Public Health Consultant
Ingrid Maurice is a public health leader who is an expert in preparedness strategy, workforce development for public health emergencies, international response and recovery strategy, and non-profit post-recovery planning. Having worked in city government, the non-profit/NGO space, and international response, the foundation of her work ethic is research and knowledge sharing across disciplines and borders. She holds a Bachelors in History of Science from Harvard, a Masters in Biomedical Science from Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (PKA The Commonwealth Medical College), and a Masters in Public Health from The New York Medical College.
What’s the best advice you received that you like to pass on?
Just ask. Just try. Often, the worst thing that can happen is that they say no.
What’s the top song on your playlist right now?
I usually wait for Spotify to tell me what that is, at the end of the year, hahaha. But I guess the song I reach for the most depends on whether or not my kids are with me. Preschool drop-off, it’s Gracie’s Corner Good Morning. By myself, Posa by C4 Pedro & Zara Williams. For a dance party with my toddler, we start with either some Haitian Koopa, some Antiguan soca, or some Afrobeats and go from there.
What book moved you in recent years?
I guess it’s a tie between Drop the Ball by Tiffany Dufu and The Perfect Find by Tia Williams. Drop the Ball challenged me to face perfectionist tendencies and regularly think about what I take in as a responsibility (as well as why, and whether or not I should). I think it gave me the grace to adjust the workload (personal and professional).
What’s the biggest takeaway from your career thus far?
That it is more important to understand and clearly deliver your personal professional narrative than to try to fit into the “traditional path” that got others to where they are in your field. For example, I worked in emergency preparedness in NYC, a field that is dominated by ex-fire chiefs, police, and others with similar backgrounds.
What’s your favorite home office hack, habit, or accessory that you use?
Admittedly, my home office space still needs some work but a minimum of 2 monitors is key, as well as an external mouse and keyboard for your laptop, and maybe a Remarkable Notebook – very good for meetings. My best home office habit is that I turn the technology off when my work day is over.
How do you cultivate joy in your professional life?
I try to bring the same positive attitude to work that I bring to life. Nothing naive of course, but I like to think that (within reason) projects will get done and we’ll be fine.
What’s your favorite way to unplug from work?
If it’s during the work day and I’m in an office, it’s playing Would You Rather with work colleagues (no work related questions though). If it’s a WFH situation, I like to get outside, walk and listen to a podcast.
What’s one thing you do away from work that helps you at work? (Something you wouldn’t immediately connect)
I haven’t done this in a bit but I need to get back to it – nightly yoga by candlelight. I like to be able to do a quick yoga workout before bed with a candle. I remember mentioning this to a worker and her eyes got big and she commented, “Oooh. This is why you’re so zen and calm, even during difficult meetings.”
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