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WANDA Unveils "LeadHer" at the Black Women in Food Summit: A New Era of Leadership for Black Women in Food, Health, and Agriculture
- IamWANDA org
- 35 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Washington, DC — On April 26, 2025, history was made at the Black Women in Food Summit at the Eaton DC, where WANDA (Women Advancing Nutrition, Dietetics, and Agriculture) proudly launched WANDA Academy: LeadHer, a first-of-its-kind leadership development initiative designed by and for Black women leading across the food system—from farm to health.
Sponsored by WANDA, the powerful leadership panel featured dynamic voices shaping the future of food, including Dawn Padmore (VP, James Beard Foundation), Dr. Kelley Page Jibrell, LaMonika Jones (Executive Director, DC Hunger Solutions), and Valerie Agyeman, RD (Founder of Flourish Heights). Together, these trailblazers tackled urgent questions on innovating leadership, building resilient food systems, and reclaiming the legacy of Black women as food freedom fighters around the world.
"Black women have historically been innovators and resourceful with food. We have often done less with more," shared Kelley Page Jibrell. "We created irresistible dishes from what others considered 'discards.' And we understood that food is medicine when healthcare was out of reach. Today, our leadership in food matters more than ever."
Drawing inspiration from historical icons like Harriet Tubman, who fed the freedom movement while operating her own farm, Kelley emphasized that modern food leaders must embody reputation, respect, and relationship-building across every link of the food supply chain—from harvester to policymaker.
LaMonika Jones echoed the urgency for multidimensional leadership in today’s chaotic environment: "Impactful leaders must be systems thinkers. We have to see the entire food ecosystem—from equitable access and sustainable production to resilient food businesses. Creativity, policy advocacy, and community care are no longer optional—they’re essential."
With food costs rising, nutrition misinformation spreading, and government programs under threat, Valerie Agyeman, RD made clear why now is the time: "Black women are stepping up to bridge the gaps. We’re building culturally grounded spaces that respect our health needs and empower our communities to thrive. Innovation isn’t a luxury for us. It’s survival and sovereignty."
Throughout the panel, attendees were inspired by lessons on resilience, financial literacy, collective buying power, ancestral knowledge, and the fierce need for systems change. The speakers emphasized a common thread: Black women have always been at the heart of feeding and healing nations—and it’s time to own that power with bold, unapologetic leadership.
Why Now? A Message from WANDA Founder, Tambra Raye Stevenson
"The time for waiting is over. We are tired of being overlooked, underfunded, and overextended. LeadHer was born to nurture the next generation of Black women to build their brands, own their voices, and lead with legacy," said Tambra Raye Stevenson, Founder of WANDA."We have the receipts, the passion, the purpose—and now, through LeadHer, we have the platform to rise, thrive, and transform the future of food, health, and our communities. This is our time."
Ready to Unlock the Inner Food Shero in You?
🌟 Join us for a FREE LeadHer webinar on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 7 PM ET to learn how you can step into your leadership journey and become part of the growing movement of Black women leading change across the food system.
👉🏾 Register today at iamwanda.org/leadher
Because when Black women lead, the world eats, heals, and thrives.