Day 2 Recap: Washington, DC Career Trip

Immerse yourself in Day 2 of the annual Friedman School Washington, DC Career Trip through the lens of second-year AFE student, Emily Stanislawzyk.

8:30am – Commencing our second day in the bustling setting of Washington D.C., we embarked on an early visit to Cargill’s D.C. office. Welcomed by a Friedman alum, we discussed Cargill’s involvement in policy advocacy and government affairs, particularly in agriculture, sustainability, and nutrition policy. Emphasizing collaborative efforts with key stakeholders like the USDA, Cargill’s government affairs team underscored how critical partnerships are in advancing mutual objectives, such as enhancing school meals and advocating for sustainable agricultural practices. The team offered valuable insights into the interconnectedness of organizations striving toward common goals.

10:30am – Basking in the delight of the D.C. sunshine, our journey led us through Chinatown towards Capitol Hill, culminating in a visit at the World Resources Institute (WRI). Led by yet another Friedman AFE alum, we explored WRI’s Coolfood Program nestled within its food, freshwater and forests initiatives, dedicated to reducing food-related emissions by 25% by 2030. We heard how a data scientist focused on sustainable diets sees research endeavors intersecting with policy advocacy, fostering invaluable dialogues aimed at enhancing our food system.

12:00 pm – The afternoon unfolded with a series of engaging presentations featuring esteemed Friedman alumni representing Kaiser Permanente, Nestle, FEWS-Net, and Hill & Knowlton. Spanning diverse topics ranging from health communication and public relations to technical research and regulatory affairs, the presentations shone a light on the multifaceted landscape of career opportunities within the realm of food, nutrition and public health. From stories of rewarding professional experiences at Nestle to discussions of AI incorporation and work/life balance at Kaiser Permanente, each presenter offered a unique perspective on emerging landscapes and underscored the breadth of career trajectories for Friedman School students.

3:30 pm – The curtains closed on the 2024 Friedman School Washington, DC Career Trip, and trip participants expressed gratitude to the Block Career Center staff for orchestrating a truly enriching trip. Some headed back home to Boston and some continued to explore D.C. for a few days, and all carried a wealth of newfound knowledge and inspiration to fuel future academic and career endeavors.

By Hannah Symons
Hannah Symons Administrative Coordinator