Leanne “Jake” Jacobellis has been chosen as Harvard School of Dental Medicine’s (HSDM) 2024 Harvard Hero—a distinction that recognizes Harvard staff University-wide whose work supports the mission of Harvard at the highest levels of contribution, impact, and excellence.
Jacobellis joined HSDM in 2015, and recently celebrated her nine-year employment anniversary. She began her Harvard career supporting HSDM’s Office of Research, and in 2022 joined the Office of Community and Global Health (OGCH) as a program coordinator. In her current role, she has become an essential team member and contributor. She is recognized in the office for her dedication to service excellence, inclusive teamwork, sustainability, and innovation.
“Jake has been instrumental in the growth of OGCH. She has deployed new technologies to enhance communications and make our work more efficient. Without her help, we could not manage the capacity of work our team handles,” a colleague said. Her nominators also highlighted Jacobellis’ positive attitude and the joy that she brings to her work—notably her great sense of humor, strong work ethic, and ability to create a sense of community within the Department of Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology.
“The company I keep at HSDM is really what makes it a lovely honor for me,” said Jacobellis.
Jacobellis will be recognized, along with other staff heroes from across the University, at the Harvard Heroes Celebration held on Thursday, June 13th at 3:30 PM at Sanders Theatre. The ceremony will also be livestreamed.
