Portia Knowlton

Departments

HPV Cancer Prevention Program

Education

MA - Webster University
BS - University of Central Arkansas

Portia Knowlton is a Program Coordinator for the HPV Cancer Prevention Program at St. Jude, a community outreach program that aims to reduce human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancer deaths locally and nationally by increasing HPV vaccination rates. 

Knowlton’s passion for helping others was rooted in seeing a need to advocate and spread awareness about HIV & AIDS during her collegiate years. She says, "It was amazing to see how many people felt they were invincible." As a volunteer with Keep a Child Alive, her goal was to help change just one person's perspective, knowing it would become a domino effect in the community. Eventually, her passion turned into a career.

“As a program coordinator, I strive to advocate for public health, by helping build awareness about how we can eliminate HPV with a vaccine," says Knowlton. "It is my goal to bridge any gaps of hesitancy and begin conversations of understanding.”

A native of Camden, Arkansas. Knowlton enjoys spending time with her family and friends, especially her mother, husband Carson, and two loving dogs Phoenix and Kano.  She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Knowlton holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Arkansas and a master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Webster University.