2024 Sheila Farnan Leadership Award

Shelia Farnan was a public health nutritionist, long-term MDH employee, and a passionate advocate for the nutrition needs of mothers and children. She died in 2004. The Minnesota WIC Program honors her work and our memory of her with this award. The award is presented to an individual (or WIC local agency) who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the Minnesota WIC Program. The Minnesota WIC Director will present the award during the 2024 Minnesota WIC Conference in September.

Eligibility

• Eligibility for the award is open to current local WIC leaders who have enhanced the quality of WIC services through their work on behalf of WIC at the local, state, or national level.
• Members of the WIC Advisory Group are eligible.
• Minnesota Department of Health staff are not eligible.

Selection Criteria
The nominee (or local agency) has demonstrated outstanding leadership in, or on behalf of, the Minnesota WIC Program through activities such as:

• Advocating for WIC with decision-making bodies (e.g., legislators, community organizations, county boards, etc.) for policies that have enhanced the effectiveness of the program.
• Developing and implementing innovative, participant-centered approaches for providing nutrition services in their WIC Program.
• Implementing effective outreach to special or under-served groups.
• Collaborating with other local public health programs or community partners to enhance services to participants.
• Collaborating / partnering with MDH WIC to support statewide goals and provide local perspectives.
• Mentoring new WIC leaders.

Who can submit a nomination?

• Staff working in local public health, tribal organizations, and CAP agencies. (Staff need not be a WIC-employee to submit a nomination.)
• Minnesota Department of Health WIC staff may submit nominations.

Nomination Procedures
Complete a 2024 Sheila Farnan Leadership Award Nomination form.

• The nomination form will include a brief narrative of the nominee’s leadership.
• A minimum of one letter of support is required, three can be accepted. They can be uploaded in the nomination form. Ideally at least one letter should be from the nominee’s agency leadership; others might come from colleagues and/or public health partners.
• Nominations must be received by end of day Mon., July 8, 2024.

Nomination Review Committee 

• Four members from the WIC Advisory Group (excluding anyone who was either nominated or submitted a nomination), and
• Two representatives from the WIC state agency.

Selection Process

• Nominations received by Mon., July 8, 2024, will be forwarded to the nomination review committee.
• The review committee will evaluate nominees, using the “selection criteria” listed in this document, and come to consensus on the candidate they recommend receive the award.
• The committee will forward their recommendation to the MN WIC Program Director.

Award Ceremony

• The MN WIC Program Director and Advisory Group Chair will present the award at the 2024 Minnesota WIC Conference. The recipient’s contributions and achievements will be acknowledged, and he/she will be presented with a personalized plaque.
• Nominees not selected to receive the award will receive Certificates of Recognition.
• Members of Sheila’s family will be invited to attend the presentation.

Questions? Contact Tina Breitenbach at tina.breitenbach@state.mn.us.