EVENT RECAPS
Leading the Way Each year the School Nutrition Association invites state association leaders to the National Leadership Conference (NLC). This conference is designed to provide state leaders the opportunity to develop essential skills in leading a nonprofit association, network with other state and national SNA leaders and gain new insights into becoming a more effective and engaging leader. This year ISNA was represented by, Cory Martin of Mission Control, President Elect, Courtney FitzSimons, Vice President, Amanda Worrick, and Secretary/ Treasurer, Valarie Miller. ISNA also sent Membership Chair, Mary Ellen Gilliam, and Director of Food Service for Plymouth Community Schools, Amy Kraszyk to the Future Leaders program at NLC. Let’s hear what they had to say about their trip to Louisville, Kentucky. Can you tell us a little bit about presenting a session at NLC? Courtney: This was my second time attending NLC, and I had the privilege of leading a “Hear from your Peers” session with Lindsey Hill, Founder & CEO of Menu Logic K-12. Our session was called “Our Executive Director is Leaving. Now What?” We had a great turn out, and I loved being able to share the intricate process ISNA followed in hiring a new Executive Director. It was a quick but mighty presentation followed by great questions from other SNA state leaders. It was an amazing experience, representing Indiana SNA in such a positive light. I truly believe Indiana is one of the front running states for SNA and having the opportunity to share our knowledge with others was so rewarding! I’m proud of our association, and you should be too! Tell us about your unique opportunity with SNA President, Lori Adkins? Amanda: During NLC I had the honor of recording a podcast with SNA President, Lori Adkins. We were given the topic of what leadership means to us. To me being a leader is empowering others to be the best they can be and building a strong team based on trust. It was so nice getting to know Lori on a more personal level and fun learning that we have similar backgrounds starting our careers as Dietetic Technicians and finding our way to k-12 nutrition! I was super nervous about doing a podcast but I am glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and did it! My advice is when given an opportunity go for it! Our podcast will be released at ANC this July. Please tune in! As an NLC first timer, what did you learn that impacted you the most? Valarie: As a first time attendee to SNA’s National Leadership Conference I had the pleasure of getting to learn from some of the top leaders in other state associations. It was great seeing how other states have navigated some great challenges in their own associations and throughout COVID. The main theme that impacted me the most during NLC is the importance of self-confidence in leadership. If a leader lacks confidence, none of the other leadership skills will come together efficiently or effectively. As a leader you must have confidence in your abilities to be able to achieve higher goals for yourself and for the organization that you serve. 2023 National Leadership Conference
Courtney FitzSimons MA, RD, CD, SNS Food Service Director West Lafayette Comm. Schools ISNA Vice President
Amanda Worrick DTR Director of Child Nutrition Mississinewa Comm. Schools ISNA Region Rep. Chair/Future Leader
Valarie Miller, RDN Assistant Director of Food & Nutrition Services Center Grove Community School Corporation
May Ellen Gilliam, MBA Child Nutrition Assistant Director MSD Wayne Township
Amy Kraszyk Director of Food Service Plymouth Community Schools
22
Powered by FlippingBook