Building Stronger Partnerships: The NMAC Coalition Launches Working Groups at July Networking Mixer
The NMAC Coalition for Justice and Equality Across Movements took an exciting step forward in advancing cross-movement collaboration during our July Networking Mixer, held at Sonoma Restaurant & Wine Bar in Washington, DC. Coalition members, partners, and national leaders gathered for an evening of connection, conversation, and collaboration as we officially launched the Coalition’s 2026 Working Groups.
The Networking Mixer was designed to foster meaningful relationships while creating dedicated spaces for collaboration around some of today’s most pressing health equity and civil rights issues. Rather than duplicating work already taking place across the advocacy landscape, the Coalition’s Working Groups are intended to strengthen communication, align strategies, and promote information-sharing among organizations working across intersecting movements.
As part of the Coalition’s 2026 work plan, five Working Groups were introduced, each led by nationally recognized policy and advocacy leaders:
- Latine Health & Immigration led by Dr. Ray Serrano, National Director of Research & Policy at LULAC
- LGBTQ+ Health Equity led by Jordyn White, Vice President of Leadership Development & Research at the Human Rights Campaign Foundation
- Medicaid & Health Access led by Rachel Klein, Deputy Director of The AIDS Institute
- Aging, Disability & Long-Term Care led by Daniel Wilson, Senior Director of Government Affairs & Advocacy at the National Council on Aging (NCOA)
- HIV Prevention & Care led by Benjamin Brooks, Interim Director of Policy at Whitman-Walker Health
Each Working Group will serve as an ongoing forum where Coalition partners can exchange policy updates, identify emerging trends, discuss legislative developments, and coordinate advocacy efforts across organizations and communities. The groups will also create more consistent opportunities for partners to remain engaged between the Coalition’s broader monthly convenings.
The July Networking Mixer highlighted the power of bringing together leaders from diverse movements who recognize that many of today’s challenges—from healthcare access and Medicaid to immigration, HIV, aging, disability, and LGBTQ+ equality—are deeply interconnected. By strengthening relationships and fostering ongoing collaboration, the Coalition is building a stronger, more coordinated response to the evolving policy landscape.
Beyond launching the Working Groups, the evening provided Coalition members with valuable opportunities to reconnect with longtime partners, meet new collaborators, and exchange ideas in an informal setting. The conversations reflected the Coalition’s shared commitment to advancing policies that improve health outcomes, protect civil and human rights, and ensure equitable opportunities for all communities.
The NMAC Coalition for Justice and Equality Across Movements remains committed to bringing together diverse national organizations to advance justice, equity, and health through intersectional partnerships. The launch of these Working Groups marks an important milestone in strengthening our collective impact and creating sustainable spaces for collaboration throughout 2026 and beyond.
We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who attended the July Networking Mixer and to each of our Working Group leads for their willingness to guide these important conversations. We look forward to the partnerships, information-sharing, and advocacy that will emerge as these groups begin their work.
Together, we are stronger. Together, we move the movement forward.