Rebecca Meuninck
Rebecca started work as an intern at the Ecology Center in 2000 when she was still an undergraduate at University of Michigan. Following her graduation, Rebecca continued her work at the EC on Environmental Health. After working at Michigan State for a time, Rebecca returned to the Ecology Center in 2008 and has been working there since. She has worked extensively on toxics and human health including leading the Michigan Network for Children’s Environmental Health and working as the Ecology Center's Environmental Health Campaign Director. Since 2015, she has been Deputy Director for the Ecology Center, but still continues her work on toxics as well.
Interview with Rebecca Meuninck
July 29, 2019
Conducted by Katherine Hummel
Clips
4:55 - 6:48
Rebecca talks about how the Michigan Network for Children's Environmental Health got started, the main issues it focused on, and how the coalition faded away after the reform of the Toxic Substances Control Act. #toxics #children #childrenshealth #health #TOSCA
7:18 - 9:03
Rebecca discusses why the Network focused children and on policy reform at the state level instead of federal. #toxics #children #health #advocacy
11:04 - 12:18
Rebecca talks about the importance of having a symbol, such as Betty the 30ft rubber duck, when advocating against toxics because it helps make something invisible like toxics, visible. #toxics #rubberduck
16:23 - 17:14
Rebecca talks about how the Network and the HealthyStuff campaign worked together. #toxics #healthystuff #healthytoys #childrenshealth
22:59 - 25:17
Rebecca discusses the work she had done regarding p-Phos and the different strategies she uses to eliminate it in the environment and stop further contamination. #pphos #toxics #watercontamination #water
26:27 - 28:37
Rebecca talks about the how much work was put in by her and others at the Ecology Center over 15-20 years to get the Toxic Substances Control Act reformed in 2016. This was a win, but she notes that it leaves a lot up to the discretion of the EPA, which is why it has lately been very dissapointing. #toxics #TOSCA #EPA
33:35 - 35:30
Rebecca discusses environmental justice and health in regards to gender and how oftentimes women are impacted more greatly by toxic chemicals. #toxics #environmentaljustice #environmentalhealth #health #gender
Clips
0:40 - 3:01
Rebecca discusses the projects she is working on as of June 2021, including the upcoming launch of the Great Lakes Lead Elimination Network.
3:49 - 7:25
Rebecca provides updates on changes in PFAS advocacy and her work in the Ecology Center since her last interview in 2019.
7:55 - 13:15
Rebecca speaks about the beginning of the Health Leaders Fellowship.
13:25 - 14:30
Rebecca touches on her current role in the Health Leaders Fellowship.
14:38 - 15:45
Rebecca discusses the Rebecca Head Fund and the role of Rebecca Head as a source of inspiration for the Health Leaders Fellowship.
16:10 - 18:20
Rebecca recognizes programs similar to the Health Leaders Fellowship that have shaped the program.
18:40 - 20:26
Rebecca reminisces about her best experiences with the Health Leaders Fellowship.
20:59 - 24:10
Rebecca names a few fellows that have stood out throughout the course of the HLF.
24:30 - 26:50
Rebecca lists a number of notable milestones the HLF has achieved since it began in 2014.
27:32 - 29:10
Rebecca discusses the future of the Health Leaders Fellowship.