Howdy, Partner! How to Make Partnerships Work for You.

Innovations in Nutrition Programs and Services 

Grantee Annual Conference Recap

May 23-24, 2023

Des Moines, IA

Creating and maintaining partnerships are keys to success when it comes to grant 

projects. The Nutrition and Aging Resource Center hosted the 2023 Innovations in 

Nutrition Programs and Services (INNU) Grantee Annual Conference with 2020, 2021 

and 2022 INNU Grantees in attendance. As the theme focused on partnerships, the 

goals were for grantees to network, learn how to create strong partnerships for grant 

projects, and sustain the relationships for future collaboration, opportunities and 

funding. 

The INNU Conference hosted incredible speakers. The invaluable content included 

creating partnerships in an innovative fashion, sustainability and fundraising, an 

impact writing workshop, and digging deeper into relationship building. Additionally, 

grantees walked through a workplan workshop and participated in speed networking 

to learn more about grantees’ projects and to gain successful tips.

Lightning talks were captured with five INNU Grantees as a way to share more about 

the work they are doing. The Lightning Talks will be posted on the Nutrition and Aging 

Resource Center Website and social media when completed. 

The 2023 INNU Conference was a success; here is to meeting again in 2024!

Thank you to our 

keynote speakers!

Creating Partnerships That 

Disrupt Innovation

Darcy Swon

The Sustainability Question: Is 

Fundraising the 

Action or the Result?

Trace Hoekstra

Impact Writing Workshop

Sara Delheimer

Relationships: The Original 

Currency

De’Amon Harges

Thank you to all of our 2020 INNU Grantees! 

Open Hand Atlanta

• Laura Samnadda, MS, RDN, LD: Director of Nutrition 

Services

• Dr. Miranda Cook, PhD: Research and Evaluation 

Manager

• Aleta McLean: Senior Director of Client Services 

and Outcomes Tracking

Apostle Group

• Harlivleen (Livleen) Gill, MBA, RD, LDN, FAND: 

President and CEO, Bethesda NEWtrition and 

Wellness Services

• Heather Engelman, MS, RD, LD: Manager of 

Nutrition Services, Bethesda NEWtrition and 

Wellness Services

Georgia State University, University Foundation, Inc.

• Jordan Westcott, PhD, NCC: Virginia Tech

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services

• Marnie Mountjoy: Director for the Division of Aging 

and Physical Disabilities, Kentucky Department for 

Aging and Independent Living

New York City Department for the Aging

• Agnes Mak, LMSW: Senior Director of Aging 

Wellness, New York City Department for the Aging

The Oasis Institute

Emir Kandzetovic, MPH: Program Manager 

AgeOptions

• Paul H. Bennett, PhD, MSW: Manager of Advocacy, 

Evaluation and Planning

• Emma Kidder, MPD, MSW: Program Coordinator

Project Open Hand

• Erika Tribett, MPH: Manager, Program Design; 

Nutritionist

Iowa Department on Aging

• Bambi Press, RD, LD: Healthy Aging Director 

North Carolina Center for Health and Wellness at 

the University of North Carolina Asheville

• Natasha Vos, MPH, RD: Senior Project Manager

Extra Thank You to:

• Allora Café: Networking Dinner

• Wellness Break: Kiki Curtis, Certified Yoga and 

Silver Sneakers Fitness Instructor

• World Food Prize Hall of Laureates: Group Tour

• Graphic Notetaker: Nathan T. Wright

Learn more about the Nutrition and 

Aging Resource Center. Subscribe 

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