Aly Mashek

MPS, Global Development

• Hometown: Frederick, Maryland 
• Colleges attended and degree earned: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition & Foods, West Virginia University

Tell us a fun fact about you.

I summited the Grand Teton in Wyoming.

What are the big challenges you want to tackle in the world?

I'd like to improve the dissonance that exists between health and food. Many times, health and food can be seen as separate entities. Creating a link between the two through community connection, business creation, and inclusive investment endeavors I believe has the chance to improve societies across the globe.

What were you doing before the MPS program?

I was serving in the Peace Corps in Nepal. 

What does global development mean to you?

I believe Global Development is a visceral form of cultural appreciation and the love of connectivity between humans.

What has been the most memorable or impactful experience of your career so far?

I deeply enjoy holding educational classes for women and children in regards to nutrition. Food is the greatest unifier in the world, and everyone takes great interest on foods in relation to the health of themselves, and their families.

How do you envision your MPS degree contributing to your career? 

Cornell's MPS is designed to allow its students to pursue any forms of interest in the development world. I've found this program structure to be extremely rewarding in the fact that I can take a wide variety of courses that resonate with my wide variety of interests. Particularly, I hope that the summation of my learnings will ultimately improve the livelihoods of young women and girls seeking agricultural-based business endeavors.

Connect with Aly: 

• arm398 [at] cornell.edu (arm398[at]cornell[dot]edu)