Lynne '95
I was a senior in a class related to public policy and environmental studies. A fellow student was known for being very active in class discussions and passionate about the subject, but he sometimes would angrily lecture the rest of the class, which was quite off-putting. I learned that getting people to change their behavior to adopt best practices was as much about the delivery as it is about the education and facts.
Fast forward 29 years. A large part of my job is to help the members of my professional society educate public policymakers, health policy influencers, and other collaborators so that new laws and regulations are based on evidence-based data and science that is supported by a consensus of subject matter experts. To be successful, I, with the support of my organization’s leadership, must build relationships and craft messaging that can be heard without hostility and holds room for constructive debate. Each step of the way throughout my career was intentional and had one common denominator: ensuring the safety of U.S. citizens through influential advocacy on matters of public policy. This is my passion. And it began in Dr. Bensel’s class.
Lindsay studied environmental studies and economics at Allegheny College.
