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.
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Rachel August, Peer Counselor Consultant and Breast Pump SME Leader, Washington State WIC Agency | Breastfeeding Section Standing Committee Chair
From WIC participant to NWA board member, Rachel’s journey reflects a deep, personal connection to WIC. With 17 years of WIC experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion. Rachel is committed to empowering others to lead and be recognized. Through years of committee service and cross-regional collaboration, particularly in breastfeeding initiatives, she consistently advocates for growth, visibility, and engagement. Her vision is for every NWA member to feel represented and empowered.
In the Q&A below, Rachel 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 get engaged?
One of the first introductions was as a WIC participant as a military family when the Sergeant said, “You need to go to WIC.” I went to the WIC office on base, but I had no idea about the program. Years later, I ended up working at the same WIC office where I was a participant. My journey to the National WIC Association Board began with first joining the NWA Bylaws Committee, which allowed a view of the interworking of NWA and how it maneuvers and engages within WIC. NWA provided opportunities for professional growth and leadership development that might not be available within one's WIC agency. Over the years, I joined other committees and opportunities with NWA. NWA, continuing to ensure representation at the table, opened an opportunity for a breastfeeding SME to join NWA, which in turn opened the door to this Board opportunity.
What’s a goal or initiative you're particularly excited about this year?
One of the goals I look forward to is the potential for collaborations across the BF Standing Committee regions. During the NWA Annual conference meet and greets, there was excitement among attendees to bring together and share some of the great policy achievements and other breakthroughs that may be of interest to NWA members. Another exciting opportunity is partnering with the NWA Breastfeeding Outreach Committee. We were able to partner with the NWA Breastfeeding Outreach committee last year for National Breastfeeding Month, and it was very inspiring.
What impact do you hope the National WIC Association will have in the next five years?
The impact I hope the National WIC Association will have in the next five years is to continue to inspire members to participate in the association. Within five years, members will be able to see themselves throughout the association and clearly envision where they fit perfectly. One grand hope is that members see themselves represented within the board or as a future board member.
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?
Following the recent NWA Board meeting, I was inspired by the board's focus on increasing visibility and inclusivity. Hoping to carry the momentum in inviting others to join and finding ways to include others in establishing opportunities for engagement. Hoping to demystify NWA and even the NWA Board, as there’s an opportunity for everyone to join as their authentic self.
What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you?
One fun fact about me is that I’ve always loved to hear stories to escape into another world through books. I’ve published children’s books that focus on the inquisitive nature of children about the world around them.
Want to learn more about Rachel and the rest of the Board?
Explore the full Board of Directors at nwica.org/board and see how members like Rachel are helping shape the future of WIC.
We thank Rachel 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 Rachel and learn more about her background and experience, feel free to reach out to her in the NWA Online Community.