secrets: Mind Body Spirit Inc.
- Cesar Mantilla - Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services
- Kayla Madden & Kaelee Shephard - Prevention Point Philadelphia
- Yvonne McLean Florence - Sisters R Us Circle of Survivors
- Mark Harrell - Southwest Community Development Corporation
Breakfast and Light Lunch Provided