From Southern Roots to Global Change: A legacy of service and a call to action

On April 3, a distinguished group of global health leaders gathered at Auburn University for a powerful symposium focused on women’s access to cancer care. The event, "From Southern Roots to Global Change: Ending Cancer for Women," was a tribute to the life and legacy of Nicole Schiegg, Auburn University alumna, dedicated public servant and passionate global health advocate whose influence continues to shape the future through an endowment she established at Auburn University.

Held in honor of Schiegg’s extraordinary career and unwavering commitment to global health equity, the symposium united students, faculty, and community members with international thought leaders. It was a celebration of impact, a platform for knowledge-sharing, and a launchpad for the next generation of changemakers.

A Southern Spark with Global Reach

Schiegg’s story began in Nashville, Tennessee, but it was at Auburn University, where she earned a degree in political science and government in 1999, that her lifelong commitment to service took root. Her path led her to Washington, D.C., where she began her career in the Clinton White House as a Special Assistant to the White House Millennium Council. From there, she held pivotal roles at the U.S. State Department, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), championing public health campaigns and strategies that reached millions.

Whether directing communications at USAID or leading advocacy for the Stop TB Partnership at WHO, Schiegg had a rare ability to translate complex global health issues into powerful narratives that moved people to act. She co-founded the Women in Global Health D.C. chapter and launched the "Every Child Deserves a 5th Birthday" campaign to combat preventable childhood deaths, demonstrating her passion for empowering women and children.

In 2018, Schiegg co-founded the C5 Collective, a consulting firm, and later helped shape international conversations on the links between climate and health ahead of COP27. Even in her final years, as she battled colon cancer, Schiegg remained dedicated to creating platforms for global dialogue and collaboration.

Honoring a Legacy, Inspiring a Movement

The symposium was more than a commemoration; it was a continuation of Schiegg’s life work. Sponsored by the Office of Global Education in Auburn University’s College of Human Sciences, with participation from the Women in Global Health D.C. Chapter, the event highlighted the power of collaboration in driving systemic change in women's cancer care.

Keynote speakers included Dr. Ophira Ginsburg and Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, who each emphasized the urgent need to prioritize women's health on the global stage. Their messages were amplified by the powerful testimonials of speakers like Auburn men’s basketball head coach Bruce Pearl and leading global health experts Dr. Roopa Dhatt, Amy Cotter and Elizabeth O’Connell.

Moderated by Lisa Hilmi, Executive Director of CORE Group, the panel discussion featured insights from Dr. Kim Lamke, Dean Crowe, and Sarah Bobrow-Williams. Their conversation explored barriers to cancer care access, from policy and infrastructure challenges to stigma and disparities in treatment, especially for women in low-resource settings.

The panel titled "From Southern Roots to Global Change: Ending Cancer for Women" resonated deeply with the audience, particularly with students eager to find purpose and pathways in the global health space. A video introduced during the symposium underscored Schiegg’s vision of global connectivity and service, reinforcing the event's core message: meaningful change begins with individuals who care deeply and act boldly.

A Call to Step into the Legacy

Schiegg believed that global health was not only about big institutions and international aid—it was about people. She understood that real change came from those willing to connect across borders, translate vision into action, and lift others along the way.

Before her passing in 2022, Schiegg established an endowment at Auburn University to create more opportunities for students to engage with global service and health equity work. This endowment now supports events like the April symposium and funds global learning experiences for students who want to explore careers in public health, advocacy, and beyond.

If you’re a student passionate about making a difference, this is your moment. Whether you're studying health sciences, global studies, international relations, communication, or any other field, Schiegg’s story shows that there are countless ways to contribute to a healthier, more just world.