Jill Howe Email & Phone Number

I’m a 4th-year Health Sciences student at Western University and am excited to apply my knowledge of the social determinants of health, trauma-informed care etc. in a community-based setting. Learning about health equity has sparked my passion for breaking down barriers to healthcare while creating systemic change. My interest in healthcare started in high school, where I noticed friends experiencing barriers to mental healthcare. I became fascinated by how these systems of care were created and how they could be changed. Since then, I have learned that systemic change is difficult, and it is important to fully understand the experiences of those accessing healthcare systems to make meaningful changes. This semester I have been volunteering at Hutton House, an organization committed to increasing community and life skills for individuals with disabilities. This has allowed me to better understand how different people experience the healthcare system and the world. Simultaneously, I have developed strategies for increasing empowerment and autonomy among these individuals that aim to increase self-advocacy, a powerful tool in creating systems change. I am also a Team Lead at Storybook Gardens, a children's theme park in London, Ontario. In this position, I have had to refine my problem-solving, conflict resolution and communication skills to address customer concerns. Additionally, leading a team requires adaptability, integrity and critical thinking skills to create an effective and positive work environment for everyone.The project I am most excited about currently is working as a director in Purple Hands, a registered NGO which works to address the homelessness crisis in London, Ontario. Through my work in this organization, I hope to gain more knowledge about the systems that contribute to homelessness and the experiences of the unhoused. Acquiring this knowledge will allow me to effectively advocate for meaningful change and help me reach my goal of creating equitable healthcare access for all.