We had the good fortune of connecting with Jordan R. Murphy, PhD, APRN and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jordan R., can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I founded Girassol Wellness in 2015 along with three other women committed to improving communities through service and leadership. We started as a volunteer-based organization that provided programs to support the health, education, and reproductive attributes of women and children in Atlanta, GA and Los Angeles, CA. I’ve always had long-standing dreams of doing humanitarian work locally and internationally, and starting a non-profit organization was the most appropriate step for me to realize my dreams.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The foundation of my career began at Spelman College. While attending Spelman I had the opportunity to meet and learn from successful Black women in every field. I gained a lot of mentors and big sisters who served as role models, mentors, confidants and future colleagues. I majored in Biology with plans to pursue a dual career in research and medicine. After graduating from Spelman, I spent a few years working in research labs as a bench scientist and then pursued graduate studies at Emory University School of Nursing. Following graduate school, I had a strong desire to work in community settings which helps to keep me grounded both personally and professionally. Presently, I split my time between research, teaching, and clinical practice, working to improve mental health outcomes for individuals and families, especially amongst Black and Brown communities.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are so many fun places to visit in Atlanta. I enjoy walking the Beltline near Krog St. Market, visiting Piedmont Park and Stone Mountain, and shopping at Ponce City Market. Buford highway has so many good restaurants to choose from and there are a few standout brunch spots to try between midtown and downtown.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The families who receive our services deserve recognition. Their lives and experiences guide and inform how we deliver health care and we find joy in supporting them in their journey toward healing and wellbeing.

Website: www.girassolwellness.org

Instagram: girassol_wellness

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