ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) is proud to announce that Chasity Riddick will be awarded the 21st Century Health Education Practice Scholarship during the 2026 SOPHE Annual Conference in Portland, April 22-24.
“Attending the conference this year wasn’t something I was sure would be possible, so this opportunity means a lot,” said Riddick, an Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Temple University’s College of Public Health. “SOPHE has been an important professional space for me, and being able to be in community, learn, and engage in person is something I don’t take lightly.”
Dr. Riddick brings more than a decade of experience in health and wellness leadership, having served as a Health and Wellness Director for organizations in Northampton and Chester Counties. Prior to joining Temple, she spent seven years at Lincoln University of Pennsylvania as Visiting Assistant Professor and Lecturer, where she expanded the health science internship program, developed new courses, and conducted research on attitudes and behaviors toward physical activity among African American college-aged women.
“My work is deeply rooted in preparing the next generation of public health professionals through teaching, mentorship, and real-world application, Riddick said. “I’m intentional about helping students connect what they learn in the classroom to the communities they will serve. This opportunity allows me to bring back new ideas, perspectives, and practices that directly impact my students and the communities we engage with.”
The 21st Century Health Education Practice Scholarship provides up to $1,500 in financial support to SOPHE members (national/chapter) who are health education specialists and practitioners to attend SOPHE’s Annual Conference or Advocacy Summit.
Recipients may use the scholarship to cover costs associated with event registration, travel, accommodations, meals and incidentals to the conference or Summit.
“Access matters,” she said. “Opportunities like this make it possible for educators and practitioners to stay connected, continue learning, and bring that knowledge back to the spaces that need it most. I’m grateful to SOPHE for investing in professionals in this way, and I’m looking forward to being in Portland, learning, and contributing to the community.”
SOPHE will present all awards and scholarships to public health professionals, health education researchers, faculty, programs, and practitioners at the 2026 SOPHE Annual Conference in April in Portland. These awards and scholarships recognize significant advancements in the profession of health education and health promotion and outstanding contributions of well-established and rising stars to improving the public’s health.
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About SOPHE
The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) is a nonprofit association that supports leaders in public health, health education and promotion to advance healthy and equitable communities across the globe. SOPHE members work in health care settings, communities, organizations, schools, universities, worksites, and in local, state and federal government agencies. For more information visit www.sophe.org.
