Heather W. Email & Phone Number

I am a strategic leader with over 10 years of experience in securing over $5 million in grant funding and in-kind support for economically precarious communities. My passion for social justice, housing security, and health equity has driven my career and allowed me to lead projects and programs that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.Currently, I lead the neighborhood improvement strategy for Durham's Choice Neighborhoods Initiative grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In this role, I oversee multi-million dollar budgets, work to create inclusive neighborhoods, and strive to drive economic growth.Previously, I spearheaded impactful initiatives such as the launch of Chapman Partnership's Social Enterprise Academy (https://youtu.be/InuUZaMdtZA?feature=shared) and the development of ChapApp, the organization's first virtual case management platform, which significantly enhanced service delivery during COVID-19 and is now available in app stores. As the project management and development consultant for Aya Birth and Community Wellness, now a founding board member, I was instrumental in securing funding and building vital partnerships for the startup birth center.I excel in grant management, strategic planning, and relationship building. My leadership style is hands-on; I believe in rolling up my sleeves and tackling challenges head-on. I’m particularly good at removing obstacles and protecting my team from external distractions, especially during new and ambiguous projects. Working alongside inspiring founders and exceutives, I've learned to act with integrity, balance strategic thinking with creative storytelling, and always prioritize my team's success.

Listed skills include Leadership, Public Speaking, Teamwork, Microsoft Office, and 28 others.