Who We Are

Originally from New Jersey, Mark has spent most of his adult life in Florida (Chief, Division of Community Health, University of Florida  Health Science Center in Jacksonville) and Texas (Chief, Division of Community Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas). He is currently, Dean W. Colvard Distinguished Professor Emeritus, UNC Charlotte.     

Mark is a community medicine practitioner and researcher, committed to improving health and quality of life in vulnerable communities through relationship-based partnerships with community members and leaders addressing the social determinants of health. He has devoted his career to health care system reform, and addressing the systemic factors perpetuating social and health inequities, health disparities, diminished quality of life, and premature mortality in low-income and minority communities. He has served in numerous leadership positions in medical schools and universities, nonprofit organizations, National Institutes of Health (NIH) review panels, and professional organizations, while seeking to improve the quality of life for all of those living in marginalized and impoverished communities.  

Wendy is an Afro-Latina community advocate from the Dominican Republic. She has been working with community organizations in the Charlotte, NC region for over 20 years, promoting access to health and social services for low-income communities and immigrants, and empowering them by promoting their civic participation. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism, post-graduate education in Community Development, and a Graduate Certificate in Urban Management and Policy. She is the co-founder and former 14 years executive director of Camino Community Center where she was instrumental in establishing a free primary care health center and a bilingual and bicultural community mental health program. She is a co-founder of five Latino-led community organizations in the Charlotte region, she created and

facilitated the Latino Civic Engagement Program, and co-created Close the Gap, a

Latino leadership development program with Civic Canvas. Currently, Wendy is principal consultant at Crossways Consulting, and she is currently a policy advocacy consultant with Alianza para una Comunidad Libre de

Drogas, North Carolina's first and only drug-free coalition serving Latino youth and

families. She and her family own and run Pascuales Farm, a family urban farm located in northeast Charlotte. She has been married to Eliseo Pascual for 24 years and is the proud mother of three young sons: Yarince, Nelson, and Marcos. 

Alonzo is a Health Enthusiast, Nutrition & Life Coach, who is well known for his smile, pleasant demeanor and care for the well being of others. In his former career, he was a licensed electronic engineer, who managed a large department and staff. Being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease changed the course of his life - after coming close to death, he took the necessary steps to seek a healthier lifestyle. Through research and nutrition training, he discovered that most ailments can be healed holistically. As a result, Alonzo is free of synthetic medications and chooses a lifestyle that is more beneficial to his well being. Wanting to share this vital information, Alonzo developed “Zolingo’s Spice For Life ” and 'Wellness Today Inside Out" (partnering with his wife Robin). He has made this life changing information available to help those seeking to live a healthier lifestyle. Alonzo is active sharing his messages of hope and healing throughout the community, through his programs and other partnerships.  He has been the Director of Operations for the Sunset Community Farm and Market; Director, Rosa Parks Farmer's Market; and the Co-Lead for Food Security, UCITY Family Zone.