What is your role at the Fairfax County Health Department? 

I am the Project Coordinator at the Fairfax Food Council. I maintain and forge new partnerships and facilitate collaboration among multi-sector stakeholders and volunteers throughout Fairfax County. 

The Fairfax Food Council (FFC) was established by the Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax in 2015 with a vision of an equitable and sustainable food system where food is valued as a basic human right. Its mission is to advocate for an equitable local food system that produces and provides access to nutritious, sustainable, and affordable food for everyone. 

What inspired you to work in public health? 

I have a passion for systems thinking and a comprehensive understanding of the interrelatedness of public health, nutrition, the environment, equity, economics, and society. As a Certified Exercise Physiologist with a master's degree in Public Health in Food Security and Nutrition, the Fairfax Food Council is a perfect fit for me. The Fairfax Food Council serves as a food system hub, enabling community members, non-profits, faith partners, county agencies, and businesses to convene, share knowledge and resources, and advocate for an equitable local food system that produces and provides access to nutritious, sustainable, and affordable food for everyone. So much of what I enjoy is combined here in one place. 

What motivates you?  

My motivation stems from knowing that the food system can and should be improved. There is a lot of great work being done in the food space and that should be celebrated. But there is also so much more that can be done to benefit Fairfax communities, especially underserved communities. 

What is something you’d like people to know about the Food Council? 

Community participation is an essential part of the Fairfax Food Council. If you’d like to learn more about how the Fairfax Food Council is improving the food system and how you can get involved, visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/food-council/.