Shanteny Jackson – Executive Director, Virginia Community Health Workers Association
Shanteny Jackson is an Afro-Latina mother, wife, community advocate, and leader. As an immigrant and a young mother, Shanteny had to learn to navigate and understand the US healthcare system due to a traumatic and life-changing event. Her middle child suffered an asthmatic attack as an infant. In an effort to find resources to nourish her child to wellness, she experienced several challenges with navigating the healthcare and insurance systems. This experience ,coupled with other innate passions, helped her calling into the field of Human Services and Community Education flourish. Shanteny fully embraced her role as an Advocate and Community Leader once she felt “ready” to tell her story. She was mentored by prolific women and as time went by, she gained her seasoned knowledge through lived experiences, educational opportunities, and professional knowledge.
Shanteny serves as the Executive Director of the Virginia Community Health Worker Association. She earned a B.A. in International Studies with minors in Spanish and Education from Mary Baldwin College. She also earned a Master’s degree in Counseling with a concentration in Addiction and Recovery from Liberty University. Shanteny was nominated and recognized as “Persona de Poder” (Radio 1380 Poder). The Virginia Latino Advisory Board recognized her work during the Pandemic with the “Civic Engagement” award.
Shanteny continues to elevate and highlight the role identity and representation plays in communities of color, particularly in the Latino diaspora. In her essay, “The Dream & Reality of an Afro-Latina,” Shanteny explains this concept. This piece was featured in the 2021 collection of Richmond Racial Equity Essays.
Robin Sharma eloquently said, “your environment influences your mindset.” Shanteny is the product of many environments, including the VCU Nonprofit Learning Point (2010), Ginter Urban Gardener Program (2018), Community Trust-building Fellowship (2019), Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute (2019), and Circles USA (2019).
Shanteny has worked hard and continues to serve her community. She volunteers at her local church. Most recently, Shanteny has been supporting initiatives addressing disparities in Maternal Health, particularly in the Latino/Hispanic population. She completed training and births as a Doula. On a more personal note, Shanteny enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and sports.
Stephanie Carrington – President, Virginia Community Health Workers Association
Stephanie Carrington is a lifelong resident of Richmond, VA, who treasures the moments spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. She has a love for cooking and enjoys experimenting with new recipes, often hosting lively dinners where her culinary delights take the spotlight.
In her professional journey, Stephanie serves as the president of the Virginia Community Health Workers Association (VACHWA) and holds the position of Community Health Worker Supervisor at the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). Before this, she excelled as a senior certified community health worker. Stephanie is passionate about fostering a supportive atmosphere for community health workers, advocating for improved resources and training opportunities. Her commitment to community health has earned her numerous accolades and the admiration of her colleagues. She believes that empowering health workers is crucial for developing healthier communities and consistently pursues innovative solutions to combat health disparities.
Despite her demanding schedule, Stephanie dedicates time to mentoring young professionals entering the field, generously imparting her vast knowledge and experience. Her infectious enthusiasm and unwavering dedication inspire those around her, making her a beloved figure in the community. As she continues on her journey, Stephanie remains focused on her mission to enhance the health and well-being of all Virginians.
Looking forward, Stephanie envisions a future where community health workers are seamlessly integrated into the healthcare system, acknowledged for their essential role in connecting healthcare providers with the communities they serve. Her vision fosters collaboration, ensuring access to quality healthcare for everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
Sarah Palazzolo – Social Worker and Professor of Social Work
Sarah Palazzolo (she/her) was born and raised in the Richmond area and is passionate about contributing to a more inclusive and equitable community. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish & Latin American Studies from American University in DC and an MSW from VCU. She is a macro social worker with experience in immigrant justice, health care, education, and legal services. She currently works as a grant writer with Grant Flow and a community-engaged faculty member at VCU’s School of Social Work. Her work centers on using writing and research to shift narratives and maximize impact, both as a grant writer and as an educator preparing future social workers. She believes in the power of storytelling, connection, and collective action to create meaningful change.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys spending time with family, volunteering, hiking with her dog [only child] Ruby, or curling up with a good book. She loves strong coffee and interesting conversations – especially when they spark new ideas and bring people together.
Additional resources:
- Who Are CHWs?
- Interest forms for VCHW conference:
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