Welcome to CHAT
Culture of Health–Advancing Together (CHAT) improves the health and well-being of the families and communities we serve through art, education, advocacy, and access to health care. CHAT is a program of Mid-America Arts Alliance.
We believe in using a comprehensive approach through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s definition of a “Culture of Health,” in which good health and well-being flourish across geographic, demographic, and social sectors.
Our Focus Areas
Through arts engagements, education programs, and community events, CHAT strives to cultivate thriving and welcoming communities where people feel empowered to lead healthy, fulfilling lives while honoring their cultural heritage in harmony with broader society.
Art
Education
Community
Through our community outreach, CHAT provides resources for adults, families, and other immigrant- and refugee-focused organizations.
Meet the CHAT Team
Dr. Aisha Siddiqui
Dr. Siddiqui is the founder and director of Culture of Health–Advancing Together (CHAT). She founded CHAT in 2015 with a mission to foster the health and well-being of communities through art and education. Aisha’s dedication extends beyond CHAT, as she also holds a notable position on the Gulfton Super Neighborhood Council, further showcasing her commitment to the community. Dr. Siddiqui’s efforts exemplify her determination to create a healthy and thriving environment for all.
Ashley Chacko
Ashley is the CHAT program coordinator. With a master of public health in epidemiology from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, she is passionate about addressing health disparities in disadvantaged communities.
Goli Timori
Goli is a community health worker for CHAT. In her role, she provides outreach activities to community members. She also participates in community engagement, training, navigation, and referrals.
Weeda Mehrzai
Bio
CHAT is a program of Mid-America Arts Alliance. See our full staff and meet our board of directors at maaa.org/about/board-staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was CHAT created?
Dr. Aisha Siddiqui founded CHAT in 2015 as a way to help others find, connect with, and build community.
After earning her PhD at the University of Texas’ School of Public Health, Dr. Siddiqui leveraged her research on how health affects acculturation into society to create a nonprofit, CHAT, that would both serve communities as well as inform current research and practice in public health.
In addition to its focus on education, health, acclimation, and advocacy, CHAT puts a large emphasis on celebrating community through the arts. Through all of its programs, CHAT helps reduce isolation, facilitate acculturation, connect resources, and empower communities.
In 2023, CHAT joined Mid-America Arts Alliance to further leverage its resources and research into art and health across M-AAA’s six-state region and beyond.
Why did CHAT join Mid-America Arts Alliance?
CHAT joined M-AAA because we share a vision of empowering communities through art and health. By working together, we can offer more programs and reach more people who need our help.
How can I help?
Whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or just spreading the word, your help is priceless. Together, we can make our community, our city, and our region a better place for everyone.