We are excited to welcome Megan Dzurec to our team! She is joining us as a Research Associate on our SNAP-Ed team. Take a moment to learn more about her in the interview below.
What is your role and what projects will you be working on? I will be managing the SNAP-Ed team to develop partnerships in Cuyahoga County to implement the SNAP-Ed program. The proverbial world of Cleveland is our oyster and I am excited to help us grow.
Where are you from? I grew up in Dayton, Ohio, and have lived in St. Louis, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Columbus. Ohio will always be home to me.
What is your background in? I have a professional history of working in various public health arenas, including non-profit, government, policy, corporate, higher education, and research. Every opportunity I've held has allowed me to further recognize the lack of equity among marginalized communities, and, in turn, motivate me to find solutions.
What excites you about joining the Swetland Center? At Swetland, I am surrounded by a community of colleagues and community neighbors who all seem to have similar personal missions as myself. There is a resounding commitment to dismantle structural racism and health inequities in Cleveland. At Swetland, we are called to help create this change.
What is your favorite outdoor space in Cleveland or a place you want to explore? I am transported to a mini-vacation every time I see Lake Erie from the shoreline of Edgewater Beach. The exploration opportunities of Cleveland parks and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park are endless.
What piece of advice have you been given or quote/statement that is significant to you? "Do not be afraid of anything, unless it can eat you" is a quote from the late actor Robin Williams. His biography reveals a dichotomy between his successes and struggles. For me, his quote is a reminder to be persistent, be brave, and be ready to run, if needed.