Staying True: The Power of Purpose in Times of Uncertainty

As a military brat, I am no stranger to the unknown. Every three to five years, I had to navigate unfamiliar surroundings, languages and customs of wherever the U.S. Army stationed my father. Each relocation came with an element of anxiety: Will I like my new school? Will I make friends? It was not easy, but it did help shape a strategy that I have carried through my life and career: when navigating change and uncertainty, hold on to your core purpose. For me, as a young woman and still to this day, that is God and family.

For the Academy, improving the nutrition status of people everywhere is and always will be our rallying call. While it is easy to get distracted by the shifting tides, it's crucial to stay grounded in the mission and remain laser-focused on what truly matters:

• Bridging nutrition messages to the public by translating complex science into practical, actionable insights.
• Bridging the gap between evidence-based nutrition practices and the decision-makers, policymakers and regulatory agencies that influence healthcare delivery.
• Bridging the divide between interventions that we know improve outcomes and those who need them most.

As bridge builders, we must have the wisdom and foresight to know when to shift strategies — and the courage to pivot. In other words, as new challenges and opportunities arise, how we build bridges may change...from the materials we use (such as digital platforms, partnerships or new tools) to the faces throughout our journey to the other side of the bridge. As we move forward, our focus must remain on building strong, durable bridges that connect individuals, communities and systems to better nutrition and health.

The unknown can be daunting, but with every change comes an opportunity to learn, grow and innovate. New ideas may prove more effective than how we have operated in the past, and we must not let fear of the unknown hinder our ability to service future generations.

At the heart of the Academy is a deep-rooted belief in the power of nutrition. It has the potential to transform lives, connect and uplift people, improve health outcomes and create a more equitable world. Our organization’s commitment to this mission will never waver, even as we adapt to an ever-changing world.

Let's stay focused and stay grounded in our purpose as we continue to build bridges that will carry us all toward a better tomorrow.

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I want to take a moment to thank the many individuals who applied for the inaugural CEO Advisory Panel. I am truly humbled by the enthusiastic response. The individuals selected for this inaugural panel are: Peter Adintori, Christina Badaracco, Linda Lockett Brown, Meg Bruening, Treva Garcia, Margaret Mangan, Darrius Marable, Rebecca McCullough, LaChell Miller, Nan Ni, Shaynee Roper, Stella Sarkisyan, Alyce Thomas and Sarah Emily Younker.