Lasting Connections in Louisville at the AAFCS Leadership Summit

Louisville, Kentucky holds a special place in my heart as my new home, and so it was with an extra sprinkle of excitement that I packed my bags (though not very far!) to exhibit and present at the recent American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) Leadership Summit right here in the city! Stepping into the event space early on a Saturday morning, I felt a calm anticipation, not just for the familiar charm of Louisville, but for the incredible opportunity to connect with FCS leaders from across the nation.

Dedicated professionals, passionate educators, and innovative thinkers were engaging in lively discussions, sharing best practices, and strategizing for the future of Family and Consumer Sciences. There’s a unique camaraderie that blossoms when you bring together individuals so deeply committed to empowering skills, strengthening communities, and fostering sustainable living. As a sponsor of the event, the Educated Choices Program was proud to be a part of this inspiring gathering, and we were especially thrilled to host a one-hour “Innovation Lab” to showcase our resources.

Our session was designed to be more than just a presentation; it was an invitation to explore, question, and envision. We wanted FCS leaders to get hands-on with our program offerings, and that’s exactly what happened! Participants dove into our resources, clicking through modules, exploring lesson plans with printed education packages, and experiencing firsthand how our content integrates into diverse curricula. The questions were insightful, and the feedback was invaluable. It was a unique and worthwhile experience to help us better understand the specific needs and interests of FCS professionals today.

Among the many programs we shared, one particular offering stole the show: our “Rethinking Food Waste” package. We've always believed in its power to spark important conversations, but its reception at the Summit exceeded our expectations. Leaders were particularly drawn to its interdisciplinary nature, immediately recognizing its relevance beyond traditional FCS topics. Discussions quickly broadened to environmental sustainability, personal health, and even fascinating possibilities of connecting our resources to other FCS topics like fashion education and the complexities of fast fashion. It was a powerful reminder that the principles of FCS - resource management, critical thinking, and responsible consumerism - are truly universal and deeply interconnected with so many facets of modern life.

This kind of immediate, thoughtful feedback is gold for us. It reinforces our commitment to developing content that is not only robust and engaging but also incredibly versatile for educators. Seeing how our “Rethinking Food Waste” program resonated, and hearing the creative ways FCS leaders envisioned integrating it into their diverse programs, has already begun shaping our thinking for future presentations and collaborations.

We are immensely grateful to the AAFCS for organizing such a connective Leadership Summit, and a huge thank you to everyone who stopped by our Innovation Lab and participated in our session. Your engagement, insights, and shared passion for education inspire us daily. We believe that by working together, we can continue to equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills to make educated choices for themselves, their families, and the planet.

Casey Clemens

Chief Operating Officer

Educated Choices Program