The Pivot with Gemma Herrera

Staff member Gemma Herrera is a resource for prospective and current students.

What’s your role in public health?

I recently became an assistant director of admissions at the Gillings School. I support prospective students as they choose which area of public health they want to pursue. I also coordinate admissions and orientation events, and I work to identify and develop external community partnerships for pathway programs. One highlight so far has been reimplementing the School’s partnership with the Lewis Scholars IMHOTEP Project, which is a collaboration with Morehouse College and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

I also serve as the staff adviser for the School’s Minority Student Caucus. I enjoy this role because I’m able to still have one-on-one connections with current students while mentoring them.

Can you describe your focus area in one sentence?

Being a first-generation college student myself, I aim to serve as a resource for students as they navigate their path through higher education.

What brought you to public health and the Gillings School?

I went to UNC-Chapel Hill as an undergraduate student. I was pre-nursing, but had I known about public health at the time, I probably would have pursued a Master of Public Health degree. Still, I’m very thankful for where I’ve landed in higher education. I think the advocacy work and focus on preventative care that are part of public health align with what initially drew me to nursing. I appreciate that overlap.

I knew early on that working at the Gillings School would be a good opportunity for me, because I get to serve students who future public health leaders. Previously, I had experience working with K-12 students and undergrads, but I hadn’t engaged with graduate students before coming here. I’m always looking for ways to grow as a higher ed professional, so my reaction to seeing this job posting was, “I’m going to take a swing at it.”

Can you describe a time when you’ve pivoted in your public health career?

During the past two years, I’ve been able to grow from a program coordinator position — working with students on the recruitment side — to now serving more on the admissions side. I haven’t had to pivot too much yet, but I’m looking forward to continuing to evolve and learn during my time at the Gillings School.

Who are you when you’re at home?

Gemma’s dogs, Oli and Louie, play together.

When I’m at home, I love spending time outside with my boys. And when I say my boys, I mean my pets! I have two dogs, Oli and Louie, who take up most of my time.

If I’m not taking care of them and spending time outside, I’m listening to music. I really enjoy that, especially while on long walks. I love to discover new music and attend concerts. It has become an expensive hobby, but I thoroughly enjoy it! The last show I went to was Bad Bunny, a Latino artist, over the summer.

Family is deeply important to me. I am a “titi” or auntie to three nephews. It’s become a personality trait of mine that I’m very fond of. I appreciate how much time I’m able to dedicate to the boys, because I didn’t experience having a close “titi” growing up.

I’m also a student, so that helps me connect with current and prospective Gillings students. As we’re having conversations, I’ll say, “I feel you 100%,” because I know we’re navigating many of the same issues. I’m in the second year of my doctoral program at UNC-Greensboro, and I’m definitely taking advantage of working full-time and setting a sustainable pace for completing my degree.