August Community Conversation with University Faculty

Heidi Hancher-Rauch, PhD, MCHES®, is a professor of health sciences at Butler University with over 20 years of experience in academia and nearly 25 years in the public health field. Her professional background includes work in community disease prevention and worksite health, with expertise in health policy and advocacy, program evaluation, and evidence-based health promotion. A dedicated health advocate, the majority of her publications and presentations focus on this area. Dr. Hancher-Rauch currently serves as President of the SOPHE Board of Trustees. She has held multiple leadership roles, including Board Trustee for Advocacy & Resolutions, a long-time member of the Advocacy Committee, and delegate to the Coalition of National Health Education Organizations. She has also previously directed advocacy efforts for Indiana SOPHE and serves on the steering committee for the Top 10 Coalition in Indianapolis.

Carla Valdez, EdD, MPH, MCHES, is a faculty member at California State University, Northridge within the Department of Health Sciences. She also serves as adjunct faculty at California Lutheran University and Los Angeles Mission College. Dr. Valdez has extensive experience in public health education and management, working in both community and clinic settings. Before transitioning to academia, she held the position of lead Health Educator and Patient Services Staff Trainer at a Planned Parenthood affiliate. Dr. Valdez is a member of the American Public Health Association and the Society for Public Health Education. She serves on the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Division Board for Certification of Health Education Specialists, and is on the Board of Directors for a Planned Parenthood affiliate. Her research interests include reproductive and sexual health, as well as issues affecting college and university students.