Her Story
About Jill
Jill Westbrook is a dedicated nurse and nonprofit leader with over a decade in healthcare and 25 years directing Border Crossers for Christ. Since 2012 she has worked as a travel nurse and clinical supervisor providing coverage across 19 states and 26 surgical unit locations, often stepping in for restructuring, hiring, and training. For the past 20 years she has managed all out-of-country operations for her nonprofit in Honduras, including leading volunteer teams, setting up clinics, overseeing construction projects, and providing medical care. She earned an associates degree in nursing followed by a bachelor's degree and holds certification as a public health nurse along with credentials in CPR, advanced life-saving, and tuberculosis management. Westbrook also serves on volunteer staff at her church and attributes her success to her Christian upbringing, following God's guidance, and approaching every task with determination and integrity. She emphasizes honesty, putting others' needs first, and staying focused amid the challenges of working in a third-world country without becoming overwhelmed by the scale of need.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jill
01What do you attribute your success to?
My upbringing in a Christian family was always a priority. I try to follow where God has led me in my life, and whatever I'm doing, do it to the best of my ability.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
No matter what it is that you feel like where you're called to, go at it and not give up. It takes determination. No matter what you decide to do in your life, there's going to be things that can discourage you and you have to just be determined and keep going.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Whether women decide to be anything medical you can't let people's preconceived ideas of who fits into what mold stop you. You just have to go for it. On the nonprofit side in Honduras there are definite gender roles but through the years keep pushing and hold true to what you feel you're supposed to be doing and always have integrity. Women can break into that field but you have to be determined and can't give up easy.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The challenges in running a nonprofit and being involved in a third world country is trying to stay focused and not become overwhelmed with the magnitude of the need around you but to stay focused on what it is that I can do in that moment or in that area to help. Trying to keep things in perspective and focus on what I can do and not be overwhelmed by what I can't.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty, integrity, and really putting other people's needs first and placing an importance on that.
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