The latest cohort of the Capital Area Food Bank’s Client Leadership Council has officially graduated. Over the past 10 months, the 15 members of CLC 5.0 came together from across the DMV region, each bringing unique perspectives shaped by their lived experiences with food insecurity. Though their backgrounds vary, they shared one goal: to speak up. For themselves, their families, and others who too often go unheard.
This year’s program emphasized the power of collective action. While every member of the CLC had a powerful story to tell, the group learned how to combine their voices to advocate for change with even greater strength and impact. Throughout the program, they gained skills in storytelling, policy engagement, and public speaking, culminating in multiple advocacy events including a Food is Medicine Day and the Feeding America Network national advocacy fly-in day. These were two powerful days where members met with staffers of congressional offices to share their lived experiences with programs like SNAP and the impact these policies have on their everyday lives. In another milestone moment, Virginia-based CLC members met with staff from Delegate Alfonso Lopez’s office, marking the CLCs first bilingual advocacy meeting.
“Without the Capital Area Food Bank, without the CLC, I wouldn’t have learned new ways to use my voice,” said Tomashia Cornitcher, a CLC member and mother of three. “I wouldn’t have learned how to deliver my message so that it was received based off my audience.
“We get a lot of nos, but when you get that yes, you realize—I’m doing something right. We still have an opportunity to get those decisions shifted. We still have an opportunity to make sure that people are aware.” Tomashia Cornitcher, Client Leadership Council 5.0 Member
The resounding conclusion: their work doesn’t stop here. Now equipped with the tools and confidence to advocate for change, these graduates will continue their work as community leaders and changemakers.
Interested in joining or nominating someone for the next Client Leadership Council? Applications will open later this summer. For more information or questions, email Meera Kumar at mkumar@capitalareafoodbank.org.