CHHS faculty members and alumna to speak at TEDx UNC Charlotte
Three of the 15 speakers at TEDx UNC Charlotte 2026, the University’s licensed TEDx event, are connected to the University’s College of Health and Human Services. TEDx is an annual showcase for speakers presenting well-formed ideas — the types of talks worth spreading. Talks are usually under 18 minutes and are delivered by a single speaker. TEDx UNC Charlotte 2026 will be held February 21. Tickets go on sale January 5.
Representing the College of Health and Human Services at TEDx UNC Charlotte 2026 are:
kendra jason
Associate Professor Kendra Jason, Ph.D. is interim chair of the Health Management and Policy department. She’s held various positions during her tenure at UNC Charlotte, including associate professor of sociology, inaugural race and social justice advocate and executive fellow of strategic initiatives. Her work has been featured at the National Academy of Sciences and various media outlets. She is the editor of “Race and Social Justice: Building and Inclusive College through Awareness, Advocacy, and Action.”
Charlene whitaker-brown
Charlene Whitaker-Brown, DNP, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, CHFN, RN is a clinical associate professor in the School of Nursing. She is dual certified as a family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Her primary focus is on chronic diseases; specifically cardiovascular diseases related to heart failure and mental health. She has presented her findings at local, national and international levels.
miriam espaillat
Miriam Espaillat ’13 holds a Master of Social Work from UNC Charlotte. She is the director of community engagement at Raydal Hospitality, a restaurant group she co-founded and co-owns. Espaillat is the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Service Award from the UNC Charlotte Alumni Association for her exemplary civic leadership.