Our Team

Megan Foster Friedman is the Deputy Director of the Youth Policy Lab. In this role, Megan provides global project oversight, develops and manages internal operations and systems, and directs the Michigan Data & Policy Fellowship Program. Prior to stepping into this role, Megan was a senior project manager at YPL, managing evaluations related to maternal health, infant health, and adolescent mental health. 

Before joining the Youth Policy Lab, Megan was a senior healthcare analyst at the Center for Health and Research Transformation at the University of Michigan, a David Bohnett Public Service and Leadership Fellow in the office of Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, and a legislative aide for U.S. Senator Patty Murray. With experience in various levels of government and a broad knowledge of policy issues that impact the health of Michigan communities, she is passionate about translating complex topics into digestible and actionable information, helping government programs better serve individuals, and lifting up the voices and priorities of communities that have historically been excluded from and harmed by the policymaking process.

Megan holds a Master of Public Policy degree from the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan and a Bachelor’s degree in International Politics from the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. Outside of work, Megan enjoys cooking, gardening, traveling, and exploring Michigan’s natural beauty with her husband, Nate, and their dog, Murphy.