About the National Innovation Council

Building Tomorrow's Leaders of Innovation

At the National Innovation Council (NIC), we unite educators, industry mentors, and nonprofit leaders with decades of experience guiding students and improving communities worldwide. Our mission is to build the next generation of AI‑ready change makers through transformative fellowships that tackle real‑world challenges in healthcare, engineering, technology, law, and education. Unlike internships that often limit students to observation, NIC fellowships are outcome‑driven, immersing participants in hands‑on projects that deliver measurable global impact.

With more than 60 years of collective experience shepherding students into high‑impact careers, NIC empowers Fellows to apply newly acquired skills to urgent problems, sharpening leadership and problem‑solving abilities along the way. Fellows see—and measure—the results of their work, giving them stories that set them apart in graduate‑school applications and job interviews.

At the heart of NIC is the Honors Fellowship program, where Fellows collaborate with peers and professional mentors to design, prototype, and implement innovations that matter: AI‑enhanced telehealth systems, data‑driven education tools, smart‑city infrastructure, equitable legal‑tech platforms, and more. Exclusive mentorship, accredited coursework, and practical experience prepare every Fellow for long‑term success—whatever their discipline.

An NIC Fellowship isn’t only about advancing your career; it’s about delivering tangible solutions that uplift communities worldwide while equipping you to lead with confidence. Join the National Innovation Council and take your first step toward shaping the future—while building a career that truly makes a difference.

Our Advisory Council

Distinguished Leaders Across Industries Focused On Developing Tomorrow's Leaders of Innovation
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Dr. Sahil V. Mehta, M.D.

Interventional Radiologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Clinical Instructor at Harvard University

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Steve Atamian

Co-Founder & Chief Empowerment Officer of Global Brigades

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Amy Westby

CEO & Founder, RedRover adVentures

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Dr. Heidi Moawad, M.D.

Neurologist & Clinical Instructor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

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Shahla Akbari

Global Vice President, Operations at The Center for Creative Leadership

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Dr. Clarence Kong, M.D.

Interventional Pain Management at Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University

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Jaime Cocuy

Senior Partner, Healthcare Consulting at Korn Ferry

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Ben Erker

Director of Impact & Evaluation, Global Brigades

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Dr. Amita Rajani, M.D.

Internal Medical Specialist and Assistant Professor at University of Maryland School of Medicine

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Craig Goldstein

Chief Operating Officer, Medschool Coach

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Vik Venkataram

Managing Partner of BAWSE Ventures & CGHS Board Member

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Neil Khaund

Managing Partner of Brightpath Equity Group & CGHS Board Member

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Exciting News! The Council for Global Health Scholars is now the National Innovation Council — same impactful programming, now expanded across multiple disciplines.

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