Get to know the team: Gillean Wade

By Wes Gibson

Gillean Wade joined UTHealth Houston School of Public Health Center for Health Equity (CHE) and the Department of Epidemiology as an administrative coordinator in August 2024. 

Before coming to the CHE, Wade spent six years working in the gig economy. She gained experience working in various fields, including customer support for the general public, merchant support, and internal support. Most recently, she collaborated with engineers to fix glitches related to app development. 

After working in the for-profit sector, Wade was drawn to the CHE because she wanted to use her skills to advance the well-being of others. The community-facing nature of the CHE also intrigued her.  

Nearly two months in, Wade’s role allows complete immersion in the CHE’s mission that centers on building sustainable solutions promoting health across flourishing communities. This work requires constant change, organization, and flexibility. As an administrative coordinator, she plays a pivotal role in keeping projects and staff organized through calendar management, placing orders, and keeping track of grants.  

Wade enjoys the multi-faceted nature of the job as there is always something different to learn and switch her attention to.  

When asked what she likes about the job, Wade stated, “I appreciate being surrounded by people who are community-focused, which aligns with my interests and goals.”  

Outside of work, Wade is a photographer and a self-described “maker.” She enjoys designing t-shirts, party decorations, and creating stickers. Her creative skills as a maker contribute to the CHE’s mission by bringing innovative and organized solutions to the team.