Giana Pedevillano, a recent graduate from Southern Connecticut State University and a Meriden native, has taken up a new role as part of Newtown’s team for foodborne illness prevention. Initially, she had started her career in health promotion at SCSU but her interest expanded to environmental and public health as she progressed in her program. She was motivated to create a cleaner, healthier and happier environment for everyone.
With a master’s degree in public health, Pedevillano is now involved in redirecting personal care businesses such as salons and spas to be inspected by the Health District starting September 1. She is also working on obtaining FDA credentials for food service as well as certifications for soil and septic inspections. Reflecting on her journey, Pedevillano said that she was not aware of the various professions within public health until she began exploring different majors. What fascinated her was the idea of helping an entire community rather than working on an individual level.
Currently, she is shadowing her mentors at the Health District and expresses gratitude for their guidance in honing her skills as a young professional. As she prepares to transition into her role as a health inspector in Newtown, Pedevillano is excited about the opportunity to make a positive impact on the community. She believes that her training and experiences have equipped her with the tools needed to contribute effectively to public health promotion.
Through her dedication and commitment, Pedevillano hopes to enhance the overall well-being of Newtown residents by ensuring that personal care businesses adhere to strict regulations aimed at preventing foodborne illnesses.