"10 Questions with..." Gets To Know a Colleague in OGACHI

Welcome to another issue of "10 Questions with...," where we will learn more about our colleagues who make DUSON the destination for outstanding talent.

Let's get to know Rebecca Fishman, Senior Manager for Global Academic Programs & Partnerships, who has been with DUSON for seven months.

Q: What's the best advice you've ever received?
A: “Take care of yourself, you hear?!” My beloved late grandmother Rose would tell me that at the end of every visit or phone call. It was her way of worrying, but also reminding me to practice self-care and not to overdo things. I’m a classic overachiever who often takes on too much.

Q: What inspires you working at Duke?
A: Working with our students – without a doubt! OGACHI’s programs are a big hook for DUSON students, and nearly 60% (!!!) of the new ABSN cohort applied for the spring 2020 trips. It’s particularly exciting for me to hear from students after they come back from their time overseas – how the experiences will impact their personal and professional lives, about their interactions with partners and communities overseas, and other highlights. I also think the World Health Organization’s Year of the Nurse and Midwife (2020) presents a tremendous opportunity for DUSON to connect on the global stage. Last but not least, it’s exciting to meet with our global partners and think about ways we can support each other.

Q: What past work experience did you have that helped prepare you for DUSON?
A: 1) Being a global citizen who loves learning about other cultures. I have always been a connector and enjoy bringing people and organizations with common interests together. 2) Six years cutting my teeth on an upward leadership track in New York City’s top academic medical centers (organizational and management skills, fast-paced work environments, cross-cultural issues, juggling multiple projects, triaging, etc.). I became a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives before changing course. 3) Making a concerted effort and career shift from hospital administration to international development; living and working for an NGO in India; moving to Washington, DC to work for the United Nations Foundation; and several years working on advocacy and partnerships for international NGOs and sub-contracts for the Gates Foundation, USAID, and UN agencies. I have subject matter expertise around RMNCH (reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health), gender, and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) globally – so a solid awareness of global health issues, players, and challenges. 4) A college summer working as a hostess at Red Lobster, which helped me cultivate a practice of patience. :)

Q:What three words would you use to describe DUSON?
A: Welcoming, Innovative, Student-Focused.

Q: How do you balance career and outside life?
A: I make time for the things I love: yoga; walking my dog; hiking; cooking (especially Indian food); traveling; and spending time with family, friends, and my faith community. Also – trying to get enough sleep!

Q: What was your first job?
A: Junior summer camp counselor at the Jewish Community Center in Albany, New York. Long hours, tough work, and low pay… but great exercise.

Q: What music is on your playlist?
A: Classical, jazz, indie, 60s folk music, 80s music… whatever is playing, really. Not a country fan!

Q: What would you do (for a career) if you weren't doing this?
A: I have always wanted to do work I find meaningful so it will undoubtedly be in the humanitarian, non-profit, or social justice space regardless. I’m particularly interested in economic empowerment of women and girls globally. My grandmother, who I mentioned above, was a first-generation immigrant to Montreal who earned a merit scholarship for secondary school but had to drop out to care for her younger siblings. It blows my mind to think about what she could have done if given the chance. On the side, I would enjoy being a film critic! I audited some film classes when I lived in New York City and loved it. Looking forward to Oscar season!

Q: If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
A: I lost my parents in 1998 and 2013 – both passed away way too young and before I could ask the things I now want to ask. I have so many questions about their lives, choices they made, their approach to raising me and my brothers, our family history, and advice for the future. They are sorely missed.

Q: What is something that most people don't know about you?
A: I’m a New Year’s Baby, an avid reader who curates a popular curbside library, a Social Q’s devotee, an online trivia enthusiast, and worked on a global health Muppet named Raya. My thumbs are double jointed, I am a lefty, I live in a 1940s bungalow originally owned by the founder of the Rice Diet, and I spent a semester playing the flute in Cornell’s marching band!

Thanks for sharing more about yourself, Rebecca!

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