2023 Community Food Systems Mentorship Program Recap

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves! This summer marks the completion of the seventh season of the FSLN Community Food Systems Mentorship Program and we continue to be in awe of the impact that this program has on so many.

Each year, the mentoring experience provides food systems leaders with a unique opportunity for shared learning and relationship building. With the support of experienced food systems experts, emerging leaders gain resources and relationships to help them achieve their greatest potential, have the fullest impact on their community’s food system, and continue navigating the nuances of leadership within and beyond the food system.

Since February, 24 FSLN community members have been participating as FSLN mentees in the Mentorship Program, gaining guidance, support, and friendship to help navigate the complexities of working within and for food systems development. Mentees were connected with a seasoned mentor for 8 hours of 1:1 direct support, and while the program lasted six months, it’s safe to say that the lessons and insights gained through this experience will stay with them for years to come.

The 2023 cohort of mentees was a diverse and dynamic group of leaders working on a range of food systems and leadership development issues. While the details of the mentoring experience are confidential and known only to the mentee-mentor pair, we can share common trends, themes, and quotes.

As you read through, we hope you feel less alone in the challenges you face, a sense of inspiration to continue leaning into this work and are encouraged to reach out fellow FSLN members for camaraderie and support.

FSLN mentors encouraged mentees to step into and embrace their unique gifts, experiences, and leadership styles. To find the courage to ask for help and give advice, to collaborate and to lead, and to reclaim and honor that which makes you, you. Mentees worked on dismantling imposter syndrome, “maintaining Black identity without compromise” and how to bring the connection of self and land into the day-to-day work.

FSLN mentees worked through how to find beauty in and make sense of the complexities of food systems career paths. Mentees gained the strength to release what no longer served their vision and to explore future opportunities while appreciating their current role. Folks explored how to balance personal and professional responsibilities, how to position oneself as a leader within an organization, and how to be both inclusive and firm as they grow in the food systems space.    

FSLN mentors bring years of experience navigating and improving food systems. During their mentoring conversations, mentees gained support operationalizing racial equity, facilitating organizational growth and strategic planning, and finessing the business, operations, and finance side of their organizations. Several mentees sought guidance around how to participate in and facilitate collaborations across several organizations and ensure community engagement efforts were intentional and inclusive.

While this program has served 187 leaders with nearly 1,500 hours of 1-1 support since 2018, additional funding is crucial to ensure that emerging leaders are offered the support and guidance they need to create resilient and equitable food systems. With interest in mentorship growing each year, we are seeking partnership to expand this service and support the next generation of transformative food systems leaders.

Do you want to maximize your impact? Reach out to Andrew at [email protected] to learn how you can support the leaders making change in communities across the country.

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