Her Story
About Jillian
Jillian Berch is a public health professional with approximately 20 years of experience. Her main expertise lies in harm reduction and hepatitis C elimination, informed by her personal journey in long-term recovery from addiction and as a hepatitis C survivor. She works as a research coordinator in neurosurgery at the University of Virginia, managing her time between this role and her public health efforts, which include collaborating with organizations and starting her own non-profit. Berch earned her Master's in Public Health from Dartmouth later in life, beginning college in her 30s. She attributes her success to a drive to do more and be better for her kids while never giving up, and she values staying honest and true to oneself while pursuing one's passions.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jillian
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to always just wanting to do more and do better, wanting to be better for my kids, and never giving up.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I ever received was that your past is an asset and not a hidden thing, so really using everything that you've been through to your advantage.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Just keep at it. If you're passionate, you go for it. And if you find that you don't have another table that you want to be at, then sometimes you have to make your own table.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The field of public health right now is in a really tough spot with the current administration, so navigating that has been tricky, but we're persevering. There are always opportunities in public health; you just have to find them because communities are always in need of help.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Staying honest and true to yourself, and being able to do what you're passionate about.
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