VHEI volunteers and community members at the BIPOC vaccine clinics.

For Us, About Us, By Us.

The Vermont Health Equity Initiative (VHEI) was born from the Vermont Professionals of Color Network during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic

VHEI is fiscally sponsored by Tiny Seed Project Inc. 501(c)3. Your donation is tax-deductible.

Our Mission

VHEI aims to provide accessible, human-centered healthcare to all BIPOC Vermonters. Driven by the needs of our members, we educate and elevate our communities while advocating for health equity on both the policy and institutional fronts.

Our Vision

We envision a Vermont where BIPOC citizens experience health equity in a dignified and loving way. Communities have access to culturally conscious care and services designed with them in mind. Residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare by being involved and respected in every part of the process. Across economic status, gender identity, sexuality, ability, age, or geographic location.

Our Values

Equity

Prioritizing the needs and well-being of Vermont's marginalized and disadvantaged BIPOC communities and addressing systemic inequities and discrimination so that all individuals have an equal chance to reach their full health potential.

Human-centric

We are creating a healthcare system that prioritizes the needs, values, and well-being of individuals, leading with respect, and dignity.

Meeting Needs

We exercise a willingness and resourcefulness to fulfill the combination of culturally responsive care while addressing systemic barriers and health disparities by promoting equitable policies, programs and access to resources.

  • Amplify Stories

    We elevate conversations and voices so that our community can speak to how social determinants of health impact their lives.

  • Translate Narratives

    We shed light on the connection between the human experience and social determinants of health through data, education and community dialog.

  • Spark Empowerment

    We provide educational tools to foster healthy equity and policy change.

  • Promote Unity

    We connect community organizations and BIPOC Vermonters, leveraging community resources to drive meaningful social change.

Weiwei Wang

Co-Founder | Development Director

Weiwei is dedicated to increasing access to resources for members of the BIPOC community. She is passionate about promoting diversity and equality. With a strong commitment to making a positive impact, she is driven to create opportunities and bridge gaps in access to resources, education, and support for underrepresented populations.

Belan Antensaye

Co-Founder | Program Director

Belan specializes in strategic planning, advancing health equity, and leveraging the government's convening power and public policy to tackle local challenges. Her expertise lies in identifying obstacles, analyzing ecosystems, and crafting sustainable solutions. She grounds her approach in the crucial link between data and lived human experiences.

Karena Nguyen

Graduate Fellow

Karena assesses relief for natural disasters from a health equity standpoint, synthesizing information to aid in Vermont’s resilience efforts. She also helps with website development and content creation. She is a fourth year medical student at the Larner College of Medicine at University of Vermont, looking to explore the intersection of health, policy, and advocacy.

Read, Watch, Advocate.