The Administrative & Professional Collaborative (APC) is the representative voice for the Administrative & Professional employees of FSCJ.

In an effort to build cohesiveness, awareness and collegiality, each month we put a “spotlight” on one of our members. October's Administrative and Professional Collaborative (APC) Spotlight shines on Director of Program Development for the Northeast Florida Jobs Initiative Heather H. Carter.

The Northeast Florida Jobs Initiative is new student support service program here at FSCJ. This joint effort with Bank of America and FSCJ is designed to help African American/Black and Hispanic/Latino students successfully enter the workforce and develop the skills necessary to ensure their success. As part of the initiative, the program will offer credential attainment, workforce training, internship and job placements along with needed wraparound support services including career counseling, tutoring and financial literacy coaching. In addition, the program will work with major employers in each select market to ensure that student coursework directly prepares them for specific hiring needs.

A native of Jacksonville, Heather graduated from Jean Ribault Senior High School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications, specializing in public relations and advertising from Bethune-Cookman University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida. She is currently on track to complete her doctoral degree in Higher Education Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in 2022.  

Heather started her career in higher education student affairs & advising and transitioned to an extensive career in K-12 schools as a teacher and student advisor for community education organizations. This spanned over 15 years before returning to higher education in 2019 as a diversity and inclusion student advocate. Her life’s work centers on supporting students who desire to enter higher education and help to provide the tools they need to successfully fulfill their goals. She joined FSCJ earlier this year.

Heather and her husband of 26 years, Martin, are the parents of three young adult children: Martin, Jr., Nicholas and Alanna, all who excel in performing arts. She enjoys spending time with her family and their new pandemic puppy, Lexi, along with traveling with family and close friends, when time allows. Although Heather enjoys watching her own children perform on stage and in shows, she admits her guilty pleasure is watching drama-filled “reality” TV. 

Our spotlight shines on each campus/center at least once a year. Nominations for the spotlight may be directed to your campus representative or any officer. Learn more about APC on our website, http://blogs.fscj.edu/apcollaborative.