In this edition of Alumni Spotlight, we cast light on Heather Jordan, whose journey since graduating from the University of Florida in 2003 has been nothing short of inspiring. With a BA in Spanish and a Certificate in Latin American Studies, Heather has utilized her language skills and passion for public service to make strides in international health.
Heather’s academic foundation was further strengthened by her study of Portuguese with Dr. Elizabeth Ginway and participation in the summer program in Rio de Janeiro. These experiences at UF were the stepping stones to a notable tenure with the Peace Corps, where she taught English in Mozambique’s Nampula Province.
Following her service, Heather’s quest for impacting global health led her to Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, where she earned her Master of Public Health. She not only excelled in her studies but also applied her expertise in Suriname, contributing to malaria control efforts among Amazonian gold miners.
Her public health career burgeoned as she managed significant health programs at World Vision Angola, tackling malaria, polio, HIV, and onchocerciasis. Heather now lends her talents to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, overseeing a PEPFAR-funded HIV project in Mozambique. Her role is vital in liaising between Nashville and Mozambique-based teams, ensuring operational efficiency in life-saving healthcare services.
During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Heather’s service heart shone through as she aided the Vanderbilt Mobile Vaccine Campaign as a Spanish-language medical interpreter. Her proficiency in Spanish and Portuguese, nurtured at UF, has been crucial in her work, proving that language skills can indeed save lives and bridge gaps in healthcare.
Heather Jordan exemplifies the global spirit of service and scholarship that defines a UF alumnus. Her work reminds us of the far-reaching influence of a solid educational foundation and the life-changing power of communication in service to humanity.