This week we feature CCUIH’s summer Policy and Legislation Intern, Shaina Forsman. In this position, Shaina supports the CCUIH team by updating the California Legislative Tracker, and some research activities for the Traditions of Health project.
Read her bio below:
Hello! My name is Shaina Forsman. I am currently entering my senior year at UC Davis studying for a BA in International relations with an emphasis in Global Health, Environmental, and Natural Resources. For the past year and a half I have held the Waste Reduction Coordinator position through UC Davis Dining Services. This year I look forward to working on making one of our dining commons completely zero waste by extricating it of all non recyclable plastic packaging. I am passionate about waste management and its potential to reduce food insecurity and improve environmental health.
Last spring, I interned in the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research in Sacramento, focusing on creating a story for their website about the California drought. This internship, as well as a class on global health and Mexican-American relations, inspired my interest in American Indian issues. Learning about the drought, health, and colonialism has shown me the vast marginalization of the indigenous people. While their voices are less heard, it remains extremely important as Californians tackle drought response and health care. As Legislation and Policy Intern I help summarize bills for the California Legislative Tracker It has been a privilege to work for CCUIH and learn about the implications of health policy on American Indians.
As for my future goals, I hope to use my passion for policy to leverage waste management practices that consider environmental and human health.