Influential Woman · Public Health

Noemi Elizabeth Lopez

Regulatory Counsel, FDA

Bethesda, MD

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Bachelor's degree in Political Science from UMass Boston Degree Certificate in International Relations Degree Master of Public Health from Washington University in St. Louis (2015) Member UMass Boston Alumni Group in Washington Member D.C. area

Her Story

About Noemi

I have been working in public health since 2009, dedicating 17 years to chronic disease prevention - which is almost half of my life, as I just turned 40. I am passionate about chronic disease prevention and work directly with the regulatory area of tobacco control in the United States as a federal employee. I help prevent disease across the nation by implementing regulations. What has made me successful is my adaptability and persistence - I have always been ready to work at the front lines of whatever comes new, and we implement every regulation and every change live as it's happening. This adaptability has been my strength and has shown many of the results in the work that I do. Before my current regulatory work, I worked in research, which sparked my ongoing passion for supporting research initiatives.

Quick Facts

IndustryPublic Health
Based inBethesda, MD
Specialty Public Health, Chronic Disease Prevention, Tobacco Control Regulation
Volunteers with Volunteer at the Children's Inn at NIH

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Noemi

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to my grandparents, who raised me after I lost my father when I was 10 years old. My grandfather's support and the way that he believed in me was really what pushed me. He was the paternal figure that I had, and his belief in me made all the difference in my life and career.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I would advise them to focus and be persistent. In public health, there is always going to be a need for new public health professionals, so it's an industry that's going to exist always. One of the things that I advise people to do is to stay current with everything that's happening, because public health evolves, and you have to keep up with all of the changes and also what public health needs to focus on more.

03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

The biggest opportunity in public health is that there is always going to be a need for new public health professionals, so it's an industry that's going to exist always. Public health evolves constantly, and you have to keep up with all of the changes and also what public health needs to focus on more. Staying current with everything that's happening is essential because the field is always changing.

04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The value that is most important in my life and also my professional life is integrity. I really care about the quality of the work that I do, and also keeping my word and doing things to the best of my ability and knowledge. Integrity plays a big role in everything I do, and both my personal and professional recognitions are equally important to me.

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