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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Samar McGregor, State Deputy Director, Public Health Foundation Enterprise (PHFE) WIC | Secretary, Executive Committee
With nearly four decades of experience in the WIC program, Samar brings unmatched dedication and insight to the National WIC Association Board. Currently serving her second term as Board Secretary. Samar has been a consistent and passionate voice for local agencies throughout her career. From early involvement with NWA media campaigns to her leadership roles as Western Region Section Chair and Co-Chair of the Local Agency Section, Samar’s journey has been shaped by inspiring mentors and a deep commitment to advancing the WIC Program.
In the Q&A below, Samar 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?
I have always been involved with NWA on various levels. I was involved with an NWA media campaign for WIC with the Ad Council. I have served on the Policy Committee on and off for several years. I served on the Board as a Western Region Section Chair and also Co-Chair of the Local Agency Section for two terms. I am now serving my second term as Board Secretary. My inspiration to serve on the NWA Board began with my former Executive Director, Eloise Jenks, a strong advocate for elevating the role of local agencies within NWA. She made history as the first local agency director elected as Chair of the Board. Witnessing her leadership and the critical advocacy work NWA does for the program left a lasting impression on me. Later, my supervisor, Kiran Saluja, was also elected Chair, and through that experience, I saw firsthand how board engagement offers valuable insight into national perspectives, fosters collaboration across states, and amplifies our collective voice in advocating with Congress and USDA. I saw their hard work, in addition to their full-time jobs, was hugely rewarding both personally and professionally. And that has been the same for me in these last 3 years! I am committed to this kind of engagement and to working towards making the WIC program better, more accessible, and effective for both families and staff.
What’s a goal or initiative you're particularly excited about this year?
There’s so much to be excited about in the work NWA is doing. We have much to celebrate—and still more to accomplish. I’m especially energized by NWA’s commitment to advancing WIC research to strengthen and support the program. I also value the many tools, committees, and task forces that NWA offers its members, empowering us to deliver exceptional services to our WIC families while maintaining a strong, effective program.
What impact do you hope the National WIC Association will have in the next 5 years?
I am confident that NWA will continue to play a vital role in educating legislators and the White House about the significance of this program. I also believe we will continue to secure grant funding that will enable further research, strengthening the evidence of the program's positive impact on the health of pregnant women, their babies, and children.
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?
I always leave our board meetings feeling re-energized. They serve as powerful reminders that, no matter our roles—whether representing states, local agencies, nutrition services, breastfeeding support, or vendor management—we are united by a shared goal. We all bring the same passion and commitment to advocating for the families we serve.
I was especially inspired by the unwavering dedication of the NWA staff, who continue to fight for our program and demonstrate its impact. Equally moving is the engagement of our board members, who give so much of themselves to this work while balancing their many responsibilities. As our Chair, Jen Nicklas, so aptly said at our last meeting: “We are truly in this together.” And together, we can carry this torch and forge ahead—driven by purpose, grounded in unity, and committed to the future of WIC.
What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you?
Music has always been a big part of my life—I studied piano for about 16 years, and I sing in our church choir alongside my husband and sons. It's become a meaningful family tradition that we all cherish.
Want to learn more about Samar and the rest of the Board?
Explore the full Board of Directors at nwica.org/board and see how members like Samar are helping shape the future of WIC. We thank Samar 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 Samar and learn more about her background and experience, feel free to reach out to her in the NWA Online Community.