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.
Jennifer Nicklas, Nutrition Services Director,
Louisiana Department of Health
With over a decade of experience in the WIC program, Jennifer brings both passion and perspective to her role as Nutrition Services Director at the Louisiana Department of Health. Having spent nearly seven years leading Louisiana WIC and 11 years in the WIC community overall, Jennifer’s leadership is rooted in collaboration, curiosity, and a commitment to growth for herself and for the program.
In the Q&A below, Jennifer reflects on the experience in WIC, their goals for the board, and why they’re passionate about the future of the program.
Tell us about your journey to the National WIC Association Board. How did you get involved, and what inspired you to get engaged?
I was inspired to get engaged in the National WIC Association Board by my staff and the other WIC Directors in the Southwest Region. After getting settled into my role as Louisiana WIC Director, I wanted to become more involved in NWA membership to learn from others throughout the country and to challenge myself to grow as a WIC leader. I began my Board service as the Southwest Region Representative on the State Section Standing Committee and then served as Chair of that Section Standing Committee. Serving on the Section Standing Committee first was a great learning opportunity that gave me the confidence to run for Board Chair.
What’s a goal or initiative you're particularly excited about this year?
This Board member's communications campaign! I think it’s important to show members who is on the Board and what we do, because NWA is a member-driven organization. I love that NWA is featuring all Board members and our journeys, and I am hopeful that this series will inspire someone to become more involved in the association!
What impact do you hope the National WIC Association will have in the next 5 years?
The WIC Program and workforce are lucky to have such a strong and respectable association for advocacy and education in NWA. As we navigate the years to come, I hope (and know) that NWA will continue to raise the voices of our WIC community in order to strengthen and modernize the services provided and continue to work toward a nation of healthier families.
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?
The passion and heart of our Board members always inspires me, especially after meetings when we are able to come together in person, share our experiences, and set priorities for our Board term. We really hope to engage with each other in new ways and to carry that forward with how we also engage with membership. We have a lot to do for our program, workforce, and members and I look forward to serving with the rest of our Board members.
What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you?
I have been a member of a dance krewe since 2019. We wear lots of sequins and glitter in our trademark teal and gold, pump and twirl our decorated umbrellas in Mardi Gras, Halloween, and Christmas parades. We do fundraising activities for various organizations. I love being a part of a group that values community engagement and body positivity.
We thank Jennifer for participating in this series and for her ongoing contributions to the WIC community. Visit our website to learn more about the board. To connect with Jennifer and learn more about her background and experience, feel free to reach out to her in the NWA Online Community.