Moses Kairo, professor and director, Center for Biological Control in the FAMU College of Agriculture & Food Safety (formerly CESTA) was accepted into the National Food Systems Leadership Institute (FSLI), an executive leadership development program for academia, industry and government.The FSLI enhances personal and professional development by emphasizing leadership competencies, skills for organizational change and a broad, interdisciplinary perspective of food systems. The FSLI experience prepares scholars for upper-level leadership roles in food system programs, and to assume broader leadership responsibilities within their organizations.
“Food is central to our very existence, and the development and implementation of sustainable food systems remains a top priority, amidst growing system complexity and many existing or emerging challenges,” Kairo said. “The Food System Leadership Institute has provided me with a unique opportunity to not only expand my knowledge and perspectives, but also to grow and enhance my personal leadership skills which I have no doubt will allow me, to be more effective in doing my job in support of delivering on FAMU’s multifunctional role as a land grant institution.”
During the FSLI program, scholars work with expert instructors, leadership development coaches and an upper level mentor to help increase their leadership abilities. They meet with leaders of universities, political leaders, industry leaders and others who have advanced to the highest levels of leadership. Leadership theory is combined with practical experience, often in the context of food systems and higher education.