LAURA PALOMBI, 39 . DULUTH

and overdose. In this role, I have worked with Northeastern Minnesota communities to plan and implement nine Community Forums on Heroin and Opioid Abuse to provide community members with education on substance use prevention and intervention, and resources for recovery. I am also a member of the Carlton County Drug Court team and been active in planning Carlton County’s Operation Community Connect, a resource day for the homeless, since 2012.

Tell us about your loved ones

I have two adolescent children (my son is 14 and my daughter is 12) and a husband who I am very proud of. They inspire me to do the work that I do

What do you do in your free time?

My family and I love to visit national parks; we like to take our old pop-up camper whenever we can. We live on a hobby farm and I also enjoy hanging out with the dogs and chickens, and making jams with raspberries from our farm.

Tell us about an influential person in your life

I have been most influenced by former Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin. I’m inspired not only by her incredible work ethic and impact on ruralandpublic health, but also by the wisdom she once shared with me and other students when she encouraged us not to be afraid to pursue uncharted paths in public health.

What’s the best decision you’ve ever made?

The best decision that I made was to become a pharmacy educator with a public health focus. I get to work with fantastic and energetic students and be inspired by the work of community partners working diligently to make Minnesota — and the world — a better place. I appreciate having the flexibility to pursue work that really matters to me and having a job that allows me to work with public health professionals, university faculty, healthcare providers, drug court teams, community coalitions and inspiring individuals in recovery.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment is in raising two kind and generous children who make me proud with their care of others and the community.

What keeps you in the Twin Ports?

I love the Twin Ports and have always wanted to live here.

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