5 Questions for Jen Hatton on Global Health

Jennifer Hatton is a humanitarian policy and program professional with more than a decade of experience across Africa and Asia.

She is currently an adjunct instructor in global health at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon.

She has led program design and research on multimillion-dollar USAID awards and conducted field and policy work on food security, resilience, and humanitarian access.

Q: What are you teaching in Spring ’26?

Global Health (HEAL 260)

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in humanitarian policy and programming?

“Humanitarian” is synonymous with our aspiration towards a better world, and this ideal has captivated me since I was a kid. In recent decades, the sector has gone through a lot of soul-searching over the deep structure of global inequities and how we locate ourselves within this structure. So, my motivation has evolved away from “hero humanitarianism” towards breaking down systems of oppression. The decimation of global health and humanitarian funding over the past year have underscored the importance of this work.

Q: Where have you worked in the world? Can you tell us about an experience/ program that was meaningful to you?

I’ve worked in Rwanda, Australia, and France, and traveled in Africa for work numerous times. A particular highlight was meeting with indigenous community leaders in Burundi who are driving progress for their people despite tremendous challenges. My organization later hosted one of the leaders here in Portland, and we were able to connect them with Native American leaders doing similar work locally — that was an incredibly powerful conversation to be a part of.

Q: What is the first thing you would advise a student to do if they want to be involved in global health projects or are considering this field as a profession?

First, get curious. The great thing about this field is that you get to channel your curiosity as a force for good. Read widely, educate yourself, and listen to a variety of sources. Then, get engaged in person by volunteering with a local organization. “Public health” and “global health” tend to be siloed from one another, and the ability to connect the dots between the two is an invaluable skill.

Q: How has your work changed your perspective/everyday life?

Having a broader perspective beyond your immediate surroundings is a healthy thing. At the same time, in global health, the reverse is also true: it’s important to critically examine your own perspective and make space for voices and lived experience of those who are still
underrepresented.

Q: Who have been some of your mentors or role models, and how have they influenced your career experience?

I’m fortunate to have had some amazing mentors. My first supervisors at a social justice organization here in Portland helped me re-learn everything I thought I knew. My boss at an INGO taught me how to lead with grace. My mentors in academia have taught me the value of academic rigor and intellectual curiosity. My career has reflected a little of all three of these components.

Q: How was your first semester teaching at LC? What’s been valuable to you so far? What are you excited about for next semester?

I have *loved* teaching at LC over this past year! What a blessing to have the opportunity to be here. This semester, we’re going to start out by examining what is and isn’t working in our global health system and potential ways to rebuild from the ground up.