Origin: Libyan

Languages spoken: English, Arabic

Qualifications: DrPH, MPH

Brief introduction:

Dr. Howaida M. Werfelli serves as the Executive Director of Striving to Achieve Literacy Via Education, Research, and Engagement (SALVERE). She earned her B.A. in Biology and Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Texas at Austin, and both her MPH and DrPH from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

With over 15 years of experience in program development, health education, and evaluation, Dr. Werfelli has held leadership roles at the University of Texas and spearheaded major community health initiatives across Texas. She has published and presented nationally on HIV prevention, minority health within higher education, and health equity, and has helped facilitate over $3 million in public health grants supporting cancer prevention, HIV services, Mental Health, and integrated care for underserved populations.

Dedicated to advancing equity and community-centered solutions, she continues to bridge science, practice, and advocacy to reduce health disparities and strengthen prevention systems.