Priority Area Workgroups
Workgroup members meet regularly to identify barriers impacting the implementation of priority area strategies and drive cross-sector collaboration by sharing opportunities to coordinate organizational activities.
There are six workgroups, one for each priority area included in the Florida Tobacco Strategic Plan. Workgroup members meet regularly to collaborate on projects and promote tobacco control efforts.
Workgroup Member Spotlight
Nicolas Suarez
Program Manager, Youth Advocacy, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids
Please describe your professional trajectory – what was your journey to where you are now? If your work focuses on tobacco/tobacco control, how did you make your way to that field?
Nicolas Suarez is the Youth Advocacy Program Manager at CTFK, leading the engagement of youth across the country and advancing the organization's goals. With over seven years of experience, Nicolas has a demonstrated ability of empowering others and advancing public health initiatives. Nicolas became involved with tobacco control efforts at a young age in the attempt to help his mother quit smoking. Not only did he accomplish this goal, but he is now dedicating to empowering young people from across the country and pushing for public health initiatives. <br/>
What do you enjoy most about your work?
What I enjoy most about my work is getting to turn big ideas into real change -- especially when it means having the opportunity to lift up voices from both youth and youth serving organizations across the country. I love collaborating with all kinds of people and finding creative ways to make an impact together. Whether planning a summit, or shaping new strategy, I get the most energy from those moments when everything clicks and you can see the tangible impact of what you build!
How does your work intersect with the FTSP?
The work I do intersects with the FTSP directly through the goal of preventing the initiation of tobacco use among youth and young adults, and ultimately decreasing the prevalence of combustible tobacco and electronic vapor product use. My role in particular sees me moderating the FTSP Goal #1 (Youth and Young Adult Tobacco Initiation) prevention sessions!
What are the benefits of being involved with the FTSP workgroup?
Being part of the FTSP workgroup is both a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Its a space that allows partners from across Florida to connect with others who are both passionate and key members in this movement. One of the biggest benefits is getting to learn from others -- whether its new strategies, tools, or hearing what's working in different communities. Everyone brings a unique perspective to the table, and that energy serves to continue fueling the work we do.
Previous Spotlights
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