About

Welcome to CHAT

Culture of Health–Advancing Together (CHAT) improves the health and well-being of immigrants and refugees through education, arts, advocacy, and access to 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 a thriving and inclusive community where immigrants and refugees feel empowered to lead healthy, fulfilling lives while preserving their cultural heritage in harmony with broader society.

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 immigrant and refugee communities in Houston. Aisha’s dedication extends beyond CHAT, as she also holds a notable position on the Gulfton Super Neighborhood Council, further showcasing her unwavering commitment to the betterment of the community. Dr. Siddiqui’s efforts exemplify her determination to create a more inclusive, healthier, 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 immigrant and refugee community members. She also participates in community engagement, training, navigation, and referrals in a culturally competent manner to engage with the underserved priority populations.

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?

An immigrant from Pakistan, Dr. Aisha Siddiqui founded CHAT in 2015 as a way to help others acclimate to and build community in a new country.

After earning her PhD at the University of Texas’ School of Public Health, Aisha leveraged her research on how health affects an immigrant’s ability to acculturate into society to create a nonprofit, CHAT, that would both serve immigrants and refugees as well as inform current research and practice around immigrants and public health.

In addition to its focus on education, health, acclimation, and advocacy, CHAT puts a large emphasis on celebration of culture through the arts. Through all of its programs, CHAT helps reduce isolation, facilitate acculturation, connect resources, and empower Houston’s immigrant and refugee population.

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. M-AAA’s resources and reach can help CHAT do more for our immigrant and refugee communities. 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 a better place for everyone.