We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shemecka McNeil. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shemecka below.

Shemecka, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Over the course of your career, have you seen or experienced your field completely flip-flop or change course on something?

Being a Healthcare Professional, Chef educator, also a Farmer change happens within a blink of an eye.

Healthcare has experienced numerous significant transformations, driven by advancements in technology, changes in regulations, and evolving societal norms. For instance, mental health was once severely misunderstood, and treatments were often inhumane. Today, there is a much better understanding of mental health disorders and a wide range of evidence-based treatments available. Hints what’s why are Slice 325 not 365 we took off 40 days for mental health!

Changes in culinary arts and food education as well with my help. There has been a growing emphasis on sustainability, local sourcing, and farm-to-table practices. This is partly due to increased awareness of the environmental impact of our food choices, and partly due to a desire for fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Farming has also seen dramatic shifts. Advances in technology have significantly changed farming practices. For instance, precision agriculture uses GPS and other technologies to manage crops and increase yield more accurately. The organic farming movement has also grown significantly, in response to concerns about the environmental and health impacts of conventional farming. More recently, vertical farming and other forms of urban agriculture have been gaining popularity, to produce food in urban environments.

These changes often interrelate. For instance, a better understanding of nutrition science (healthcare) might lead to new culinary techniques or recipes (culinary arts), or to a shift towards organic or locally sourced foods (farming).Change is driven by a combination of scientific advances, societal shifts, and technological development.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Shemecka McNeil is a multi-talented individual with a deep understanding of the relationship between food and health. Growing up in a family with a long history of preventable health conditions, she developed a passion for promoting good health through a nutritious diet.

With over a decade of experience in the health sector, Shemecka is well-versed in the importance of healthy eating for overall well-being. She founded SLICE 325, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating low-income individuals and families on how to create healthy meals using affordable ingredients.

Shemecka’s expertise extends beyond health education – she is also a trained chef, healthcare professional, and farmer. Her unique skill set allows her to approach health and nutrition from a variety of angles, making her a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their eating habits and overall health.

As the Executive Director of SLICE 325, Shemecka is committed to making a difference in the lives of others, one meal at a time. She firmly believes that every family is unique and that there are countless creative ways to prepare healthy meals that are both delicious and affordable.

Shemecka’s dedication to promoting health and wellness has earned her recognition as a PSA Grower and a Paul Harris Award Fellow. She is an inspiration to those around her and a true advocate for healthy living.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Building Relationships: This is critical in virtually any field. In healthcare, strong relationships with patients can lead to better health outcomes, while in culinary arts, relationships with suppliers can ensure access to the best ingredients. In farming, relationships with both suppliers and buyers are crucial. Networking with peers and mentors can also open doors to opportunities and knowledge exchange.

Integrity: Trust is a cornerstone of any profession. In healthcare, patients need to trust that their provider has their best interests at heart. In culinary arts and farming, customers and partners need to trust that you deliver what you promise, whether that is a delicious meal or a high-quality product. Moreover, conducting business in an ethical manner can contribute to a strong reputation in your field.

Creativity: This can be especially important in the culinary arts, where innovation can set you apart from the competition. In healthcare, creative problem-solving can help find solutions to complex health issues. In farming, creativity might mean finding new ways to increase yield or deal with pests. Embracing new technologies and staying open to new ideas is also a form of creativity.

Knowledge and Skills: Proficiency in your field is key. This can mean staying updated on the latest medical research, mastering culinary techniques, or understanding the best farming practices. Ongoing learning and skill development are crucial.

Perseverance and Resilience: All fields will have challenges and setbacks. The ability to keep going, learn from mistakes, and adapt to changes is important for long-term success.

Passion: Genuine interest and enthusiasm can make the hard work more enjoyable and can be infectious, inspiring colleagues, customers, or patients.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Effective Communication: Keeping an open and clear communication channel with your team members helps them feel understood and valued. This includes recognizing their hard work, listening to their ideas and concerns, and providing constructive feedback. Transparency can also build trust and prevent misunderstandings or speculation.

Encouraging Education: Providing opportunities for continued learning and development can help employees feel valued and invested in. This can be in the form of workshops, training sessions, online courses, or encouraging attendance at relevant conferences. Regularly updated skills and knowledge not only increase an individual’s job satisfaction but also improve the overall productivity and effectiveness of the team.

Playing to Strengths: Understanding and leveraging the unique strengths of each team member can significantly improve team performance and individual satisfaction. This can be achieved by assigning tasks that align with each person’s skills and interests. Recognizing and appreciating the unique contributions of each team member can also boost morale.

Promoting Work-Life Balance: It’s important to encourage employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Overwork can lead to burnout, which can drastically affect morale and productivity. Flexible working hours, work-from-home options, and ensuring employees take their full vacation entitlement can help in maintaining this balance.

Creating a Positive Work Environment: A work environment that is positive, inclusive, and respectful contributes significantly to team morale. This includes everything from physical working conditions to the culture and interpersonal relationships within the team.

Providing Clear Goals and Vision: Employees are more motivated when they understand the larger purpose of their work. Clearly communicate the team’s goals and how their individual efforts contribute to achieving these goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: Slice325.org
• Instagram: Slice 325
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=slice%20325
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shemecka-mcneil-a83941198/

Image Credits
Shemecka McNeil Farm photos Jonathan Byrd