University of Pennsylvania — Penn Center for Public Health

Speakers and Panelists

Julie Sochalski, PhD, RN, FAAN Dr. Julie Sochalski is a health workforce development expert, focusing on improving the U.S. healthcare system. As former Director of Nursing Workforce Development at HHS, she helped implement the Affordable Care Act and expand primary care access. A recognized researcher, Dr. Sochalski’s work emphasizes team-based care and policy’s impact on workforce development, driving advancements in nursing and interprofessional education.

Caroline L. Watts, EdD Dr. Caroline Watts is the Director of the Office of School and Community Engagement at Penn GSE, focusing on improving educational outcomes for children and youth in Philadelphia. With over 30 years of experience, she leads university-community-school partnerships to support equity. Dr. Watts is a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania, Senior Lecturer in Human Development, and Faculty Director of the Field Center for Children’s Policy.

Aqueelah Brown, AST Aqueelah Brown, Executive Director of Know Your Worth Girls Inc., empowers young girls in West Philadelphia. She founded the nonprofit in 2019 to provide mentorship and growth opportunities. Overcoming personal challenges, she helps young women build resilience and succeed. A Penn Community Scholars graduate, Brown earned the Pitch Award, developed a mental health program with Penn GSE, and is a two-time author.

Sharon R. Rainer, PhD, APRN, ANP-BC, ENP-C, FNP-BC Dr. Rainer is an Assistant Professor at Thomas Jefferson University and Director of advanced practice nursing programs. Her research focuses on healthcare disparities in emergency care, substance use disorder, and household emergency preparedness, particularly for vulnerable populations. She has led studies on the opioid crisis among older African Americans and medication safety in older adults. Dr. Rainer also provides clinical care in urgent, emergency, and psychiatric settings and is deeply committed to community-driven healthcare solutions.

Rebecca-Rose Metzger, B.F.A., M.S. Rebecca-Rose Metzger is the Lead Community Researcher and Restorative Justice Facilitator for the West Philadelphia Community Dialogue Project. As a public artist, she creates visual works that capture the stories and hopes of neighborhoods like Mantua and Powelton Village. She coordinated the Neighborhood Time Exchange, connecting local organizations with artists, and curated exhibits at Drexel Dornsife Center. With experience as an art therapist in senior care and mental health, Rebecca-Rose is committed to using art for community healing and empowerment.

Panel Moderator

Heather Klusaritz, PhD, MSW Dr. Heather Klusaritz is the Director of Community Engagement for the Penn Center for Public Health Initiatives. With 20 years of clinical experience, her research focuses on improving healthcare access and eliminating disparities for marginalized populations. She co-directs the HRSA-funded National Center for Integrated Behavioral Health and co-founded a program connecting patients to social welfare benefits and healthcare access in West Philadelphia.

Master of Ceremony

Nicole Thomas, MBA, CDP Nicole “Nikki” Thomas is a strategist and entrepreneur with 25+ years of experience in higher education, business, and workforce development. She is the Director of the Penn Medicine Center for Health Justice and co-founded the Penn Community Scholars Program and the REACH Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania. Nicole also leads a consulting firm offering training and strategic solutions to academic institutions and nonprofits. She holds an MBA from Temple University and is a doctoral candidate in Higher Education Management at Penn.