Collaboration for Global Health and Well-Being

(July 24, 2025) — Recognizing the power of human connection, empathy and purpose-driven leadership through innovation and education, Georgetown University’s School of Health and the Power of Words Foundation announce a collaboration to advance emotional intelligence as a foundation for global health and well-being.

At an event on July 2 in Los Angeles, Deborah Sawaf, founder and CEO of the Power of Words Foundation, hosted School of Health alumni and local leaders to explore avenues for the new work.

School of Health Dean Christopher King, PhD, shared the school’s mission and emphasized the critical timing for engagement and innovation.

“Prioritizing well-being is a cornerstone of the SOH mission. Joining forces with the Power of Words Foundation promises to deepen the impact of both entities,” said King.

Sawaf and King will use the collaboration to explore ways to support current and future leaders, students, clinicians, educators and change-makers alike with tools that allow them to lead with emotional strength and authenticity.

“Together, we are planting the seeds of a movement, one that integrates emotional literacy, communication tools, and compassion into health care, education, and community systems,” Sawaf said.

Scenes from the Event

Sawaf hosted King, School of Health alumni and others at her home in Los Angeles to launch the new collaboration.

King shared the School of Health’s mission and opportunities for engagement.

King met with alumni from the School of Health, including EMHSA Program graduate Vanessa Villaverde (NHS‘17).

Sawaf and King with Power of Words partners and supporters