Community Engagement Core
The EQUATE Community Engagement Core aims to optimize processes for each project and to encourage the implementation of best practices for engaging with communities and community partners.
![](https://www.p3equatehern.org/files/2023/11/clear-200x10-1.png)
Core Leaders
![Melissa A. Simon, MD, MPH](https://www.p3equatehern.org/files/2023/12/Melissa-Simon-400-dec-2023.jpg)
Vice Chair for Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Director, Institute for Public Health and Medicine – Center for Health Equity Transformation
George H. Gardner, MD, Professor of Clinical Gynecology
Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology (General Obstetrics and Gynecology)/Preventative Medicine
Professor, Medical Social Sciences
Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine
![Kimberly D. Harper, MSN, RN, MHA](https://www.p3equatehern.org/files/2023/12/Kimberly-D-Harper-400-dec-2023.jpg)
Kimberly D. Harper, MSN, RN, MHA
Perinatal Neonatal Outreach Coordinator
UNC Collaborative for Maternal & Infant Health
UNC School of Medicine
![Janiya M. Williams, MA, IBCLC, RLC, CLC](https://www.p3equatehern.org/files/2023/12/Janiya-Williams-400-dec-2023.jpg)
Janiya M. Williams, MA, IBCLC, RLC, CLC
Program Director, Pathway 2 Human Lactation Training Program
North Carolina A&T SU (NCAT P2P)
Co-Coordinator, Doula Services
Women’s and Children’s Center, Cone Health
![](https://www.p3equatehern.org/files/2023/11/clear-200x10-1.png)
Core Members
![Kimberly C. Harper, PhD](https://www.p3equatehern.org/files/2023/12/Kimberly-C-Harper-400-dec-2023.jpg)
Associate Professor, Department of English
North Carolina A&T University
![Trinita Ashford, MPH](https://www.p3equatehern.org/files/2023/12/Trinita-Ashford-400-dec-2023.jpg)
Executive Director
ConnectionHealth
![Holly Horan, PhD](https://www.p3equatehern.org/files/2023/12/Holly-Horan-400-dec-2023.jpg)
Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Global and Rural Women’s Health Program
University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine