Introducing Cherish Heard: A Passionate Advocate for Change

Edith Institute is proud to welcome Cherish Heard, a passionate advocate for change and our new Director of Data Collection and Study Recruitment. Cherish's dedication to improving healthcare experiences for minoritized populations aligns perfectly with our mission.

Cherish's academic journey began at West Virginia University, where she earned a degree in Psychology with minors in Sociology and Spanish. Afterward she received her master’s degree in Clinical Pediatric Psychology from the University of Cincinnati and is currently working toward her PhD. As a first-generation college graduate and a member of a minoritized community, she has overcome significant barriers in education and healthcare—experiences that fuel her commitment to advocacy and research.

Her personal and family encounters with medical malpractice, miscommunication, and the devastating consequences of concerns being dismissed in critical healthcare settings have profoundly shaped her work. These challenges have driven Cherish to develop research aimed at bridging communication gaps within medical institutions, reducing stigma, and promoting equity and understanding in healthcare.

As a Student Fellow and the Director of Data Collection and Recruitment at Edith Institute, Cherish Heard spearheads the development and implementation of innovative data collection methods and recruitment strategies for groundbreaking research. Her work prioritizes best practices in communication, amplifying patient voices, and promoting compassionate, equitable care.

Cherish actively engages in collaborative meetings to address ethical considerations, ensuring participant safety, providing essential resources, and fostering a supportive community to enhance mental health.

In addition, she contributes to the creation and execution of best practices aimed at educating professionals on reducing health disparities.

As Recruitment Lead, Cherish manages participant outreach, conducts interviews, and oversees data collection and statistical analysis to drive the success of the project’s objectives.

“I’m so grateful to be part of a community of dedicated people who genuinely care about others and work tirelessly to make a difference. Together, we’re creating positive change in the world,” Cherish said.

Beyond her professional life, Cherish enjoys beginner ballet, horseback riding, and exploring different varieties of tea. She embraces the joy of learning and the fulfillment that comes from trying new things.

We are excited to have Cherish Heard join us on our mission to transform maternal and pediatric healthcare. Her leadership, advocacy, and dedication to amplifying patient voices inspire us all to drive meaningful change.