A Direct Link to the Community
Community Advisory Boards (CABs) are the formal and direct links between each NYC Health + Hospitals facility and its patients and local advocates. The CAB members contribute to planning, program development, and service delivery. Members also provide invaluable advocacy and advice from the local community perspective.
All of the meetings of each CAB are open to the public. Community members are encouraged to contact their local CAB office to inquire about the scheduled meetings or to address issues and concerns to the CAB.
To learn more about our Community Advisory Boards, click here.
LaShawn Henry
Community Advisory Board ChairpersonNYC Health + Hospitals/Carter
LaShawn Henry is a fourth-generation Harlemite, U.S. Army veteran, and lifelong advocate for equity and justice. With over 40 years of public service, she has led transformative efforts in affordable housing, labor rights, and community empowerment throughout Harlem.
For 17 years, LaShawn served on East Harlem Community Board 11, where she helped create over 1,000 affordable housing units and secured community benefits like living wages, local hiring, and development opportunities. She co-founded the First Source Hiring Program, generating 1,000+ jobs for Harlem residents, and helped launch the East River Plaza project. These initiatives also included credit counseling and workforce readiness programs to promote financial stability.
Professionally, LaShawn is the former CEO of Urban Strategies of New York Inc. and spent 18 years with Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 32BJ, in various organizing and leadership roles. Her commitment to justice reform led her to co-found the NY Returning Citizens Empowerment Political Club and work with Columbia University’s Raise the Bar Program supporting formerly incarcerated and justice-involved individuals through education, advocacy, and leadership development.
A committed public servant, with a variety of experience in private, government and nonprofit sectors, LaShawn currently serves as Chairperson of the NYC Health + Hospitals/Carter Community Advisory Board (CAB). Now retired, LaShawn remains a powerful advocate for women’s rights, veterans, criminal justice reform, economic and community empowerment. She is a proud mother and grandmother, who remains an enduring force for positive change.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Carter
