Jillian supports Sierra Jobs First as a Program Coordinator t on SBC’s Economic Empowerment Team.

Jillian has an MPH from the University of California, Berkeley, focusing on Environmental Health Sciences. Her thesis research involved looking at perspectives of rabies virus in the Eastern Cape of South Africa among community members living within and around game reserves. Her studies at UC Berkeley focused on the social determinants of health, climate change, and environmental justice. After the completion of her master’s, Jillian worked with Stanford University in the Eastern Sierra, helping with research surrounding community perspectives of land management and climate resilience in the area. Prior to her master’s, Jillian rowed for the University of Washington and graduated with a BA in Medical Anthropology, with two minors in Microbiology and Human Rights. 

Originally from Whidbey Island, Washington, Jillian grew up running, swimming, biking, and skiing in the North Cascades, and continues to enjoy the same activities across the Sierra Nevada. In her spare time, you can find her knitting, painting, or exploring the outdoors with friends and loved ones.