Conference Speakers
Our distinguished conference speakers bring extensive experience in social work, economic development, health equity, and vocational rehabilitation. They are leaders in their respective fields, dedicated to advancing community well-being through research, education, and program development. Learn about their innovative approaches, real-world impact, and actionable insights that can drive meaningful change in your own work and community.
Marin Arreola
Advanced Economic Solutions
Marin Areola, owner and president of Advanced Economic Solutions Inc. in Salem, Oregon, has over 28 years of experience developing and implementing economic, business, health equity, supplier diversity, and workforce development programs that serve vulnerable, culturally, and linguistically diverse communities in Oregon and California.
Evaon Wong
Portland State University
Dr. Wong is the Dean of the School of Social Work at Portland State University and a researcher focused on minority and low-income breast cancer patients, especially Chinese immigrants. Previously, she was the Founding Dean of the College of Health Sciences at Samuel Merritt University, where she developed a multidisciplinary team model for health students.
Keith Ozols
Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation
Keith Ozols was named Director of Vocational Rehabilitation in July 2019. He has been with ODHS since 2011. Keith previously served as the VR workforce and youth manager since 2015, overseeing the expansion of programs relating to workforce engagement, benefits planning, the Oregon Ticket to Work program and multiple transition programs for students with disabilities.
Kari Wilhite
Polk County Public Health
Kari Wilhite grew up in Linn County and earned her MPH in Community Health from East Tennessee State University. After 20 years in Bonney Lake, WA, she returned to the Willamette Valley in 2020 to care for family and joined Polk County’s pandemic response team. She later served as employee engagement supervisor before becoming administrator.
Neelam Gupta
WVP Health Authority
Neelam Gupta, MPH, MSW (she/her) is the Director of Clinical Supports, Integration and Workforce at the Oregon Health Authority. She leads efforts to build an integrated, culturally responsive primary care system. Neelam brings experience across sectors, including Medicaid, philanthropy, workforce development, and advocacy, and serves on several state boards, including the Workforce and Talent Development Board and the Future Ready Oregon Healthcare Industry Consortium.
Abdiasis Mohamed
Oregon Health Authority
Mohamed, is currently the Program Manager for the Traditional Health Worker Program with Oregon Health Authority’s Equity and Inclusion Division. With Equity and Inclusion, Mohamed is charged with developing and implementing strategic work plan to support a sustainable and effective traditional Health Worker program, Traditional health worker Workforce, Training programs, State run website registry and its integration into Oregon’s health system transformation.
Inge Momberg
Capaces Leadership Institute
Born in Santiago, Chile. Momberg Graduated with a MEd. Special Education and and with a Certificate for Engaging Families for Students Success from Harvard University where she continues to study a variety of Professional Development subjects like Education and Leadership. Currently she serves as the Programs Director for Capaces Leadership Institute. In her free time she runs her own spiritual healing practice for Latin and Indigenous Women.
Conference Details
Healthcare Workforce Equity Conference is focused on strengthening the healthcare workforce through collaboration, diversity, and equity. This conference is for individuals and organizations dedicated to improving workforce development and fostering a diverse and inclusive healthcare workforce.
The Conference incorporates the most successful elements of cultural competency, diversity, equity and inclusion training, outreach and marketing, and service delivery for the healthcare workforce community.
Inspire Change:
Delve into discussions about creating equitable opportunities for all healthcare workers, addressing systemic barriers, and fostering a more inclusive environment.
Innovate Together:
Discover cutting-edge strategies and tools that empower organizations to build resilient, efficient, and diverse teams.
Collaborate Across Sectors:
Engage with a multidisciplinary community that includes healthcare professionals, administrators, policymakers, and community advocates.
Empowering Change
Be part of the movement to design a healthcare workforce system that meets the needs of workers, patients, and health organizations alike. Together, we can drive the transformation needed to ensure equity, excellence, and sustainability in healthcare delivery for generations to come.
Cultural Competency in
Healthcare
Explore diversity competencies and the dynamics of a diverse workplace by examining communication, perceptions, and interpersonal relationships. Explore strategies for addressing assumptions, generational stereotypes, and effective outreach and marketing.
Healthcare Training and
Education
Define and inform new informed approaches to learning, education and career development that is centered on equity and on the individual.
The Future of the
Healthcare Workforce
Explore innovation and new ideas on creating a new healthcare workforce system that meets the needs of workers, patients and health organizations.
Event Partners
Salem Health Hospitals & Clinics
Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is the leading healthcare provider in Oregon’s Mid-Willamette Valley, consisting of Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, Salem Health Medical Clinics, and other affiliated services. They have been offering innovative medical care since 1896.
.png)
Willamette Health Council
Willamette Health Council convenes local Oregon Health Plan members, health care providers, CCO representatives, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders to improve the health of our community.
PacificSource Health Plans
PacificSource Health Plans is a not-for-profit health insurance provider based in Oregon, offering medical and dental plans for individuals, families, and businesses across the Northwest region.
Oregon Department of Human Services
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) provides essential support and services to individuals and families in need, including assistance with food, housing, healthcare, child welfare, and disability resources.
Oregon Health Authority
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is the primary government agency overseeing public health, health policy, and health care delivery systems in Oregon.
Cross-Sector Networking Event
Event Details
Salem Convention Center
200 Commercial St, SE
Salem, OR, 97301
Healthcare Workforce Equity Conference 2025Thu, May 22Salem Convention Center
Conference Strands
General Sessions
Start off the conference with an inspiring welcome and keynote address. These sessions are designed to energize and engage all attendees, providing a shared vision for the future of equity in healthcare workforce development. Attendees will gain valuable insights from thought leaders and set the tone for collaborative learning and networking throughout the event.
Diversifying the Healthcare Workforce
This strand goes into strategies for creating an inclusive healthcare workforce. Topics include diversity competencies, workplace dynamics, intergenerational relationships, and overcoming stereotypes. Engage in discussions on outreach, marketing, and innovative recruitment and retention strategies to build a workforce that mirrors the diverse communities it serves.
Post Secondary and Higher Education Role in Healthcare Training
Explore how educational institutions can innovate and provide equitable pathways to healthcare careers. Explore how educational institutions and the healthcare industry can work together to innovate and provide equitable pathways to healthcare careers. Learn more about current obstacles and opportunities to create a more robust and diverse healthcare workforce. This strand emphasizes opportunities to collaborate and address both the challenges and opportunities in training, recruiting and retaining qualified and diverse healthcare professionals.
Development of Equity-Centered Public Health Policies
Dive into crafting public health policies that prioritize equity and efficiency. This strand offers public health officials and community stakeholders the opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss the policies needed to grow a multicultural healthcare workforce. Together, shape the future of equitable public health in Oregon and beyond.
Trade Show Networking Event
Connect with exhibitors showcasing the latest in healthcare workforce development, education programs, and corporate services. This interactive trade show is a hub for networking, offering attendees a chance to discover new resources and build connections with industry leaders and innovators.
Traditional Health Workers Alliance Hub
Discover the transformative impact of Traditional Health Workers (THW). This strand highlights the importance of THWs in organizations, provides insights into sustainable funding and operational models, and engages workers and employers in building a resilient THW workforce.
Interested in Partnering With Us?
Promote your organization at Healthcare Workforce Equity Conference 2025. Partner with the leading healthcare providers, public health officials, workforce members, community leaders, and emerging youth talent in the Willamette Valley. Showcase your products and services to an influential and diverse audience, including the rapidly growing Latino market and other BIPOC communities. Contact us to learn more about becoming an Exhibit in our Trade Show Networking Event.