Greater Bridgeport Medical Association to Honor Community Health Worker with 2026 Future of Healthcare Award

The Greater Bridgeport Medical Association (GBMA) has announced that Angelica (Angie) Rendon, a Community Health Worker with Bridgeport Prospers, an initiative of United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut, has been selected as a recipient of the inaugural 2026 Future of Healthcare Award.

The award recognizes outstanding healthcare professionals under the age of 40 who are making a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of residents throughout the Greater Bridgeport region.

As a Community Health Worker and Parent Ambassador, Rendon has become a trusted advocate for Bridgeport families by connecting residents with healthcare resources, community services, and support for essential needs. Her work focuses on ensuring that families—particularly those facing barriers to care—receive timely information and assistance that can improve their health and quality of life.

A key component of Rendon's work involves identifying and engaging families with children from birth to age five who live in neighborhoods where access to services may be limited. Through outreach, education, and relationship-building, she helps parents access resources that prepare their children for school success while strengthening the overall health of the community.

"Angie exemplifies the spirit of this recognition through her unwavering commitment to public health, her leadership within the healthcare and community support landscape, and her dedication to improving the lives of residents and families throughout the Greater Bridgeport region," said Sarah Lehberger, who nominated Rendon for the award. "Her leadership is rooted in service, trust, and action. She understands the needs of the community because she is deeply connected to it, and she uses that connection to create pathways to care, education, and support."

John Brannelly, MPH, Executive Director of the Greater Bridgeport Medical Association, said Rendon's work demonstrates how community health workers are transforming healthcare by addressing the social and community factors that influence health outcomes.

"Angie represents the future of healthcare by meeting families where they are, building trust, and helping connect them with the resources they need to thrive," said Brannelly. "Her dedication to improving the lives of children and families through education, outreach, and advocacy is creating healthier communities throughout Greater Bridgeport. We are proud to recognize her as one of our inaugural Future of Healthcare Award recipients."

Rendon will be honored during the Greater Bridgeport Medical Association's inaugural Future of Healthcare Awards ceremony on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course in Fairfield. The evening begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards presentation.

The inaugural class of honorees includes physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, a physician assistant, a registered nurse, a dental hygienist, and a community health worker who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, compassion, innovation, and service early in their careers.

Tickets are $60 per person, with Patron Tickets available for $100, which include recognition in the evening's program book. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

For additional information, to purchase tickets, or to learn more about the Future of Healthcare Awards, visit gbmedical.org.