Did you know that the community healthcare worker industry is expected to grow 13% from 2023 to 2033? In comparison, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics has measured the average growth rate for all occupations at just 4%.
With high potential as a growing industry, healthcare workforce development programs are a key resource to drive lasting change. Access to job training provides women with essential skills, resources, and qualifications that enable them to pursue high-paying careers and enter industries with greater economic mobility.
Community Health Worker Certificate Program Transforming Lives

In February 2025, five women graduated from Asian Women for Health’s first Community Health Impact Short Program cohort.
Asian Women for Health (AWFH) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of Asian women and people from diverse, underrepresented backgrounds through community engagement, education, and representation. Providing workforce development programming, AWFH educates and trains women with the necessary healthcare and job readiness skills needed to address health disparities firsthand and provide culturally responsive care to communities.
In 2024, AWFH received a three-year, $300,000 grant to support its fasttrack Community Health Impact Program, empowering the next generation of Community Health Workers (CHW). Over 2 weeks, program participants follow an in-depth Core Competencies curriculum required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for CHW certification, with program topics including:
- Professional Skills & Conduct
- Public Health Concepts
- Culturally Responsive Care
- Outreach Methods & Strategies
- Individual & Community Assessment
The impact of this program is twofold:
- Changing a Woman’s Trajectory through Career Advancement: Program participants gain access to career empowerment resources and specialized training, equipping them for opportunities within the growing healthcare field. After graduating from the program and receiving certification, graduates receive ongoing job placement support, with AWFH connecting them with major healthcare institutions.
- Improving Health Outcomes in Marginalized Communities: By training more women as Community Healthcare Workers, communities benefit from the expertise of professionals dedicated to reducing health disparities and addressing key social determinants of health.
“Our students came from backgrounds where they have often felt invalidated, unheard and unworthy. This program made them feel the complete opposite and I know with the confidence we have given them, they will continue to succeed after this program.” – Sofia Li, Program Manager and Trainer
Graduates Ready to Build Up Their Communities

The AWFH graduation kicked off with group presentations showcasing innovative solutions to community needs. Graduates proposed campaigns featuring outreach strategies, implementation timelines, budgets, evaluation methods, and key milestones. Their presentations reflected a true commitment to making an impact in their communities.
“I was so proud to see our graduates harness their passion for their communities to create meaningful action, using the tools from our class and their own lived experiences to drive impactful change.” – Kristen Killgore, Program Manager and Trainer

Each graduate was awarded a training certificate, celebrating their dedication and hard work. Several participants also shared their experiences, reflecting on how the program supported their goals and impacted their trajectory. Congratulations to all of the graduates on this incredible achievement!
“We are continuously finding ways to increase the impact we make for underserved women to find meaningful work that benefits them personally and provides services to their communities. We’re grateful to the Women’s Foundation of Boston for supporting us in these endeavors.” – Eric Braun, Chief Development and Innovation Officer
Sources
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Community Health Workers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/community-health-workers.htm