Pallavi Patil
During their third year at NC State University, Pallavi Patil embarked on a transformative internship journey blending their academic pursuits in political science with their passion for equity and community resilience. As a Food-Inspired Resilience & Equity (FIRE) intern with the North Carolina Farmers Market Network, they harnessed their skills in data analysis, marketing, and critical thinking to address pressing challenges within local food systems. Pallavi’s decision to shift from a potential double major in nutrition to focusing on political science with a public policy concentration was influenced by their exposure to the power of policy-making and advocacy.
Pallavi’s impact within the organization was profound. They played a pivotal role in launching the inaugural farmers market census, meticulously collecting and analyzing data that would later guide resource allocation and decision-making. Their experience attending board meetings offered them a deeper understanding of nonprofit operations and the dynamic interplay of diverse viewpoints in shaping policy. Pallavi’s background in women, gender, and sexuality studies further equipped them to critically examine issues of equity, resilience, and representation within the local food ecosystem.
Pallavi’s internship experience laid a solid foundation for their future aspirations. Armed with a renewed sense of purpose and an expanded skill set, they envision a path that fuses their political science expertise and equity studies to effect meaningful societal change. Inspired by the complexities they encountered and the insights they gained, Pallavi sees themself navigating the intersection of policy-making and social justice, seeking opportunities to champion equitable solutions that address the multifaceted challenges faced by marginalized communities. The FIRE internship has not only equipped them with tangible skills but has also ignited a deeper commitment to reshaping systems for the better.
Learn more about the FIRE internship: go.ncsu.edu/fire_internship