Pathway to Leadership

The Pathway to Leadership program is an eight month commitment aimed at developing the skills of future leaders in nutrition and dietetics related careers spanning across district, state and national levels. Students work under the guidance of various Illinois Academy committees to gain extensive experience in five focus areas. For program questions reach out to our Pathways to Leadership co-chairs at [email protected]

1. Diversity and Inclusion: Identify and/or develop resources that promotes diversity and inclusion.

2. Communications: Support the Illinois Academy brand through our social media handles including Facebook and Instagram. Create content to be featured on our website and in our monthly newsletter.

3.Organizational Planning: Learn about how to operate a not-for-profit organization by participating in the strategic planning process and policies/procedures review. 

4. Public Policy: Participate in public policy and legislative initiatives, action alerts, and monthly public policy panel calls in to engage in advocacy efforts. 

5. Council on Professional Issues: Identify and recommend topics and/or speakers for professional education including the annual assemblies to the professional development committee.

6. Spring Assembly Student Experience: Help plan a fun and interactive experience for students attending the Spring Assembly.  

Student Benefits: Academy Membership Dues and Spring Assembly Conference Registration will be paid for by the Illinois Academy. Both fees will be reimbursed in April following the receipt of a report from the students on their achievements within each of the interest areas.  You'll also be eligible for a student member recruitment incentive!

What do the students have to say?

 Angelina Roose
 Organizational Planning Committee
 2025-2026

How has this opportunity with IAND helped you develop your knowledge and practical skills within the field of nutrition?
“As the Organizational Planning student and an MBA/RD, I was extremely grateful for the opportunity to see how a professional organization is managed. I have learned about the venn diagram of the individual committees and the overarching goals of the IAND. Learning about organizational planning and development within a familiar industry, dietetics, gives me the opportunity to apply my newly developed business skills within a familiar ecosystem.”

In what ways has your experience with IAND correlated to your personal growth and development of your professional skills like communication, leadership, and time management?
“The market for business internships isn’t as plentiful as it once was. I knew that despite pursuing my masters in business, I would still need to have hands-on learning experiences with a thriving firm. Within this internship, I strengthened my ability to visualize how individual committees and their contributions support the overall success of IAND, as well as how the IAND leadership team collaboratively defines and communicates a long-term vision of organizational success.”

If you had to pick one "lightbulb moment" or major realization you had during your time with IAND, what would it be?
“My lightbulb moment was being able to see how all of the parts of IAND move together- decisions from committees and the leadership team are all the momentum (and direction) under the oars of the IAND boat.”

What advice or words of wisdom would you give to students who are currently seeking this opportunity or are just beginning their first week?
“Be excited, curious, and communicative. Actively manage your time and project- dedicate yourself to learning names, faces, and roles.”

What is one thing a new pathway student can do to ensure they make the most of their time with IAND?
“Network, be curious, and dream big!”

Joseph Lippert
Central Illinois District
2025-2026

 
How has this opportunity with IAND helped you develop your knowledge and practical skills within the field of nutrition?
“I have learned quite a bit from the different events that have been held by CIAND. From dietitians, healthcare professionals like speech language pathologist, or representatives of different brands like Kate Farms or Reason, I feel that each event I attended has contributed to my nutritional knowledge.”

How has this opportunity influenced your career goals or narrowed down the specific area of nutrition you hope to pursue?
“This opportunity has actually widened my desires / hopes when it comes to my career goals. It has shown me the importance of building a professional community outside of your place of work and that has given me confidence to look to the  wide range of job offerings that come with being an RD rather than being focused on one in particular.”

What advice or words of wisdom would you give to students who are currently seeking this opportunity or are just beginning their first week?
“To put it plainly, I would say step out of your comfort zone and push yourself a little bit. This internship does take up a bit of free time throughout the week, but if you push through the added busyness and up your work ethic a little bit, I know that it will be a rewarding experience for you.”

What is one thing a new pathway student can do to ensure they make the most of their time with IAND?
“To tie into my answer to the previous question, I'd say that this experience is one that you will get the most out of if you say "yes" more than you say "no" when you are asked to take on a responsibility. Of course, be courteous to yourself and give yourself boundaries and know your limits. However, if you fight apathy and strive to say yes to even the little things, this experience will be fruitful and you will experience personal and professional growth.”

Updated March 2026