By Maricela Arias-Cantu, MS, MHA, CAE
We recently had a successful 28th Annual Advocacy Summit. I am pleased to share that we had 129 attendees, 60 presenters, and 105 Hill visits across 22 states. We worked together to be a national voice in advancing the profession by sharing over 100 stories on the Hill. We’re proud to have reached 214 target districts, which was evenly balanced across the political spectrum. This balance reflects our commitment to nonpartisan engagement and building awareness. Thank you to our Advocacy Committee and to our co-chairs, Keely Rees and Brittney Chang.
We were also able to recognize six 21st Century Student and Practice Scholarship recipients at the Advocacy Summit. Congratulations to Muhammad Ali, Nelta V. Timothee, Alexis Smith, Ethan Greenblatt, Mary Martinasek, and Marissa Brash on your well-deserved recognition on your accomplishments and helping our profession thrive.
Quick reminder: The deadline for our awards program is October 31!
We are proud of our awards, fellowships, and scholarships program. So far this year, we have offered $19,500 to invest in our future. Our awards program is an incredible opportunity to recognize your peers and their outstanding contributions and leadership. Some of our awards offer a stipend to attend the upcoming 2027 Annual Conference in Cincinnati, OH. I would encourage you to take a few moments to submit a nomination for someone who you think deserves to be recognized. There are still a few days before the deadline!
Invest in Our Future
As we approach giving season in this time to be thankful, I would like to encourage you to support SOPHE’s mission with a contribution that will make a lasting impact. I enjoy reading the reflections from our previous award winners and learn how our events provide transformative experiences. Here are just a few of these inspiring testimonials.
“Attending the 2026 SOPHE Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon, was an amazing experience. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from so many public health professionals through networking, attending sessions, and the plenaries. I learned best practices for connecting with my community to rebuild trust and have hard conversations to promote local education.”
“This event was even more significant in my academic career because I was honored to earn the Vivian Drenckhahn Student Award in Health Education and Promotion. I was reminded of the responsibility that comes with this profession and my love for health education was renewed by being honored at a national level alongside so many amazing practitioners.”
“ … my “why” for public health had re-emerged, my passion for SOPHE was firing, and I knew my work for this organization and the members we serve was just beginning. With renewed energy and a clearer sense of purpose, I am excited to carry these lessons forward into my work, my chapter, and the planning of next year’s conference.”
Every contribution matters and together we can make a lasting impact and contribute to the future of our profession. We have made giving easier with a new autopayment option, so you can set up recurring contributions conveniently. I was able to set up quarterly payments for myself. You also have the option to make a one-time donation. We appreciate everyone who contributes their time and dedication to SOPHE. I am grateful for all you do and look forward to celebrating our membership community.
With appreciation,
