The Wellbeing Fair will be held on April 8th from 1:00 –3:00 PM in the atrium of the Gillings School of Global Public Health.
The UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health invites all students, faculty, and staff to attend the Gillings Wellbeing Fair, an interactive community event designed to strengthen connection, increase awareness of wellbeing resources, and foster a deeper sense of belonging across the school.
Campus Resource and Affinity Group Creation Opportunities
The Wellbeing Fair brings together campus partners such as UNC Student Wellness, UNC Total Wellbeing, the Carolina Financial Well-Being Center and more, to highlight holistic support available to students, faculty, and staff. Attendees will also learn about social and academic affinity groups (“pods”) that are student/faculty led informal groups to unite individuals with similar interests, backgrounds, and passions. At the fair there will be opportunities to sign up to and even suggest ideas for new pods.
Every Heart Has A Story Activation
A featured component of the event is The Every Heart Has A Story @ UNC activation, a storytelling and community engagement initiative designed to highlight resilience, lived experience, and community connection.
Through the Heart Card Project, participants are invited to write and share short “heart stories” reflecting moments of resilience, encouragement, and personal growth. These messages will be shared with local nonprofit organizations and community support groups to uplift and encourage others.
Participants may also choose to take part in the Heart Story Project, a short interview experience where students and community members share reflections on resilience, passion, purpose, and the communities that support them. Together, these initiatives create a space where storytelling becomes a tool for connection, healing, and empowerment.
The activation is presented in collaboration with Hope Connect Inc., a nonprofit focused on community engagement and student development, and Liveblackheart®, a storytelling platform built around the motto “Every Heart Has A Story.”
Student Involvement Opportunities
As the event approaches, organizers are expanding opportunities for student involvement. Students and campus organizations are encouraged to participate in a variety of volunteer roles. Community service hours will be available for all volunteer activities, including:
• Creating Heart Cards to support community organizations
• Delivering cards to local support groups and community partners
• Assisting with the event day activation
• Supporting outreach, donor relations, and fundraising efforts
These roles allow students to engage directly with the storytelling initiative while supporting community partners and helping bring the activation to life.
Interview Participation
Students are also invited to participate in a brief 20-minute interview as part of the Heart Story Project. These conversations focus on themes such as resilience, growth, passion, and the role of community in shaping personal experiences.
Students interested in gaining experience conducting qualitative interviews are also encouraged to participate as interviewers. A training session and practice opportunity will be provided before the event.
Students interested in volunteering, participating in interviews, or learning more about the initiative can contact Graduate Health Promotion Program Assistant Alexis Valerius at [email protected]
Internship and Content Opportunities
In addition, Hope Connect Inc. is currently offering internship opportunities for UNC students interested in community engagement, storytelling, nonprofit operations, and public health programming. These roles may be particularly valuable for students studying public health, communications, nonprofit leadership, or related fields who are seeking hands-on experience with community-based initiatives.
We are also planning a small content shoot in late March as part of this partnership and welcome 3–4 student models, influencers, or content creators who may be interested in participating.
Join us
The Gillings Wellbeing Fair is designed to bring our entire campus community into one shared space to listen, connect, and co-create. By centering storytelling, collective care, and accessible wellbeing resources, the event supports a stronger, more connected Gillings community. We welcome all to join us for a day of wellness, support, fun, and community!