“I appreciate the global perspective, of the professors and students because of their diverse international involvement, and that's had an impact on me as I've focused on Nicaragua - it's broadened my own perspective.”

Angela Profeta brings national and global experience to her work as a student in health policy and management at the Mailman School. As she completes her master's degree, Angela is continuing the project she began with fellow Vanderbilt University graduates who founded Manna Project International, a non-profit organization that sends groups of students to underserved communities in countries such as Nicaragua and Ecuador to create education and healthcare programs.

Before enrolling at the Mailman School, Angela also served as an intern for the United States Department of Health, working for the Assistant Surgeon General in the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

"I applied to both medical and public health schools. When I was accepted to the Mailman School, I saw how applicable the program was to everything I was doing, and knew that my work with Manna Project in Nicaragua would greatly benefit from my education here." Angela notes that Department was strong advocates for her to continue this work developing a maternal and child health clinic for her practicum.

Classes in management, strategy, organizational behavior, accounting and finance, among others, have given Angela "a real skill set," as has the Mailman School's location in New York City, the center of the public health world.

"I appreciate the global perspective of the professors and students because of their diverse international involvement, and that's had an impact on me as I've focused on Nicaragua - it's broadened my own perspective," she says.

Angela also serves as a research assistant to Dr. William Gold, Clinical Professor of Health Policy and Management, and has plans to attend medical school.

She adds: "Being a research assistant has allowed me to get to know another professor, and he has been willing to help me talk through the next steps of my career. I've been impressed with how all of the professors - especially those in my department - have been willing to discuss my projects, give me advice, and help me connect with other people."