March 16, 2021
IFSL Is Helping Her Pave A Path Forward
Is it possible to create change without having a systemic view of the issues and challenges you face?
This is the question that Kris Collett, Bakery Director at Stone Creek Coffee Roasters and cohort member of the University of Minnesota's Integrated Food Systems Leadership (IFSL) program, asked as she was deciding what path to take for her career and education journey. With the mindset that all learning is valuable, Kris is using her experience and knowledge as a trained chef to guide her next chapter. We chatted with Kris to learn how she's applying the IFSL coursework to her career, and how her fellow cohort members inspire her to keep growing as a leader to feed the future.
Tell us how you discovered the IFSL program, and what prompted you to enroll?
I've been working in the retail sector of the food industry for a while, most recently as the Bakery Director at Stone Creek Coffee Roasters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For the past couple of years, I've been contemplating a career pivot to potentially transition to another part of the food system. An area that I'm passionate about is food justice - the idea that everyone has a right to good, clean, and fair food, but structural barriers prevent this from being a reality. I want to work on the root cause of these issues, but it occurred to me that meaningful, lasting change cannot occur without having a holistic view of a system. If I really want to make a difference as a leader within the food system, I'd need an understanding of the entire system. As I was researching graduate programs, I came across IFSL, which focuses on systems thinking and leadership as it provides an understanding of all the working parts of our food system. The holistic knowledge and skills I'm gaining will help me begin to address the systemic problems that create barriers to people accessing healthy food.
I'm a very curious person as well, and I knew that this program might help me discover and learn about other areas of the food system that I might not have even considered. Additionally, one of the former cohort members - Carly Hegarty - who is Director of Consumer Health for the City of Milwaukee Health Department, had a great experience in the program, so I was inspired to embark on this journey after reading about her experience.
Have you been able to apply the learnings from IFSL assignments to the work you're currently doing?
Shortly after I assumed the Bakery Director role, I was asked to take on leadership of my company's food safety program. (Stone Creek Coffee is an FDA-registered food manufacturing facility.) In IFSL, one of our courses focused on Food Security, Safety, and Defense, so I've been able to apply those lessons directly to my work. The knowledge I've gained from the coursework and guidance I've received from the instructors has been really valuable and tangible to the plans I'm implementing. If I weren't in the program, I know I'd have a difficult time with this aspect of my role.
The assignments and the challenging projects I'm taking on at work have shown me that there's always an opportunity for growth. I definitely don't feel stagnant because I'm playing a role in paving the path forward within my company.
What are you hoping to gain from the IFSL Program?
My overall career goal is to make a difference that benefits my community, whether that continues in the retail food sector or some other role in the food system.
As I've learned more about food safety, I could see myself potentially pivoting to that field. I used to look at food safety as just rules and paperwork, but the more I've learned about it, I see the essentiality of food protection and safety. Ensuring the safety of the food people eat saves lives, and if that isn't making the difference, then what is?
What are some of your favorite things about the IFSL Program so far?
As a full-time working professional, the schedule for the IFSL program is great and the online learning platform is convenient. The instructors are amazing and provide challenging assignments and discussion topics that stretch our thinking. Even better is the opportunity to learn from other professionals working in different areas of the food system.
Integrated Food Systems Leadership (IFSL) Program
Designed for professionals interested in accelerating their careers, the IFSL program is a unique, online, graduate certificate program that fosters leadership, collaboration, and innovation across the food system.
Applications are being accepted through July 15, 2021 for the September cohort. Download a program brochure or schedule a consultation call for more information.