Community health worker stories
CHW Spotlight
Community voices matter. We honor our CHWs by recognizing their stories, amplifying their lived experience, and showcasing their contributions in Mecklenburg County communities and beyond.
At Queen City Community Connect Coalition, we aim to highlight CHWs’ dedication, resilience, and the impact they’ve made in the lives of those they serve. Join us as we honor their contributions and amplify their voices, one story at a time.
Tasha is dedicated to helping marginalized communities. Her unique ability to build trust with residents has made her a beacon of hope.
Tasha Davis
Community Health Worker
Tasha has been dedicated to helping underserved communities for 20+ years. During this time, her commitment to promoting health equity has been nothing short of inspiring as her journey to becoming a CHW is a testament to the transformative power of community-driven health care. Tasha was previously a CNA at Presbyterian Hospital where she met a colleague who inspired her to become a CHW to better serve her community in this way.
Tasha understands that the foundation of effective community health work is building and maintaining trust. Her unique ability to connect with community members on a personal level is by always approaching each interaction with empathy and respect.
This trust-building process has allowed Tasha to bridge gaps in healthcare access and empower individuals to take control of their own health. Tasha’s work extends beyond routine healthcare support. During challenges and obstacles that many of our underserved communities face, Tasha emerged as a beacon of hope. She ensured that vulnerable community members had access to accurate information, testing, and resources during COVID-19. Her tireless efforts helped provide much-needed support to families in need.
Tasha Davis’s unwavering commitment to community health has inspired their colleagues and community members alike. They serve as a mentor and role model for emerging CHWs, encouraging them to embrace the transformative potential of their work. Tasha’s work is a testament to the profound difference that one person can make when driven by a passion for community health.
We are proud to feature Tasha as our first ever CHW Spotlight Nominee, and we look forward to witnessing the continued positive change she brings to the lives of those she serves.
Harold is a passionate Community Health Worker with experience as a patient safety attendant and Spanish interpretation at Atrium Health.
Harold Quirama
Community Health Worker
Harold joined the Community Health team in 2022 under the Mecklenburg County Public Health CDC grant. His primary focus is on addressing social determinants of health to reduce disparities and foster health equity.
Harold’s impact is profound, evident in his regular home visits where he not only delivers essentials such as food but also assesses living conditions. Recognizing client’s needs, he is able to introduce relevant programs to enhance their overall well-being. His support extends across various services, from utility bill assistance to employment opportunities, free internet, health insurance, legal aid, free tax preparation, transportation, a school for children, and providing essentials such as clothing, diapers, wipes, and formula.
His commitment to active listening and transforming routine applications into meaningful conversations to address client’s broader needs. Despite challenges in securing affordable housing, his determination shines through, making a positive impact on those he serves.
The community recognizes Harold through numerous “word of mouth” referrals, a testament to the significant and lasting difference he consistently makes in the community he serves.
Harold’s compassionate approach, holistic support, and dedication to health equity make in an invaluable asset in our community.
Tamika’s multifaceted approach for the marginalized communities she serves sheds on a light on her impactful contributions.
Tamika Williams
Community Health Worker
Tamika embodies the essence of a dedicated Community Health Worker through her unwavering passion for helping others. Her multifaceted approach to the role encompasses coaching, care coordination, system navigation, social support, and advocacy for the most vulnerable individuals.
Tamika’s commitment to addressing health disparities has been a driving force in her journey. Motivated by a genuine desire to be a resource for her follow CHWs, Tamika serves as a reflection of the community she passionately dedicates herself to. Her lived experiences of racism and financial hardship uniquely position her to advocate for structural transformation from the inside out.
Beyond her role as a CHW, Tamika actively pursues continuing education by demonstrating her dedication to personal and professional growth. She extends her knowledge to the community by offering free financial literacy classes, fostering financial sustainability for those who seek it.
Tamika’s commitment to community well-being goes beyond her professional duties, as she finds joy in DIY projects as well as enriching the lives of those she serves. Tamika’s outstanding contributions make her a shining example of the impact a CHW can have, not only in addressing health disparities but also in fostering empowerment and resilience within the community.
Luly Mendez is a devoted CHW at Atrium Health while serving as a volunteer and community resource for over 5 years.
Luly Mendez
Community Health Worker
Luly has been a steadfast volunteer and community resource at Hidden Valley Elementary School for over 5 years. During this time, Luly has empowered community residents by bridging communication gaps, fostering social connections, linking apartment residents to non-profit and government agencies, service programs, and other essential community resources.
As a CHW, Luly values connecting with residents and linking them to necessary resources. She is passionate about educating and raising awareness within the community. Luly helps bridge gaps in access to care for Mecklenburg County residents by building connections and encouraging residents to participate in and promote health and wellness.
In her role, Luly showcases her leadership skills by creating networks and making a positive impact on the community. She has connected dozens of families with utility and rental assistance, provided translation services and conducted hands-on case management between families and organizations like Crisis Assistance Ministry, Loaves and Fishes, Stonebridge Church Community, and Northside Baptist Church.
Luly Mendez is a committed community advocate with a deep-rooted passion for helping families in need. Her dedication to supporting and empowering residents makes her an invaluable asset to the Mecklenburg County community.
Tammy is a committed CHW whose experience and empathy create a substantial impact for Mecklenburg County communities and residents.
Tammy Marshall-Reed
Community Health Worker
Tammy Marshall-Reed exemplifies the dedication and selflessness of a CHW. With a background as a Community Engagement Strategic Coordinator at Novant Health, Tammy’s journey reflects her deep-rooted belief in the value of giving and serving others.
Her commitment to community service began early, volunteering with organizations such as the Center for Abused Women and Children in Georgia. This lifelong dedication to helping others was further extended to her family, as she actively involved her daughter in community service from a young age. Tammy’s personal story includes adopting a son from Liberia, which highlights her compassion and commitment to making a difference in people’s lives.
Tammy’s role at Novant Health allows her to use her entrepreneurial skills to address the basic needs of individuals, often beginning with simple questions about food and later evolving into comprehensive support. She is deeply involved with maternal health, working with patients to ensure they have the resources and support needed during vulnerable times.
Her approach centers on building trust, creating safe spaces, and providing meaningful assistance. In her work, Tammy has found that her role as a CHW is not just a job but a calling, allowing her to impact lives profoundly. Her ability to meet individuals where they are and offer non-judgmental, life-changing resources is a testament to her dedication and skill.
Latyra is a dedicated CHW at Atrium Health specializing in Advocate Health. She elevates the issues of her community to better inform the entire health system.
Latyra Stinson
Community Health Worker
Latyra has been a part of a dynamic CHW team with Atrium Health, focusing on navigating Advocate Health for 2.5 years. When asked what motivates her to work with community members and CBOs, she responded,
“Knowing the positive impact and change that I am making on an individual and their family. To be better mentally, physically, and emotionally is all one can ask for and of course to live a better life. The impact is something far greater than the words of thank you that can be said but the heart can feel.”
Latyra has many, many highlights in her tenure on CHW teams. When asked to share some examples, Latyra stated,
“Providing food to a family who just yearned for a meal, assisting another patient with adequate housing in which they can sit and enjoy family time, and helping a patient get a career and not just a job. The benefit of working in this department has greatly opened doors that may not come easy. Often, we don’t see the struggles of others until we are exposed. The hardships many face on a daily basis can be handled differently by different people. To know I can assist them with eliminating a struggle or hardship is the greatest feeling.”
Latyra is a leader in her field and in her profession. She works with an efficiency that speaks to her years of experience and knowledge of her community. Most importantly, Latyra elevates the issues of her community in ways that better inform the entire health system.
On top of these accolades, Latyra brings energy and levity to any room as she could moonlight as a comedian if she wasn’t so busy helping out our community members! We cherish her spirit and all that she brings to the Atrium Health CHW team.