By Nadjad Salifou, Co-Chair, UNA-NCA Young Professionals
On Monday, May 16, the UNA-NCA’s Young Professionals (YP) Program hosted a virtual conversation, “Careers in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Insecurity.” We were honored to have Tambra Raye Stevenson and Shannon Maynard share their thoughtful and holistic views regarding their careers on creating equitable food systems.
Before delving into the intricacies of what a career path could look like, our speakers each shared their unique backgrounds. Stevenson, who is now the CEO of WANDA, an organization that teaches and advocates for women and girls of African descent in the nutrition, dietetics, and agricultural space, grew up on a farm and coupled her knowledge of food by studying nutrition at the collegiate level. She continued gaining experiences through non-profits and, as a result, became conscious of the inequities in the production and distribution of food. Stevenson then recognized the connection between food insecurity and heart disease and diabetes among the Black community. Moreover, she became conscious of female leaders who are needed at the forefront of these issues.
Central to our discussion was the need to link your past or personal story to your future career goals.
Shannon Maynard is the Executive Director at the Congressional Hunger Center (CHC). CHC is an organization that develops, inspires, and connects leaders in the movement to end hunger, and advocate for public policies to create a food-secure world. Her roots and passion stem from growing up in Appalachia and witnessing first-hand the need for better food systems. Initially, she started her career as an intern at CHC. Though she would later take on other roles, such as working in the private sector and supporting farmers, she returned to CHC in a leadership position.
Our event was filled with a range of practical advice. In addition to covering general career insights such as finding a mentor and volunteering in your local neighborhood or government, the speakers provided a plethora of rich resources. For example, the WANDA fellowship places recently graduated nutritionists at local organizations or companies. Additionally, WANDA is dedicated to educating the public. This includes attending their informational workshops, the likes of which can be found on the following webpage, “Sisterhood Super.”
Maynard shared more about the array of internships and fellowships at the CHC: the Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship, Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellowship, Zero Hunger Internship, and the Zero Hunger Academy. In addition to these programs, Maynard reminded us that you don’t have to be an expert to springboard your career in food insecurity. Your involvement in addressing equitable food systems can be as simple as writing about your story to a member of Congress. She also stated that we can think about our personal lives and ask ourselves, “Did I make the world a better place for everyone who came in contact with me today?” Making our world a better place is not exclusively reserved for those we regard as experts.
Finally, we always have audience members who may not come from an international development background. But in whatever path you seek to crossover into, leverage your transferable skills. This can include event planning, data analysis, or financial skills. In this day and age, social media can be a powerful tool. For example, there is strength in numbers. You can create digital campaigns or find an online community that shares your passion. When you seek to help others own their agency on food equity, remember that your agency holds as much power.
To reach out to the speakers for more information, please see the below contacts:
Shannon Maynard:
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Tambra Raye Stevenson:
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