As a woman of color, healthcare professional, and real estate development entrepreneur; being a part of the Health Leaders Network has been invaluable. The process created space for me to reflect on my lived experience with health inequities and the built environment and connect these experiences with practical solutions to co-create vibrant and healthy living spaces. – Melanie Brown, Cohort 4

I have always been keen to learn more about how other countries approach the planning for health agenda. I have really appreciated the opportunity to participate in the ULI Health Leaders Network as an international participant for the first time. It has provided so many unique opportunities to connect with others and good practice from USA and across the world, and I have been particularly impressed at the private sector representation and knowing more about what they think about and take action on the health agenda. – Michael Chang, Cohort 4

The ULI Health Leaders Network has become a network of passionate experts from sectors of our industry that I probably would not have connected with otherwise. I am grateful for these meaningful connections, which have only been enhanced as I’ve found new ways to collaborate with individuals in the program. – Kristen Fulmer, Cohort 2

Being part of the Healthy Leaders cohort has been a great learning and networking experience. The collaboration expanded my knowledge on being a better healthy design advocate – the opportunity to share real world data, experiences, and case studies was quite valuable. It was also motivating and inspiring to be working together towards a common goal of improved health benefits and outcomes in our design and development work. I’d highly recommend this program! – Todd Kohli, Cohort 2

ULI’s Health Leaders Network provided a safe space for honest and open dialogue about planning and design in our nation. The variety of careers and perspectives represented led to rich discussion.  I am both a better person and a better professional for having participated. – Leslie Meehan, Cohort 3

The ULI Health Leaders Network has opened my eyes to the breadth of ways the built environment affects our health and wellbeing. I find in every discussion that I learn something new, helping me be a more thoughtful architect and firm leader. – Paul Mellblom, Cohort 4

The ULI Health Leaders Network has provided me with the opportunity to connect with other real estate and land use professionals that are striving to improve health and equity in their communities. Through the past three years, I have had the opportunity to learn from some of the best minds in the industry about how to create healthier and more equitable spaces. The ULI Health Leaders Network was discussing the importance of diversity and equity three years before they became national topics of conversation. As a person of color working in a very white profession, I am thankful for the support provided by ULI staff and my peers during the past three years. – Luiz Nieves-Ruiz, Cohort 1

Being part of the ULI Health Leaders Network, has given me tools, insights and a deeper understanding of how public health and the built environment are not only inextricably linked but how they are connected to social equity.  The opportunity to share knowledge, including best practices, successes and hurdles with other individuals that are as committed as I am to making impactful health changes in our communities, is invaluable. – Coreen Paul, Cohort 4

Out of many remarkable educational experiences I have been privileged to have, being a member of Cohort 1 of the ULI Health Leaders Network really stands out. One of the outstanding examples of ULI’s ability to see over the horizon, the Health Leaders Network began as a cutting-edge peripheral area of real estate study of likely long-term importance but, amid the Covid-19 crisis, has rapidly become central to both real estate and healthcare: not merely life-enhancing but life-preserving.  I have moved what I have learned from the Health Leaders Network into the core of the curriculum I teach my graduate real estate students. – Chuck Schilke, Cohort 1

Being part of a group that intentionally held space for cross-sector solutions to health issues in the built environment was a dream come true. I felt at ease discussing my creative solutions with others as the entire cohort just gets it! We know the power in collaboration and see the bridge between the built environment and health equity that we need to build. – Treasure Sheppard, Cohort 4

Health Leaders Network has given us a unique opportunity within a safe and encouraging environment to have deeper conversations on race, justice, diversity, and inclusion. We’ve heard from colleagues in different professions and in different cities on ways to facilitate community engagement, build on existing cross-sector initiatives to embed equity, and how to create more equitable systems and developments aimed to dismantle systemic racism and segregation, celebrating our commonalities and diversity. Underlying all our discourse is the inherent belief that it takes real time and commitment from many different stakeholders, over the long term, to initiate and create lasting change. – Ashley Disher Spinks, Cohort 3

HLN opened doors for me.  One speaking engagement has led to three others and the momentum continues to build. Also, without HLN, as a small business owner in the niche industry of affordable housing development consulting, I would not have had the opportunity to learn about building healthy places around the country and networking with like-minded land use professionals.  I am enriched and grateful for the opportunities afforded to me by the generous donors of the HLN program.  Onward to expand the intersection of health and the built environment! – Ayako Utsumi, Cohort 1

I am proud to be the first Canadian cohort member of the ULI Health Leaders Network.  It has been an extraordinary opportunity to learn from, and collaborate with, this exceptional group of community health thought leaders, knowing that they will influence our world for the better. – Rob Voigt, Cohort 3

The ULI Health Leader Network has allowed me to expand my view and understanding of the role real estate plays in the health of our communities. This network is full of dedicated individuals committed to working together to make health access for all. – Debra Wyatte, Cohort 2