About Philly CEAL
The Philadelphia Community Engagement Alliance (Philly CEAL) is a collaborative effort led by the University of Pennsylvania'sSchool of Nursing and the City of Philadelphia's Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity.
Scientific Leadership Team
Principal Investigator
José Bauermeister
Principal Investigator
Antonia Villarruel
Principal Investigator
Stephen Bonett
Principal Investigator
Carmen Alvarez
Principal Investigator
Ashley Clemmons
Co-Investigator
Andy Tan
Co-Investigator
Karen Glanz
Co-Investigator
Terri Lipman
Project Manager
Gladys Thomas
Community Advisory Council
The Community Advisory Council (CAC) plays a vital role in guiding the direction and success of the Philly CEAL project. The CAC is a diverse group of leaders from community-based organizations, social service agencies, neighborhood groups, and city departments who bring their expertise and lived experience to ensure the project addresses the real needs of Philadelphia’s most underserved communities.
The CAC serves as a bridge between the Philly CEAL research team and the communities we serve. The council is instrumental in helping to:
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Identify Community Priorities: The CAC provides invaluable insights into the pressing health and social issues impacting the local community, ensuring that our research questions and interventions are aligned with these needs.
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Shape Program Strategies: With their on-the-ground expertise, CAC members guide the development, implementation, and evaluation of the DECIDE program, ensuring that it is culturally relevant and effective for Philadelphia's diverse neighborhoods.
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Mobilize Resources: CAC members help facilitate resource sharing and collaboration between organizations, improving community health worker (CHW) outreach and connecting residents to essential services such as housing, food security, and healthcare access.
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Build Stronger Communities: By fostering partnerships between academic researchers, city departments, and local organizations, the CAC strengthens the capacity of member organizations to advance health equity across Philadelphia.
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