Leading and Guiding Departmental Strategy

Grace Kim is the senior program coordinator for the Department of Medical Social Sciences (MSS) at Feinberg. 

In her role, she helps advance strategic priorities for the department, including programming and planning for research and educational opportunities. She studied English literature at Florida State University and holds a master's degree in leadership from Wheaton College.

Where is your hometown?  

I was born in Florida and grew up in both New York and Florida with my family, before moving to Illinois in 2010. 

What led you to Northwestern?  

I worked at a local nonprofit organization from 2011 – 2021. After reaching my 10-year mark of developing team leaders, international events and organizational infrastructure for six sites, it was the right time to transition elsewhere for a new challenge. Some friends and colleagues suggested I explore opportunities at Northwestern, and shortly after applying, I was offered a position on the central administrative team for MSS. 

What are you currently working on?  

I am currently the senior program coordinator at MSS. In this role, I serve as a partner to the chair, division chiefs, executive committee, steering committee and the central administrative team. Our department has gone through strategic planning and developed a five-year plan, expanding upon our three key pillars: community, research and education. Together, we are spearheading initiatives related to implementing our strategic plan.  

How does your work support the research enterprise at Feinberg?  

I lead and work alongside a very solid team supporting our divisions, educational and research programming, facilities, our faculty affairs team and coordinating our department-wide events. Together, we carry out our strategic planning roadmap and move forward in harnessing social and behavioral sciences to advance equity, innovation and impact in health across our research and educational missions. 

Why do you enjoy working at Northwestern? 

Ever since joining Northwestern in 2021, the most pivotal and impactful experience has been the community I found here, and this remains to be consistent today. The collective efforts in developing opportunities for support, collaboration and engagement has been enjoyable to see and to be a part of, and I am incredibly grateful to the team and to those I partner closely with.