Zakiya Sheikh is the Community Outreach and Training Coordinator at MCD Global Health dedicated to advancing health equity through education, communications, and culturally responsive community engagement. Her work focuses on maternal and child health, early childhood development, and family well-being.

Cristina Leal is Senior Program Manager at MCD Global Health and a public health professional with deep experience in community health, adult learning, and workforce development who supports CHW initiatives across Maine and the U.S., contributing to leadership development, workforce strategies, and national training efforts.

Elizabeth Foley, MCD U.S. Programs Co-Director, brings more than 30 years of experience in healthcare and public health across domestic and international organizations. She has advised national and state health initiatives, including the Maine CDC, the National Health Disparities Collaborative, and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. At MCD, she leads eLearning and workforce development programs that provide training and technical assistance to public health professionals, healthcare providers, and community health workers across the U.S. and globally. Prior to joining MCD, Ms. Foley worked for the global NGO Partners In Health and the Harvard Medical School Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, designing and facilitating community health worker initiatives in the United States and developing countries.

Janet Smith is Executive Director of New Ventures Maine, a statewide organization helping Maine people build careers, start and grow businesses, and strengthen their financial lives. With experience leading mission-driven programs and managing resources to support community impact, Janet brings a practical perspective on the role of strong financial management in nonprofit sustainability.

Elsie Flemings is the Executive Director of Healthy Acadia, a community health organization primarily serving Washington and Hancock counties in Downeast Maine, with offices in Calais, Ellsworth, and Machias. She is responsible for ensuring that the organization is responsive to local community health needs and priorities, while assuring effective program management, communication and coordination with partners, community mobilization, financial management, ambassadorship, and resource development. Prior to her role as Executive Director of Healthy Acadia, Elsie served as a Maine State Legislator from 2008 to 2012, and concurrently served in several other roles at Healthy Acadia. Elsie splits her time between Bar Harbor and East Machias with her husband, their two daughters, and their dog.

Julie has spent the last 25 years dedicating her professional life to improving the health of Maine kids. She is currently the CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Maine, offering essential services, lodging, meals, and transportation to families needing pediatric specialty care. Julie was also the Executive Director of WinterKids, a Maine nonprofit dedicated to helping children build healthy lifelong habits through education and fun, outdoor winter activity. Previously, she held leadership and fundraising positions with Maine Public Health Association, Spring Harbor Hospital, American Cancer Society, and Community Counseling Center. Julie currently serves on the Advisory Committee for Time to Compete and on the board of the Gorham Youth Basketball Association. She lives in Gorham with her husband, Ric, and their boys, Johnny and Benny.