• A single microphone on a stand on a dimly lit stage.

    The UAID 2026 Health Equity Leadership Conference, held virtually on April 12th, is an annual event that unites passionate, innovative, and inspiring student and early-career professional leaders from across the nation. Together, we're not just imagining change—we're making it happen.

  • A hand holding a clear light bulb against a sky with soft pink and orange clouds at sunset.

    We aim to ignite a revolution in health equity solutions that bring about large-scale impact at the local level, deeply rooted in the communities we serve.

  • Two people holding hands, with one person's hand on top of the other's, in a close-up shot.

    By fostering authentic partnerships and embracing diverse perspectives, we push ourselves to lead not only boldly and creatively but also responsibly and sustainably.

  • Group of people stacking their hands together in a huddle, some wearing colorful sweaters and rings.

    Join us as we build a future where health equity is not just a goal, but a reality for all.

Register Here

FEATURED 2026 CONFERENCE EVENTS

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Community Health Needs Assessment Poster Presentation

  • Join us for the Community Health Needs Assessment Poster Presentation Competition, a pivotal event dedicated to identifying the most pressing health challenges within our communities in the United States.

  • Participants will showcase their comprehensive health needs assessments through visually engaging and informative posters.

    UAID chapters are encouraged to submit the results of step 2 of their Community Project.

    Non-UAID conference participants are welcome to submit their own original research on any community health needs assessment in the United States.

  • A distinguished panel of judges comprising of experienced public health practitioners and academic leaders will evaluate each poster based on clarity, research rigor, relevance, and potential impact. Winners will receive recognition and awards for their outstanding contributions.

A woman wearing a face mask pointing at a large screen in a meeting room, with a man partially visible in the foreground. The screen displays a project management or planning tool with various tasks and timelines.

Community Health Improvement Project Presentation

  • Join us for the Community Health Improvement Project Presentation Competition, a dynamic and inspiring event dedicated to showcasing innovative projects that advance health equity within local communities in the United States.

  • Participants will present their community health improvement projects through engaging PowerPoint slides. These presentations will highlight project objectives, methodologies, outcomes, and the impact on community health.

    UAID chapters are encouraged to submit presentations on the process and cumulative impact of their completed Community Projects.

    Non-UAID conference participants are welcome to submit their own original work related to tangibly improving health equity in local communities in the United States.

  • A distinguished panel of judges comprising of experienced public health practitioners and academic leaders will evaluate each presentation based on innovation, effectiveness, scalability, community impact, and sustainability. Winners will receive recognition and awards for their outstanding contributions.

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Health Equity Abstract Submission

Students, professionals, and community leaders are invited to submit abstracts showcasing innovative projects, research, and initiatives advancing health equity. Selected presenters will share their work through oral or poster sessions, fostering dialogue, collaboration, and action toward more equitable health systems. These presentations will foster dialogue, collaboration, and action toward more equitable health systems. Late-Breaker Abstracts are currently open for submission until 3/15/26!

Continuing Education / Professional Development: participants will receive a Certificate of Completion documenting 4 hours of instructional time. The conference is already approved for 4 continuing education credits by the National Board of Public Health Examiners. Attendees may be able to submit these hours to their employer or other credentialing/licensing bodies, depending on profession and state requirements.

Registration: $45
Early deadline, 1/3/26
Regular deadline, 3/1/26
Late deadline, 4/10/26


The conference is free for UAID Advanced and Leaders Tier members! Click here to learn more.

Click Here to Register!
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Emerging Leaders Itinerary

Designed for undergraduate, graduate, and
early-career professionals passionate about health equity

April 12, 2026

9:00 - 10:00 EST: Welcome & Keynote

10:00 - 11:00 EST: Community Health Needs Poster Presentation Competition

11:00 - 11:10 EST: Break

11:10 - 12:10 EST: Community Health Improvement Project Presentation Competition

12:10 - 12:45 EST: UAID Alumni “Ask Me Anything” Panel

12:45 - 1:00 EST: Awards & Closing Remarks

Late-Breaker Abstracts are currently open for submission until 3/15/26!"

Want to see videos of winning presentations from previous conferences?

Click Here to See Winning Presentations!
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