Please join us in welcoming Mary Helen O’Connor, PhD, as the Philanthropy Manager at Grace Medical Home. Mary Helen O'Connor, PhD, was a teacher and researcher with a focus on uplifting marginalized and vulnerable communities, particularly those affected by forced migration at Georgia State University for 20 years. Her work in Clarkston, Georgia – known as "the most diverse square mile in America" – led her to a career supporting individuals facing significant disparities in education, income, health, and housing. Driven by her commitment to promoting equity, O'Connor's teaching, research, and program development initiatives assisted those most in need, including survivors of violence and conflict from over 60 countries.
Mary Helen established the Center for Community Engagement on the Clarkston campus of Perimeter College at Georgia State University. As the Deputy Director of the Prevention Research Center and director of the Vaccine Confidence Network project in the School of Public Health at Georgia State, she spearheaded crucial initiatives in public health. Her ability to secure diverse funding sources, including federal, county, municipal, and private support, has been instrumental in delivering support and services to the community as well as implementing a wide range of research projects and programs.
She publishes and presents widely on refugee and migration issues, public health, community health, mentorship, culturally and linguistically adapted healthcare, and community engagement.
“We’re excited to welcome Mary Helen to the Philanthropy Team at Grace,” said Lynn Ivanek, Director of Philanthropy. “The experience she brings and her passion to serve the least of these will help us grow in a beautiful and meaningful way as we take our fundraising efforts to the next level.”
Dr. O’Connor earned her B.S. from the University of Florida, her M.A.T. from Agnes Scott College, and her Ph.D. from Georgia State University. She is a proud Edgewater Eagle and Florida Gator and is thrilled to be back home using her skills and experience to help those in need in Central Florida.
