Rebecca Pizzitola

About Rebecca Pizzitola

The ultimate test of integrity is what we\'re willing to risk to uphold our core values.\" –Adam GrantWhat are you willing to risk? What values do you hold, and do your actions make that evident?As a health leader, I bridge the gap between research and practice. I make research come alive by building teams and relationships to collaboratively design and implement programs, policies and educational campaigns promoting public health and health equity: To engage the oppressed and power-players in dialogue and problem-solving so that we transform our thinking and take action toward equitable thriving: I was a welfare kid that went to Cornell, so I have lived experience with poverty and privilege and know the power of linking potential with opportunity. Because of this, I want to serve others on their path to achieving potential and making their highest contribution as their best and most authentic selves: I do this by asking what best supports them and then acting on it. I am a policy wonk who uses evidence and perspective-gathering to build alignment towards social justice and equity—and tear down systemic bias and -isms. I am a research geek that digs into designing, implementing and evaluating innovative, cross-sector interventions and services that help people thrive—particularly those that improve health. And, I am a compassionate mentor and coach, guiding people to see who they are, what they want to achieve for themselves and others, and how to get there: I’m intrigued by compassion. Imagine if we validated people\'s experiences by reaching up to the higher rungs of Maslow\'s hierarchy and providing \"love and belonging\"? In my work, I\'ve seen a lot of families cycle in and out of poverty. We have community organizations that assist with housing, food, jobs, and health care, but not empathy, not love. How do we fill that gap? I think that if we served others by asking what they would want for their lives under the best of circumstances, and then worked with them to break that vision down into meaningful, purposeful steps, we might help families thrive rather than just survive.\"I\'ve learned that love, not time, heals all wounds.\" –Andy Rooney 5 : Love of Learning, Curiosity, Perspective, Honesty, and Love

Experience

1. Medical Assistant

   UPMC

   Feb 2025 — Present · Pittsburgh, PA, US

   The life that you want is on the other side of the work that you’re avoiding.” — Jimmy CarrStarting down my path to becoming a nurse practitioner by doubling down on my belief in whole-person health and equity… and (re)doing clinical hours and coursework! It’s never too late… to go to college and grad school again.

Education

• Cornell University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Major: Human Biology, Health and Society (Premed)

  1998 — 2002

• Coro Health Leadership Program

  Project Team Leader & Fellow

  2008 — 2008

• University at Albany School of Public Health

  Master of Public Health - MPH, Double Major: 1) Health Policy, Management and Behavior; 2) Social Behavior and Community Health

  2005 — 2007

Skills

• Grant Writing
• Advocacy
• Social Media
• Resume Writing
• Nonprofits
• Budgets
• Community Outreach
• Fundraising
• Writing
• Facebook
• Teaching
• Health Education
• Contract Negotiation
• Program Management
• Volunteer Management
• Adobe Pro
• Project Management
• Strategic Planning
• Event Planning
• Evaluation
• Public Relations
• Social Media Marketing
• Wordpress
• Public Speaking
• Press Releases
• Scholarone
• Marketing
• Stewardship
• Health Administration
• Digital Marketing
• Policy Analysis
• Photography
• Research
• Crm
• Hootsuite
• Twitter
• Editing