Winter Grad Spotlight: Julia Alotta, BA ’20

Julia Alotta

Name: Julia Alotta
Hometown:  Duanesburg, N.Y.
Major/Minor: Public Policy and Public Health
Awards: Dean’s List, Omicron Kappa Delta, and Honors College Member


Why did you choose to attend UAlbany/Rockefeller College? 

UAlbany was my first choice because of its excellent reputation in education and highly ranked public policy program. Additionally, my desire to enroll in the BA/MPA program allowed me to study masters classes during my senior year. When I went on campus visits, the Rockefeller staff was extremely helpful when explaining the program. Once I reviewed the public policy coursework, my decision to choose this avenue of study was reinforced.


What activities/internships where you involved in during your time at Rockefeller College? 

During my second year at UAlbany, I had the good fortune to intern at the NYS Council on Children and Families. It was a wonderful opportunity to actually learn more about the complex issues involved in early childhood development, education and particularly with regard to nutrition and food access in the community. I am so grateful for this opportunity as I was able to expand my knowledge on early childhood issues. In the midst of this pandemic, I interned for the NYS Public Health Association and saw firsthand the ramifications of COVID-19 and the impact on key social and public health issues. It was another great opportunity to expand my knowledge of public health during this unprecedented time. On a lighter note, during my freshman and sophomore year I joined Dance Council. As a member of the club, I cultivated lifelong friendships and participated in fun dance routines.


What are some highlight experiences of your Rockefeller career? 

I have created amazing relationships with Rockefeller staff who have always been supportive and helped channel my career objectives. These comfortable relationships and free flow of ideas with professors and classmates has been so valuable and special to me. These connections and friendships have enhanced and enriched my life both professionally and personally.


What accomplishment are you most proud of and why? 

As a member of the Honors college, there is a requirement to write an honors thesis. I wrote my thesis about the effects of the federal Head Start program from a parent’s perspective. The reward for the many hours of research in this study was innumerable. I was and continue to be very happy to have written my first piece about a subject for which I am very passionate.


What are your future plans? 

I am currently in the MPA program at Rockefeller College. I plan on graduating in May 2022 and move on to start my career. My ultimate goal is to manage/operate a non-profit and serve underrepresented communities and families with particular interest in nutrition. As a manager, I will work towards reducing and ultimately eliminate inequities related to access of fresh foods.