Laura Jordan is originally from rural Pennsylvania, Cumberland County and grew up participating in rodeos, caring for horses, and was an active member in the 4-H club, focusing on community at a young age. Laura moved to Philadelphia in summer of 2012 after obtaining a bachelor's in social work from Lock Haven University. Laura began her social work career at RHD FaSST/Connections, providing strength-based, trauma-informed case management services to families experiencing housing insecurity and placed at Office of Homeless Services Emergency Housing Sites. As a case manager, Laura obtained her Master’s of Social Work Degree from West Chester University (Philadelphia site) and worked alongside peers and community members to learn the city’s landscape, resources available as well as identified gaps in resources for families and individuals which impacted their health and created health disparities. Laura developed an equity lens and foundation needed to pursue macro level social work with the City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disability Services (DBHIDS) with the understanding of community context, community voices and our ever-changing environment as core components. Laura recognizes the power of community and works diligently to achieve collaborative relationships with individuals, families, community-based organizations, city contracted providers and with leadership across the city. She hopes to align efforts towards addressing structural and social determinants of health to meet the health-related, social needs of the community and reduce health disparities among the city’s most vulnerable population and people of color.