Marjorie A. Paloma

Marjorie Paloma helps to shape and guide the Foundation’s programming strategies to ensure that every person in America has a fair and just opportunity for health and wellbeing. Marjorie believes that the Foundation is uniquely positioned to work collaboratively with partners and colleagues to leverage research, investments, leadership, relationships, and networks to create timely and enduring social change. A Culture of Health, one in which health is a shared value for all, demands leadership, deep listening, mutual respect, and collaboration across multiple sectors—health, education, community and civic engagement, transportation, housing, urban planning, architecture, and more.

Previously, Marjorie played an integral role in coordinating and advancing the Foundation’s strategic thinking from which the Culture of Health vision emerged. Working within the executive office, her efforts focused on engaging businesses, policymakers, community leaders, and philanthropy to support actions that make it easier for people to make healthy choices in the communities where they live, learn, work, and play.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Marjorie staffed the Wisconsin Tobacco Control Board, an 18-member governor-appointed board. In this capacity she provided guidance in the development and execution of a state tobacco control strategy and organized the state and local policy advocacy efforts. She believes that this experience showed her how bringing diverse partners to the table can create the power and influence to achieve enduring change. “It wasn’t your typical group. It was made up of elected officials with opposing political views, high school students, a medical school dean, a prominent business owner, community leaders and advocates. From their differing perspectives and viewpoints, we chose a collective goal. And what emerged was a laser focus and unwavering commitment to improving the health of Wisconsin’s residents.”

Born in Baltimore, Marjorie earned an MPH from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, and a BA in biology from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. She resides with her wife in Central N.J., and has two children. She enjoys live music, cooking ethnic food, and discovering places and people, especially learning about how their stories and histories have shaped their perspectives.

From Marjorie, on the Blog