Panelist: Kahin Adam MPH, MSW, LGSW, Trauma Focused Psychotherapist, Trauma-Informed Care Community Health and Wellness Specialist, CentraCare (he/him)
Bio: "Kahin Adam is a public health practitioner, Trauma Focused Psychotherapist, Trauma-Informed Care Community Health and Wellness Specialist, Mental Health First Aid Trainer for Trainers and a Health Equity Advocate. He received a dual master’s degree in MSW/MPH from Columbia University’s Schools of Social Work and School of Public Health. His concentration was on Population and Family Reproductive Health and on Advanced Clinical Mental Health Practice with a focus on immigrant and refugee mental health. He has years of experience in the field of social service as a program manager, and a health equity advocate. In addition, he serves as a cultural, educational, and clinical consultant. Furthermore, he is a refugee trauma focus psychotherapist and has been an influence in shaping trauma and mental health and public health education in the refugee and immigrant community. Kahin is a Bush Foundation Fellow, A State of Minnesota Refugee Outstanding Award recipient, is recognized as an immigrant essential worker by the National Immigration Law Center and was selected to be a Saint Cloud Welcoming America delegate to the House representatives and the Senate. Kahin enjoys riding horses, playing tennis, traveling, reading, and learning different languages and cultures. His favorite food is Palestinian."

Panelist: Txing Vang, Social Worker, Washington County (she/her)
Bio: Txing Vang has over a decade of experience working in health and social services. She brings a diverse background with a global equity lens in her work and roles. In Txing’s current role as a social worker at Washington County, she ensures individuals can live safely in their homes with their choice of supports. Txing is currently a MNLEND fellow recipient at the University of Minnesota. You will find Txing involved in community events and activities and trying a fusion of new foods and recipes.

Panelist: Ray Blaylark, President, Sickle Cell Foundation of MN (she/her)
Rae Blaylark is the Founder and President of Sickle Cell Foundation of Minnesota as well as the proud mother of a young adult son living with sickle cell disease. Ms. Blaylark founded Sickle Cell Foundation of MN as a means to increase local and national awareness of sickle cell disease, elevate the voices of the community and improve healthcare outcomes in this population. Over the past 17 years, Ms. Blaylark has served on several state and national health advisory committees and has represented the sickle cell community in various professional roles, including blood and marrow donor recruitment, pediatric care coordination, hemoglobinopathy counselor, program coordinator, community liaison and community health worker. Ms. Blaylark brings a unique perspective and experiences into her role as a community leader who has navigated the sickle cell space both outside of the healthcare system as a caregiver and on the inside of the system as part of the pediatric clinical care team. It is through this dual lens that Ms. Blaylark continues to impact the trajectory of many individuals, families and professionals, all of whom have a critical role in improving the outcomes of this precious population.

Facilitator: Annika Grassl, LEND Fellow, Institute for Community Integration (she/her)
Bio: Annika is a graduating public health policy student and a LEND fellow. Her lived experience as a woman with disabilities helps her to understand the importance of representation and communication in healthcare for marginalized communities.

Facilitator: Carlos Gallego: Senior Coordinator, Outreach and Cultural Connector, ACET, Inc. (he/him)
Bio: Carlos does community, grassroots work, and builds cultural connections with underserved communities. He has a master’s degree in Elementary Education.