Our small but mighty staff brings decades of combined experience to serve the needs of over one million young families, nearly 3,000 California WIC employees, and their many advocates and partners.
Megan brings the experience of the local agency to her work at CWA, having worked as a WIC RDN and WIC Director. She values partnership and collaboration with other agencies and community partners. From her work at the state level she understands the integral relationship between state and local agency WIC experts to provide high level service to WIC families.
Karen is a recognized state expert on breastfeeding policy issues and reform of nutrition and breastfeeding care for chronic disease prevention and improved determinants of family health. Advocating for innovative ways for WIC to integrate with public health and the community is a focus of her work. Karen values the partnership of diverse local, state and national organizations in CWA’s work to more strategically address the complexities of current issues.
Lena provides grant and contract administration and oversees fiscal and human resources operations. She interfaces with the Board and state staff, and provides support for MCAH Action. Lena also provides critical support for CWA’s educational events. She is the lead for the WIC Leadership Academy, mentoring support and California Nutrition Corps scholarships.
Media & Policy Coordinator
Sarah coordinates state legislative and administrative advocacy and leads WIC Ambassadors in their state and national efforts to educate policymakers about WIC operations and impacts. She edits the Flash e-news and WIC Watch magazine and manages CWA’s social media presence, coordinating with news media when the opportunity arises. Sarah also participates in cooperative efforts with partner organizations to support California families and children.
Jenniffer coordinates our training curriculum including our annual conference, webinar series, fall education day, and professional development opportunities. She manages our worksite wellness program, is our primary lactation representative, and works on our grant funded projects.
Vanessa provides support for the daily and fiscal operations of the organization. She communicates with our members and MCAH Action, assists with event and meeting logistics, and supports our grant-funded projects. She also helps maintain our website and supports our CNC Scholarship Program.
CWA’s all-volunteer Board is comprised of staff from California WIC local agencies.
