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.

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 imbalances 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 working to impact 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 BIPOC human experience and social determinants of health through data, education and community dialog.

  • Spark Empowerment

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

  • Promote Unity

    We bring together community organizations and BIPOC individuals to collaborate and gather community capital to effect 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.

Luis Calderin

Co-Founder | Creative Director

Luis is committed to serving the BIPOC community in Vermont and ensuring access to resources and opportunities. As a creative and imaginative brand strategist with over two decades of experience building inspiring campaigns, he ignites conversations and shifts cultural narratives. With a versatile approach and a talent for integrating art, music, and cultural paths into a global storytelling platform, he strives to identify authentic connection points.

Belan Antensaye

Co-Founder | Program Director

Belan focuses on strategic planning, promoting health equity and utilizing the government's convening power and public policy to tackle local issues. She identifies challenges, comprehends the surrounding ecosystem and determines the most sustainable solutions. Her methodology stems from the strong connection between data and human experiences.

Read, Watch, Advocate.