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The Nerdy CEO presents Black Women Who Lead Series: Introducing Dr. Jennifer Whitmon

February 8, 2021

Presents Dr. Jennifer Whitmon

Tell Us What Do You Do?

I am a Microbiologist by training with experience in infectious diseases, diagnostics, lab systems, biosafety, and quality management. I have worked in three infectious centers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). I am currently a Laboratory Safety Manager within a National Center at the CDC. I am the primary point of contact between various offices and our center laboratories with over 200 lab staff. I am responsible for the implementation and evaluation of sound scientific and safety-related laboratory practices. I use my knowledge of general and specialized safety and occupational health practices, methods, and techniques that I learned while working in the laboratory as a microbiologist for over twenty years. In a nutshell, I make sure laboratory staff are safe while at work. In addition to my position at CDC, I serve as an Adjunct Faculty member at Touro University Worldwide, I teach healthcare courses within the School of Business and Edith Neumann School of Health and Human Services programs. I am also a certified health coach who focuses on food and how it is linked to health. I give clients strategies for eating healthy along with Christian inspiration.

Please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?

I have always had a love for science and wanted to become a primary care physician. I pursued a Biology degree as an undergraduate at Alabama State University. While there, I had the unique opportunity to participate in formal scientific research projects in the fields of microbiology and immunology. Participating in research summer internships at the University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Wisconsin at Madison increased my desire to do research in the field of microbiology. As a graduate student at Clark Atlanta University (CAU), in the Master of Science degree program in Biology, I conducted research in viral immunology. After year two of graduate school, I accepted a position at the CDC as a contractor to work on respiratory bacterial pathogen study in an infectious disease laboratory. I later returned to CAU and completed a degree in Master of Arts degree in Science Education. I worked as contractor at CDC, then became a permanent employee and conducted clinical diagnostic research on exotic parasitic diseases, basic research in entomology and later returned to work with bacterial pathogens. Many of cutting-edge techniques and procedures, I learned while completing research projects as an undergraduate and graduate student. After more than twenty years (including contractor time) and going back to school to complete a doctorate in Health Science with a global health focus, I left the laboratory and moved into a science management biosafety leadership position at the agency.

What are some of the most important values you demonstrate as a leader?

Some important values I demonstrate as a leader are vision, inspiration, and mentorship. While I worked for many years in the laboratory at CDC, I had numerous opportunities to work with employees such as, junior level scientists, fellows, and students. I assisted them with not only their laboratory projects but found myself giving personal advice and career guidance. Years later, many of the former employees came back to visit or sent me notes stating how I helped them to make better decisions regarding school, career, or their personal lives. After multiple former employees reached back to contact me over time, I realized I was helping them cast vision, inspired them to do great things and I was being a mentor. At that point, I realized I had a gift for guiding others. One of my mentees once said to me, “I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders when our conversations are over.” That compliment made me aware of my values and importance as a leader.

What has been the biggest challenge throughout your career trajectory that you’ve had to overcome?

I have overcome so many challenges in my career. I would say my biggest challenge that I had to overcome throughout my career trajectory was been being pigeon-holed. Being pigeon-holed means, not being able to advance to higher positions based on your existing set of skills. In most of the positions, I have held, I have conducted basic research and development or clinical diagnostic research. As I sought to leave the “bench” and advance to administrative, management or leadership positions, I realized I did not have the skill sets to progress. To overcome these challenges, I was able to take training courses, but not able to do the required hands on work. What helped me to learn additional skills was being open to volunteer for various projects within and outside of my workplace. I also decided to go back to school at an older age and pursue a doctorate. It took me ten years to find the perfect degree program. What I mean is I was married with a family and needed to find a suitable degree that would benefit me in my career and other endeavors I wanted to pursue. Going back was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but also the most rewarding.

Can you give an example of your own personal experience with failure? How were you able to overcome it?

Wow, that’s a good question. I have so many examples, so here’s one. Before I pursued a career as a scientist, I aspired to go to medical school and become a primary care physician. Being raised in a small town in Alabama with few role models in STEM fields, I thought being a medical doctor was the only gainful career I could pursue. So, I applied to medical school and was not accepted. Because of the denial, I thought I had failed. Years later, after receiving my doctorate in health science with a concentration in global health, I was given an opportunity to teach a healthcare course to medical doctors. What I thought was failure, was God guiding me to a different path than what I thought was for me. What I learned was to not give up on your dreams but find another route to success, which may not look like what you had originally planned.

Heroes: What past leader you have worked with/ for you really admire and why?

One of my mentors and former supervisor was Dr. Jacquelyn Sampson, a research microbiologist at the CDC. Dr. Sampson who is now retired, is a brilliant African American female scientist who held numerous scientific patents. What I admire most about Dr. Sampson was that she was not only a dedicated scientist, and international expert in respiratory infectious diseases, but she was also a wife, mother and eventually a grandmother, who moved through life with grace, class, poise, and dignity. I learned so much from her, not only about our infectious disease studies but also things like navigating the agency to the importance of work-life balance. I am so grateful to have worked with her for over ten years and to have remained in touch with her after her retirement.

What are some of the top qualities and traits that you think is needed in order to succeed?

Some of the top qualities and traits I think you need to succeed are emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and good communication skills. Emotional intelligence is the ability to be aware of your emotions. Also, being able to control your emotions (when needed) and be aware of the emotions of others. Emotional intelligence doesn’t mean hiding your emotions or not having feelings, but it does mean managing your emotions and not being led by them. This trait also means you can show empathy and compassion for others. Self-awareness is related to emotional intelligence, it means knowing who you are, what your needs and values are. Being self-aware helps you to get help when needed and it also lets you know if you can help someone else or if you need additional resources. Self-awareness helps you to lead and even to be a team player. A final trait is that one needs to succeed is good communication. Good communication refers to oral and written communication as well as good listening skills. Another area of communication refers to non-verbal communication. Our voices and facial expressions can relay messages and your body can be displaying a different message.

Any major accomplishments you would like to share?

In my professional career, I am proud to have collaborated with scientists and contributed to the scientific literature by publishing scientific research articles, a book chapter and a patent. However, a major accomplishment was the writing and release of my Christian health book entitled “Put That Fried Chicken Down, Five Simple Steps for Southerners to Jumpstart Their Health Journey.” My book will help you to increase awareness of your diet, learn why you have poor eating habits, learn practical skills and strategies to improve your eating habits.

What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their career and life?

Don’t be afraid to take positive risks in your career and life. Pursue your degree, start a business or non-profit organization, apply for the new position, you get the idea. You never want to look back over your life and say “I wish I would have done…” At times fear will creep in to try to stop you from achieving your goals and dreams, but you must put fear to rest by pressing through and starting something new. My favorite scripture verse is Isaiah 43:19. It reads, Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

Contact Info (includes: website information, product information, list of services, etc.)

Health Coaching Services:

Virtual Smart Shopping (grocery) Tour

2. Individual Consultations

3. Virtual Book Clubs

Contact Info for Health Coaching:

Website: www.drjenniferwhitmon.com

Email: drjenniferwhitmon@gmail.com

Facebook: @drjwhitmonhealthcoach

Facebook Group- Put That Fried Chicken Down VIPs

Book: Put That Fried Chicken Down available where books are sold (i.e. Amazon, Barnes and Noble)

Clubhouse: @jenniferwhitmon

This series is dedicated to highlighting trailblazing women of color that are leaders in their careers as well as in their communities. From public health professionals, to educators, professors, and influencers, these women bring in fresh perspectives, talent, and creativity. They continue to break barriers even till this day, which serves as a reminder that “women belong in all places where decisions are being made” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Companies that are Hiring During the COVID-19 Pandemic

April 6, 2020

What Companies are Hiring during the COVID-19 Pandemic? Try these industries if you need a job NOW!

As unemployment claims in the U.S. are skyrocketing with so many citizens now out of work and stay-at-home as well as telework orders are steady being issued throughout the country with attempts to slow the spread of coronavirus; finding work is even harder.

Although a lot of small businesses have been forced to close because of the coronavirus outbreak, there is no doubt COVID-19 has increased demand for products and services.

This surge has, in turn, created a need for more workers causing businesses nationwide to ramp up hiring and even expedite the application processes.

Because of this, there are plenty of businesses that are operational and still looking to hire from shipping and delivery companies, to the federal government (usajobs.gov), grocery stores and delivery services, and major retail businesses.

Below I will share with you a list of companies that are hiring amidst COVID-19.

The Federal Government is looking to fill various positions to help respond to and fight COVID-19. There are several job series available for multiple locations across the U.S. For positions that are open to the public, please click here.

Zoom

With millions of people being forced to stay home to help stop the spread of COVID-19, many have found creative ways to virtually stay social through web meetings, happy hours, weddings, and birthday parties. And Zoom, one of the dozens of video conferencing services, has risen to the top, thanks to social distancing.

This popular video-conferencing app is hiring for full-time positions across engineering, finance, IT, sales and other departments.

Publix

Publix is set to hire thousands of associates to fill positions in stores and distribution centers. These positions are available in all seven states Publix operates including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia and its nine distribution centers.

To apply fill out an application at www.publix.jobs.

Kroger

Kroger is hiring 20,000 additional employees across retail stores, manufacturing plants and distribution centers to meet increased consumer demand for groceries and other supply products.

From the time it takes for an employee to apply for a job, while sometimes getting hired on the spot, you can start working in as little as three days. Kroger says this latest hiring surge will take place over the next few weeks. You can check out any open positions at jobs.kroger.com.

Walgreens

Walgreens announced it is looking to fill roughly 9,500 existing full-time and part-time roles in stores across the U.S. They are primarily seeking individuals for the following positions: Customer Service Associates, Pharmacy Technicians, and Shift Leads.

Interested candidates can visit jobs.walgreens.com to search for openings in their area, with positions being added regularly based on local store and pharmacy needs. Additionally, as Walgreens continues to assess its needs related to the coronavirus situation, it will soon begin filling additional temporary CSA positions to help bolster in-store staffing. Some of these temporary positions might potentially lead to full-time job placement.

Walmart

Walmart says it wants to hire 150,000 associates and fill full and part-time positions by the end of May. Jobs are available in stores, clubs, distribution centers and fulfillment centers.

The company notes that the positions are temporary but could transition to permanent roles. Walmart is currently offering $150 and $300 bonuses to its part-time and full-time employees working to keep the grocery chain stocked.

If you are interested in applying visit careers.walmart.com.

Amazon

Amazon is opening 100,000 new full and part-time positions across the U.S. in their fulfillment centers and delivery network to meet the surge in demand from people relying on Amazon’s service during this stressful time, particularly those most vulnerable to being out in public.

Those interested in applying can learn more at www.amazon.com/jobsnow.

CVS Pharmacy

CVS announced plans to immediately hire 50,000 full-time, part-time and temporary workers, including store associates, home delivery drivers, distribution center employees and member/customer service representatives. Those that are interested in applying should visit https://jobs.cvshealth.com.

Instacart

Instacart, the grocery delivery and pickup company, is looking to hire 300,000 full-service shoppers due to increased demand for grocery deliveries, as millions of consumers are urged to stay home to limit the spread of coronavirus.

The company plans to bring on these “full-service shoppers” over the next three months. Instacart lets users shop from grocery stores like Whole Foods, Costco, Safeway, among others, to be delivered to their homes.

If interested in becoming a “full-service shopper”, click here to get started.

Domino’s, Pizza Hut, & Papa Johns

These pizza franchises are hiring full-time and part-time positions, including Restaurant Team Members, Delivery Drivers and Shift Leaders. The companies say applicants can potentially be interviewed and start the same day.

Domino’s Pizza Career Opportunities

Pizza Hut Career Opportunities

Papa John’s Career Opportunities

A FAIR WARNING:

Jobs in some of these industries require frequent exposure to the public, heightening the risk of contracting the coronavirus. So if you are currently job-searching, you should definitely consider how these employers are prioritizing health and safety. Are they doing temperature checks? Are they providing personal protective equipment? Are they following CDC’s recommended guidelines? You should also take into consideration how current employees feel about their working conditions right now.

The Nerdy CEO presents: Women in STEM Series Introducing Field Applications Scientist, Cheryl Bell

March 30, 2020

Introducing Dr. Cheryl Bell

Tell us what do you do?

I am a field applications scientist at Molecular Devices. In a nutshell, our company sells scientific research equipment to advance health through drug discovery. The product that I cover is a high-end microscope that can reduce the time it takes a scientist to generate data from days to minutes. I support the sales team by demoing, training, and providing seminars on our products.

What is your educational background?

I have a BS in Biology from Jackson State University; a MS and PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology with a focus in Genetics and Genomics from the University of Connecticut; and I completed postdoctoral training at the University of Pittsburgh.

Why a STEM major?

As a child, I was fascinated by how the body works. Specifically, how a person could be healthy one minute, and chronically sick the next morning. When I started undergrad as a Biology/Pre-med major, I planned to become a medical doctor to help people combat disease. After graduating, I decided to pursue graduate school with the intent of making a more profound impact on the health field by becoming a scientist who could pinpoint the cause and cure for disease.

Can you briefly explain the importance of a higher education?

For me, higher education has been the alternative to the bootstraps that I never inherited from my ancestors. When you leave an institution of higher learning, you should not only leave with knowledge and expertise in a particular subject, but you should also take with you a community/village of those who supported you in launching yourself to a new state a being: being in new rooms that were previously inaccessible, being in new tax brackets, being the head and not the tail, being held to a higher level of respect. Education can open doors for you that you never new existed.

Heroes: Who else deserves credit and has played a meaningful role in your life and/or career?

Naming every individual who has touched my life in a meaningful way could not be contained in a newsletter, it requires its own book(s). If I had a top 3 pick of naming names:

My mother, Lillian Howell Bell-White, who champions education to this day. She has never missed a beat in encouraging and supporting her children (which is every child in the world) to be the greatest that they can imagine.
Dr. Ruth Washington, a mentor and a friend, who since the day that I met her in 2006 has walked by my side from graduate school to my postdoc to my first “real job” providing wisdom, writing letters of recommendation, and being a sounding board when times got tough.
The late Dr. Lee Aggison Jr., to whom I owe my Ph.D., as he stood in the gap for me when I didn’t even know that my options were divided. For that I’m forever grateful.

Skills from childhood: What are some important skill-sets to develop that you think is necessary to have in life??

Reading: I have always been an avid reader. This has helped me tremendously in growing my vocabulary, helping me to tease out important facts quickly, and figuring out the meaning in messages through context clues. All are important skills for a scientist.

Socialization: As a child, my mother made sure that my siblings and I were always occupied in some activity or another. Being socialized from an early age meant that I do not fear public speaking, I network naturally, and I am not afraid to speak up for what I want and need.

Being inquisitive: Kids are always asking, “Why?” I was no exception and continue to probe until this day. Can you guess why I am really good at being a scientist? (*Hint: Scientific Method)

Staying Motivated: How do you stay motivated when times get tough?

My children are my major motivators. My children have been by my side throughout my academics and my career, watching every moment unfold. I know that I am an in-house role model and that they will remember what I did more than what I said. I want them to remember me as being built Ford-tough and that they have the same DNA inside of them to be the same way.

What is your definition of success?

Success to me is waking up every morning and being completely fulfilled with your life in its current state.

Any major accomplishments you would like to share?

My biggest accomplishment was earning a Ph.D. as a single mother of 3. I achieved this goal while putting forth maximum effort, which resulted in an award for the best 3-minute thesis and the honor of sharing my research on national and international platforms, while simultaneously maintaining a teaching load throughout my academic career.

If you could tell your younger self ONE thing, what would it be?

Shoot for the stars and you’ll always surpass the moon!

One piece of advice you would give to up and coming aspiring students majoring in STEM?

Write the vision, make it plain, and never lose sight of your goals!

This blog post is dedicated to highlighting some amazing women in STEM who are trailblazers in their respective professions. From scientists, to professors, and biomedical engineers, these women bring in fresh perspectives, talent, and creativity. They continue to break barriers even till this day, which serves as a reminder that women and girls play a critical role in science and technology.

The Nerdy CEO presents: Women in STEM Series Introducing Program Manager Dr. Robin Walker

March 22, 2020