Hartford-based Healthcare Advocacy Group Names New Leader

Courtesy of Health Equity Solutions

HARTFORD, CT — A Hartford-based nonprofit dedicated to ensuring equitable health care for all regardless of race or socioeconomic status didn't have to look far to find a new leader.

Following a national search, Health Equity Solutions (HES) has announced that Hartford native Ayesha R. Clarke has been chosen as its new executive director, effective Monday, April 17.

Currently serving as interim director, Clarke previously was the organization’s deputy director.

“Ayesha is a rising statewide leader on health equity, and we are lucky to having her leading HES into the future,” said HES board chairperson Alycia Santilli. “She exudes passion and is an extremely engaging relationship builder who instills excitement about our mission and vision.

“Ayesha has deep community relationships, is politically savvy and is a proven and diplomatic leader,” Santilli added. “The board of directors is extremely confident in Ayesha’s ability to take the helm at a time when health equity is front and center in public conversations.”

She has a background combining social work, public health, community organizing and political activism, according to an announcement released Monday morning.

Before joining Health Equity Solutions, she was vice president of operations at COMPASS Youth Collaborative; a regional field organizer for a congressional campaign; and a researcher at University of Connecticut School of Social Work, where she currently is an adjunct professor.

“I’m thrilled to lead this incredible organization as we work to advance health equity in our state,” said Clarke.

“Every Connecticut resident deserves the same opportunity to reach their full potential for a healthy life, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or social economic status. We will prioritize building a larger, more powerful grassroots network and strengthening our presence in the policy-making space. Health Equity Solutions is ready to meet the moment.”

During the current legislative session, HES said it is working to advance a bill to ensure community health workers are recognized public health professionals and are reimbursed by Medicaid.

Clarke held elected office as a member of the Hartford Board of Education, which she chaired from 2017-2021.

She holds two master’s degrees, one in social work with a policy practice concentration from the UConn, and one in public health from Benedictine University.

A Hartford native, Clarke is married to TJ Clarke II and is the mother of two boys.

Health Equity Solutions, founded in 2014, works to create conditions in Connecticut where every resident can enjoy optimal health regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. HES uses a three-prong, anti-racist strategy to achieve health equity: education, agitation, and advocacy.

To learn more about HES and health equity, visit https://www.hesct.org.