San Antonio, Texas – With an ability to design research to meet urgent community needs—and to directly apply that research to create change—researchers and community leaders are powerful partners for impacting community health needs.
As a member of one of only 15 three-person teams selected, Robert Salcido, Executive Director, The Center – Pride Center San Antonio joins Interdisciplinary Research Leaders, a three-year leadership development program led by the University of Minnesota with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Salcido will join a diverse group of researchers and community leaders—located across the country, to collaborate and innovate to solve persistent health challenges. Together, these fellows will help advance a Culture of Health—one that places well-being at the center of every aspect of life.
Salcido’s team includes, Dr. Amy Stone of Trinity University and Dr. Phillip Schnarrs of University of Texas at San Antonio. Together they have selected the theme, ‘Building a Stronger Community: Resilience Among LGBTQ+ People in South Texas.’ “This project will allow us to learn more about resiliency in the LGBTQ+ community in San Antonio,” says Robert Salcido. “By identifying current capacity, including gaps in community needs, we can create programming and a path forward that enhances quality of life and impacts overall health in the LGBTQ+ community for years to come.”
Along the way they will develop high-level leadership skills through mentoring, networking, and an advanced leadership curriculum. While participating in the program, they will continue working full-time, applying new knowledge and leadership in their community and field.
“This year’s fellows are addressing significant challenges communities face in achieving better health and health equity. We are excited to see the unique, diverse teams entering this program, and believe this cohort will demonstrate the power of community-engaged interdisciplinary research to solve real-world problems,” says Michael Oakes, PhD, director of Interdisciplinary Research Leaders and professor at the University of Minnesota. “Through this program, fellows will learn the leadership skills necessary to help build a Culture of Health.”
Additional partners providing training and support to fellows include: AcademyHealth, ISAIAH, and Twin Cities Local Initiatives Support Corporation.
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Interdisciplinary Research Leaders is one of a number of leadership development programs supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). These programs continue RWJF’s legacy of supporting the development and diversity of leaders.
The Center – Pride Center San Antonio exists to serve the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and HIV communities by connecting them and their families to community resources and organizations related to health, wellness, support, education, activities, and advocacy.
Contact: Robert Salcido, Executive Director/Board Chair, 210-857-6928
