What has been your proudest career accomplishment within the last year?
Being able to transition in a day’s notice from serving students traditionally in the cafeteria to successfully serving our community children a breakfast and lunch from 40 school buses. These shifts in service tested what we are capable of as a department, and I am proud to say we served close to 2 million meals since last March to the children in our community.
What’s the best career advice you’ve been given?
I have been fortunate to work with strong female leaders in the Colonial family that have provided me with much advice. Two thoughts I think of often are to embrace change, and if you start your day with a smile, it will find its way back to you.
What’s been your most rewarding moment?
Throughout the pandemic, while school buses were on the road delivering meals to students learning virtually, a devastated parent called the office to share she missed the bus and was not able to get her children meals.
Upon hearing this, without hesitation, I took the district van to the neighborhood to deliver meals to her. The gratitude the mother had and the relief in her voice that she had meals for her children really showed what a difference we are making in the lives of our families.
How do you think the industry will change in the next five years?
I am hopeful for universal meals, relaxed procurement regulations and less administrative paperwork.