Introducing Jalah

The Next Stage team is thrilled to introduce Jalah Blackmon - our newest member of the team serving as a Consultant.

Jalah is a skilled public health educator dedicated to using a social justice and health equity lens to empower underrepresented communities and challenge systemic barriers to wellness. Her passion is fueled by a commitment to destigmatize mental health in communities of color, emphasizing education, community, and social support. She deeply believes in challenging and reshaping health outcomes entrenched within systems of structural racism.

She previously served as the Director of Innovation and Capacity Building at Care Share Health Alliance and as a Program Director at Charlotte Mecklenburg Food Policy Council. Additionally, Jalah is the Co-Founder of The Black Light Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on bringing light to dark places for individuals suffering from suicidal thoughts and mental health issues by providing the necessary resources for emotional support, education and intervention.

A graduate of UNC-CH and UNCG, Jalah holds a BA in Exercise and Sports Science and Sociology and a Master of Public Health. Jalah was born and raised in North Carolina and enjoys being a functional fitness trainer.

In Her Own Words

I'm returning to my roots in Charlotte and am particularly enthusiastic about Next Stage's profound commitment to nurturing local nonprofits while disrupting and reimagining social systems for the greater good. As I step into this consultant role, I'm eager to contribute actively to Next Stage’s mission, specifically in projects targeting community health promotion.

My approach is to not just lead client engagement and project management, but to also champion community-driven strategies. I thrive upon fostering a sense of belonging, a value I am already extending through the innovative use of Cultivate Impact, Next Stage’s online collaboration management platform.

Within and beyond my professional endeavors, I am committed to amplifying diverse voices, fostering inclusivity, and sparking impactful change through thought leadership. In alignment with Next Stage’s visionary mission, I look forward to contributing toward tangible strides toward a more equitable and healthier future for all.

Join us in welcoming Jalah to the team!