The NIH mission is science in the pursuit of fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to extend healthy life and reduce the burdens of illness and disability.

Heather came from a poor family and had a child in her senior year of high school. This was a very challenging time for her as she became the first generation of college student in her family, all with her child. But she did it! She credits this in part to incredible and powerful female mentors.

Getting her break into her current role came when she met her now boss while she was waiting tables at a restaurant. This led to her being offered her current job which has allowed her the ability to travel to many different places and live the life she dreamed about.

Heather shares about how growing up in a large family and how she learned the mentality of "we are all in this together." She is grateful for the lessons and how they serve her today.

Even though she was raised in poverty it did not stop her from having the mindset that she had worth and could do anything that anyone else can. 

Her daughter has several learning disabilities and she speaks transparently about the challenges that they face as a family and the rewards she feels she gets from working at the VA hospital in Durham. Although her field is mostly a male dominate field she shares about what it was like to break into the profession and how rewarding the work is and encourages other women to join her in the field.

Heather and her husband have built a little "speakeasy" in their garage to keep the tradition of date night alive during COVID-19. She shares the story about how she met her husband.

Jenny and Sarah are a bit jealous of her husbands skills as a professional chef.