Nyami Adesuwa Aghedo is from Charlotte, North Carolina, and recently graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a double major in Public Policy and English and Comparative Literature. Nyami is deeply passionate about public health and food justice, believing that unhealthy systems are the root cause of unhealthy communities. Through her work with disaster relief organizations, farms, medical centers, and community empowerment initiatives, she has witnessed firsthand the suffering caused by dysfunctional systems, fueling her commitment to finding solutions. As an Emerson Fellow, Nyami is eager to explore how policy initiatives and community service are driving meaningful progress.
Field placement: Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Nyami's work at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank focuses on expanding advocacy capacity by identifying areas of high need and engaging key stakeholders, including elected officials, volunteers, and partner organizations. In addition to an internal review of advocacy efforts, Nyami will lead focus groups, pilot engagement programs, and provide a comprehensive report with recommendations for long-term capacity building.