October 22, 2021
In honor of National Health Education Week, this month’s staff profile highlights HCIF’s Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), Jibreel Clark-Oliver. Jibreel has been a member of HCIF’s population health team since joining the organization more than two years ago. As Project Coordinator, he supports health literacy activities and Novo Nordisk’s Cities Changing Diabetes. He is also an active member of HCIF’s marketing and communications committee, and is currently working to advance HCIF’s internship programs.
1.) How did you learn about HCIF and what prompted you to start working there?
After working in the field of pediatric clinical research and health education, I realized I wanted to make a career shift into project-based public health work. After meeting with the HCIF team, I knew this would be a great place to learn and contribute.
2.) What has been your most rewarding professional experience thus far? What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment is working to revamp the Pennsylvania Health Literacy Coalition’s (PAHLC) newsletter and marketing strategy. Since the PAHLC marketing team was established, we’ve published six newsletters and written a number of blog posts covering topics like numeracy, health equity, and the fantastic work of our project partners.
3.) What excites you most about your position at HCIF?
I’ve connected with so many incredible public health leaders, advocates, health care professionals, and academics in my role with HCIF. Being able to collaborate with them to improve health communication or work on initiatives addressing chronic disease in Philadelphia is an invaluable experience.
4.) What is one of the most important things you have learned while working at HCIF?
The most important thing I’ve learned at HCIF is that curiosity is key to coalition building, facilitating meaningful conversations, and implementing impactful programming. Understanding no one has all of the answers provides a beautiful opportunity to learn and ask questions that often lead to creative outcomes.
5.) What motivates you both personally and professionally?
I’m motivated by the idea that we all have an obligation to take whatever special talents and skills we have, and use them to help others in need. In my context this means supporting health and public health professionals communicate more effectively, and implementing programs that address chronic disease in historically disinvested communities.
6.) What are your interests outside of work?
I’m currently pursuing my Masters of Public Health degree at the University of North Carolina’s (UNC) Gillings School of Global Public Health. In what little free time I have, I enjoy running, art, playing with my dog Stella, and taking care of my legendary houseplant collection.