On April 17th, 2025, the Community Health Workers for Advancing Public Health Program (CHWAP) celebrated the graduation of its third cohort, marking the completion of a transformative, three-cohort journey that has uplifted 175 individuals to date from across San Diego County to become certified Community Health Workers (CHWs).
Launched through a partnership between the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, the Center for Community Health (CCH) at the Altman Clinical & Translational Research Institute, the Division of Extended Studies (DES) at UC San Diego, and Somali Family Service, CHWAP was designed to equip individuals from refugee, immigrant, and Native American communities with the training and skills needed to serve as trusted frontline public health advocates.
CHWAP graduates represented more than 50 refugee, immigrant, and Native and Indigenous backgrounds, bringing lived experience, language skills, and cultural insight into their communities and the broader health workforce.
This graduation ceremony was a powerful celebration of resilience, leadership, and unity. Held at the UC San Diego Park & Market, the event featured moving reflections from a standout student, Kim Fernando, who shared: “Your generous support has been instrumental in my academic journey. The grant not only alleviated financial burdens but also served as a testament to the belief that education can transform lives. Your investment in my future empowered me to focus wholeheartedly on my studies, participate in enriching extracurricular activities especially in serving people, and pursue opportunities that have shaped me into the individual I am today.”
Program Director Dr. Wael Al-Delaimy, MD, PhD, reflected on the impact of CHWAP over its lifespan: “You are bridging the gap between the health providers and your respective communities. Despite the negative environment our nation is going through, do not ever give up on fulfilling your dreams and reaching the goals of your career in serving the communities you come from.”
Following the certificate presentations, the evening concluded with a dinner celebrating the shared cultures and connections that have made CHWAP such a special initiative.
Data from participant surveys continued to affirm the program’s effectiveness. Nearly all participants demonstrated increased familiarity with the core competencies of CHWs, and a growing number have already been hired into roles across healthcare systems, community organizations, and public agencies. Many shared that the CHWAP experience renewed their sense of purpose and connection.
As the CHWAP program comes to a close, its legacy lives on in the 175 and counting trained CHWs now embedded in their communities, breaking down barriers, amplifying community voices, and helping to reshape health, social service and nonprofit systems to be more just and inclusive.
We celebrate this final milestone not as an end, but as a continuation of the work. The graduates of CHWAP are not only certified CHWs, but they are also storytellers, advocates, and bridge builders. Their impact is just beginning.