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Westat’s Food and Nutrition researchers and technical assistance providers will attend the 2025 National WIC Association (NWA) Annual Education and Training Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, from April 22 to 25.
The conference will explore topics such as policy advancement, innovative program delivery, cutting-edge technology, research insights, and communication strategies to enhance service delivery, food package nutrition, shopping experiences, and participant outcomes.
“In collaboration with Tami Matti, MIS and Data Unit Supervisor of the Minnesota Department of Health, we’re excited to share our expertise with the WIC community,” said Westat Principal Research Associate Lissa Sirois, MPH. “Our presentation, ‘A Recipe for Gaining Support,’ focuses on just that—telling WIC stories through effective language and design.”
Westat Senior Research Associate Jacob Beckerman-Hsu, PhD, echoed her excitement, adding, “Our team will be sharing what we’ve learned about how to engage broad audiences to improve the design and implementation of WIC research. We’re eager to share how state and local agencies can apply those lessons to improve the design and implementation of WIC policy and practice.”
Westat staff (in bold) will be participating in the following presentations.
Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 1 pm PT/4 pm ET
A Recipe for Gaining Support: Sharing the Story of WIC Through Plain Language and Design Principles. Hollie Harsanyi, Lissa Sirois, and Tami Matti.
This session explores effective communication strategies. Experts in plain language and design will guide participants in identifying their audience, defining their purpose, and crafting tailored messages to tell a story. Best practices will help ensure clear and impactful communication with participants, partners, and policymakers.
Friday, April 25, 2025, 8 am PT/11 am ET
Engaging State Agencies, Local Agencies, and Participants in Research. Jake Beckerman-Hsu and Polina Zvavitch.
This session explores challenges, successes, and lessons learned from involving state agencies, local agencies, and participants in decision-making for nutrition studies. Insights gained can help state and local agency staff similarly engage with broad audiences to make key decisions, thereby improving WIC policy and practice.
Focus Areas
Family Support Food and Nutrition Social ServicesCapabilities
Policy Support Technical AssistanceTopics
Food Security