Community Volunteer Spotlight | Jianna Howard

We are pleased to spotlight Jianna Howard our newest Community Volunteer

About Jianna Howard

Jianna graduated summa cum laude from The College at Brockport this past May after earning a Bachelors of Science. She is currently working as an AmeriCorps VISTA through the Rochester Youth Year Fellowship and is placed at Jefferson Family Medicine. As JFM’s Community Liaison, Jianna is working on public health outreach and community engagement. She’s passionate about health and wellness, especially within marginalized communities. After her year of service, she plans to attend graduate school to earn a Masters of Public Health and hopefully one day, a PhD.

Why did you decide to volunteer at 540WMain

JH: I learned about 540 from a colleague who attempted to host a healthy cooking class for patients at Jefferson Family Medicine. After looking through the website, I was impressed with everything that was offered at 540 and decided volunteering here would be time well spent.

Where did you grow up?

JH: Right here in Rochester, NY

When you’re not volunteering at 540WMain what do you like to do?

JH: RELAX! When I’m not busy I like to just take it easy, whether that be with friends or myself.

For you how does what you do as a brand or business related to
wellness?

JH: I’m currently working as the Community Liaison at Jefferson Family Medicine and my main role is to provide public health outreach for the Southwest Rochester community and Rochester as a whole.

How do you stay healthy?

JH: With a busy schedule, I try my best to work out consistently, but when I can’t do that, I make sure my daily diet is healthy; I believe one can’t work out a poor diet.

What’s your favorite healthy food to eat?

JH: I’ve recently gotten into Mediterranean food which consists of a lot of vegetables and healthy oils. My favorite spot right now is the Kebab House on West Henrietta Road!

How do you express creativity in your life?

JH: I recently helped a friend work on a bunch of arts and crafts for her sorority and it made me want to get back into art. I can draw pretty well and I’m very neat when completing projects so hopefully if I’m asked this question in another month I can tell people about what I’ve been doing.

What is it that inspires you to volunteer in the community?

JH: I like giving back. I’m thankful for the life I’ve been given and I like to pay it forward.

What are you working on now?

JH: I’m trying to get indoor exercise classes started on behalf of Jefferson Family Medicine. All will be welcome, be on the lookout, and if anyone out there knows how to teach some type of group exercise class (yoga, Zumba, aerobics, etc.), please contact me.

What do you like best about living in Rochester?

JH: There’s a lot of opportunity here. My appreciation for Rochester has grown a lot in the past few months and there really are so any things to get involved in.

What do you like least about living in Rochester?

JH: The cold weather. I’ve been here for all 22 years of my life and I’m still not a fan.

Is there anything else you’d like the readers to know?

JH: I’m thankful for the opportunity Calvin has given me and hope more people take interest in the classes offered at 540.

 

To learn more about Ian or connect with him, reach out via the following channels

EMAIL: jiannahoward@gmail.com

Photo credit: Jianna Howard