Policy Analyst, NYC Department of Health
While at the Friedman School, Teresa earned her Masters in Food Policy and Applied Nutrition.
1. What do you love about your job? 
I love the large-scale impact of food policy work that improves the lives of all New Yorkers. The NYC Health Department is one of the largest local health departments in the country and is larger than many state health departments. This means we have the resources to make a significant difference in the lives of our community members, including expanding food access, countering predatory marketing practices, and warning of harmful health claims in restaurants. My family is from NYC and I’ve lived here over a decade – knowing that this job improves the lives of my family, friends, and neighbors means a lot to me. Also, the Health Department attracts people with a shared passion of improving the lives of others, which makes for a great working environment.
2. How did you get your first job after Friedman? 
I ended up getting my first position after Friedman by simply applying to an Idealist.org job posting. It wasn’t easy to get a job right after graduation, even with networking and sending in lots of applications,  so I took a position that was only tangentially related to my interests. It ended up being a great experience and I stayed for two years. Not every job will perfectly align with your career goals, but every job is an opportunity to develop skills, meet people, and learn about topic areas in which you didn’t previously know you had an interest. 
3. What/who was the most memorable course/professor at Friedman? 
Food Law and Regulation with Nicole Negowetti. This class helped me to understand the history behind the long standing policies we have in place today. Much of what I learned in that class informs my current policy positions in local government, especially when I have to be knowledgable in topic areas like preemption or freedom of speech law. 
4. What lessons did you learn at Friedman that continue to influence you in your job and career? 
The importance of maintaining connections with people interested in similar career fields. My friends from Friedman inspire me with their work and motivate me on my own career path. Food policy can feel like a niche area but taking those next steps after Friedman, while surrounded by people who have the same interests as me, was hugely influential in helping to navigate the job market.
5. What advice do you have for Friedman students as they embark on their careers? 
Everyone says it, but: Network. I’m the first to admit networking isn’t my favorite. And yet, connecting with people in relevant positions or organizations has led me down countless fruitful paths. I’ve never had someone working in public health say they wouldn’t give 30 minutes of their time to chat. We’re lucky that in this field, the more people we have hard at work, the better and bigger our impact. So, there’s always more room at the table. I encourage Friedman students to reach out to anyone whose work may be of interest because you never know where it could lead.
Interested in connecting with Teresa? Find her HERE.
