#369 Grant Funding for Genetic Counselors: Advice from a $20 Million Awardee
What would you do if you had millions of dollars in funding to transform the future of genetic counseling? Few in our field have successfully taken on that challenge, and Dr. Kathleen Valverde is one of them; she has secured two groundbreaking grants totaling almost $20 MILLION. We sat down with her in-person for this episode to hear her advice on acquiring grant funding and the profound impact it can have on advancing our profession.
Episode Topics Discussed:
Kathy's Motivation and Background
Kathy's role as a program director and her journey in genetic counseling.
The importance of scholarships and funding for diverse backgrounds.
Grant Funding and Impact
Details of the grants from the Warren Alpert Foundation.
The impact of these grants on genetic counseling education and diversity.
Challenges in Genetic Counseling
Discussion on the barriers to funding and access in genetic counseling.
Kathy's personal experiences and commitment to overcoming these challenges.
Mentorship and Networking
The role of mentorship and networking in Kathy's success.
Advice on starting with small grants and building a track record.
Programs Supported by Grants
Overview of the Alliance for Genetic Counseling and Career Ladder Education Program.
Benefits provided to students, including tuition, health insurance, and stipends.
Educational Opportunities and Continuing Education
The importance of continuing education for genetic counselors.
Details of the Advanced Research Training Certificate Program.
Long-term Effects and Measuring Success
Metrics and outcomes of the grant programs.
Success stories and the impact on students' careers.
Advice for Aspiring Grant Recipients
Kathy's advice on grant writing and overcoming imposter syndrome.
The importance of perseverance and community support.
Future of Genetic Counseling
Kathy's vision for the future of genetic counseling.
The need for continued education and support in the field.
The Guest:
Kathleen Valverde, PhD, MS, LCGC is one of the most influential leaders in genetic counseling education. She serves as the Program Director of the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine’s Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program. Across her 40-year career, she has trained nearly 400 genetic counselors, served in various key leadership roles
She is the principal investigator of two major Warren Alpert Foundation grants — the Alliance for Genetic Counseling (AID-GC) and the Career Ladder Education Program for Genetic Counselors (CLEP-GC) — totaling nearly $20 million to expand diversity, access, and research training in the field.
Dr. Valverde's commitment to the field is evident in her active involvement in all the national and state organizations that support genetic counselors and the profession. She played a key role in the creation of the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling, serving as a founding board member. Her leadership as treasurer on the Association of Genetic Counseling Program Directors’ (AGCPD) executive board and her co-chairing of important committees demonstrate her dedication to advancing the field. Her seven-year tenure as chair of the Pennsylvania Genetic Counseling Licensure Committee culminated in a significant milestone when Governor Tom Corbett invited her to Harrisburg to witness the signing of the licensure bill into law in 2012.
In recognition of her excellence in teaching, she was honored to receive Professor of the Year from Arcadia University (where Penn’s GC program formerly was housed), the highest honor awarded to a faculty member. In recognition of her 30 years of service to the Masters in Genetic Counseling Program at Arcadia University, the Kathleen D. Valverde Scholarship was established. This annual scholarship supports undergraduate research in the sciences.
Relevant Resources:
Relevant DNA Today Podcast Episodes:
#25 Interview with Cancer Hereditary Experts (with Ellen Matloff)
#91 Ellen Matloff on Direct-To-Consumer Genetic Testing
#136 Linda Robinson on the History of Genetic Counseling
#234 Genetic Counseling History: 1st NSGC Conference
#235 Genetic Counseling History: ABGC Formation
#244 Genetic Counseling History: The 70s
#319 New CPT Code 96041 Explained: 2025 Billing for Genetic Counselors
#361 The Economics of Genetic Counseling: Policy, Industry & Career Advice (with Ellen Matloff)
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