Latino Health and Mental Wellness Conference Connects Charlotte Community

UNC Charlotte Bachelor of Social Work program director and clinical associate professor Roger Suclupe has dedicated more than 20 years to uplifting Latino voices. Driven by his passion for advancing Latino well-being, Suclupe recently hosted the inaugural Latino Health and Mental Wellness Conference at the Charlotte Dubois Center.

The sold-out conference drew more than 250 attendees from across the greater Charlotte area, connecting researchers, health professionals, advocates and members of the UNC Charlotte community.

Themed Resilience During Challenging Times, Rising Above, the conference explored topics such as culturally responsive care, suicide prevention, support for Latino youth and access to mental health resources. The conference concluded with an interactive experience centered on music, art and writing as therapeutic tools for healing.

A seasoned social worker, Suclupe has worked alongside professionals from a variety of industries, united by a shared commitment to empowering Latino communities. Inspired by the relationships he developed throughout his career, Suclupe created a space where interdisciplinary perspectives could flourish.

“Throughout my career, I’ve met incredible individuals doing important work to improve the lives of Latinos,” Suclupe said. “Often, their efforts occur in separate spaces. This conference was an opportunity for those voices to come together, learn from one another and build new relationships.”

For Suclupe, the conference sits at the intersection of his social work practice and lived experience. He believes the conversations and connections fostered at the event will have a continued impact.

“Every person deserves access to health, wellness and opportunities to thrive,” Suclupe said. “When we create space for dialogue, learning and healing, we create the conditions for lasting change.”

The UNC Charlotte School of Social Work and the Center for Migration and Diaspora Studies sponsored the 2026 Latino Health and Mental Wellness Conference, with additional contributions from the College of Health and Human Services, Charlotte Urban Institute and Gambrell Faculty Fellowship.