About the Series
The “Meet the Board” series highlights the dedicated leaders behind the National WIC Association. Each spotlight offers a glimpse into the journeys, passions, and perspectives of our Board members, showcasing the people who help guide our mission to support and strengthen WIC across the country.
Jessika Free-Bass, Director and Nutrition & Breastfeeding Coordinator, Omaha Nation WIC | National Indigenous and Native American WIC Coalition (NINAWC) Chair, Indigenous Agencies
Jessika Free-Bass joins the NWA Board as the National Indigenous and Native American WIC Coalition (NINAWC) Chair, Indigenous Agencies, with 16 years of experience serving WIC families. As Director and Nutrition & Breastfeeding Coordinator for Omaha Nation WIC, she has focused on community-centered care, combining her expertise in breastfeeding and nutrition with a passion for advocacy. Jessika has actively participated in many NWA conferences and initiatives, demonstrating a deep commitment to WIC and NWA. Currently pursuing a Master's in Nutrition Education, she is prepared to offer fresh ideas, a cultural perspective, and dedicated efforts to advance NWA’s mission.
In the Q&A below, Jessika reflects on their experience in WIC, their goals for the board, and why they’re passionate about the program's future.
Tell us about your journey to the National WIC Association Board. How did you get involved, and what inspired you to engage?
I have been active in several WIC coalitions and NWA committees over the years, where I was able to connect with many amazing and inspiring WIC leaders. Seeing my colleagues' dedication and passion to bring quality services to the communities they serve stirred an interest in WIC leadership roles. Attending the NWA National Policy Conference and the NWA Leadership Summits in Washington, D.C., gave me a glimpse into the important work NWA is doing and enhanced my understanding of the critical impact WIC leadership roles play in program advocacy at the national level. I recently transitioned to the Chair of the National Indigenous and Native American WIC Coalition for the 2025–2027 term and was pleased to join the National WIC Association Board as the Indigenous Representative.
What’s a goal or initiative you're particularly excited about this year?
There's so much going on in the WIC world to be excited about! I'm particularly excited about the upcoming launch of the NWA Indigenous Storytelling Campaign. Sharing stories is an important part of Indigenous culture. Since time immemorial, knowledge and life experiences have been passed down and shared through storytelling. The NWA Indigenous Storytelling Campaign is the perfect opportunity for WIC staff and families to share valuable information, inspirational experiences, and spotlight the incredible work being done in our communities.
What impact do you hope the National WIC Association will have in the next five years?
Over the next five years, I look forward to the National WIC Association's continual impact on policy through advocacy at the federal level. I also hope the stories and experiences shared by current NWA board members impact and inspire WIC team members at all levels to get involved with the association, recognizing that involvement with NWA may look different for everyone. It could mean attending a conference, joining a committee, or joining the board.
Coming out of the recent NWA Board meeting, what inspired or energized you most, and how do you hope to carry that momentum into the year ahead?
Attending the recent NWA Board meeting, I was a newcomer, and the entire experience was dynamic! I admit, I was a bit intimidated before arriving, but I quickly recognized most of the names in the room and realized I had shared space with many of these inspirational leaders previously. Everybody was incredibly welcoming, and the forward-thinking energy in the room was invigorating! I hope to carry that momentum into the year ahead by bringing enterprising ideas and sharing the same warm NWA welcome with all.
What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you?
My WIC journey began as a participant in North Carolina WIC. Inspired by the breastfeeding support I received from the program, I applied for a part-time Breastfeeding Peer Counselor position when relocating to my Tribal homelands in Nebraska. Throughout my WIC journey, I received Certified Lactation Specialist & Indigenous Lactation Counselor accreditation, earned my Indigenous Nutrition A.S. and Nutrition B.S. degrees, and am currently working on my Master's in Nutrition with a focus on Nutrition Education.
Want to learn more about Jessika and the rest of the Board?
Explore the full Board of Directors at nwica.org/board and see how members like Jessika are helping shape the future of WIC.
We thank Jessika for participating in this series and for her ongoing contributions to the WIC community. Visit our website to learn more about the board, and visit our blog to find other “Meet the Board” blog posts. To connect with Jessika and learn more about her background and experience, feel free to reach out to her in the NWA Online Community.