FEMA’s Future Leaders Initiative (FEMA FLI) is a new and exciting FEMA program dedicated to supporting the next generation of leaders in FEMA and the flavor industry. FEMA FLI aims to provide professionals new to the flavor industry with the necessary education, exposure, and resources as they advance in their careers.
Program Goals
- Help new industry members develop their skills by deepening their involvement in FEMA;
- Foster exposure to industry leaders and facilitate networking opportunities;
- Develop ambassadors of the flavor industry for the next generation;
- Provide value to member companies by bringing new hires up to speed on industry basics;
- Create a pipeline of new leaders and active FEMA committees and task forces participants.
Participant Expectations
Cohort members will be expected to engage in in-person and virtual events, at discounted access, and actively volunteer and contribute to FEMA committees.
Benefits for You
- Unique, industry-specific professional development opportunities;
- Supplemental learning experiences and discounted access to FEMA events;
- Access to leaders within the FEMA community to learn and network with; and
- Collaborative learning with diverse program peers.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the FEMA FLI program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be an employee at a FEMA member company;
- Possess a minimum of three (3) years of experience in the flavor industry;
- Have the support of their employer to participate if selected;
- Demonstrate an active interest and motivation to participate in the program;
- Aspire to actively participate in FEMA committees, taskforces, and leadership roles.
To maintain balance in the FEMA FLI Program, a maximum of two individuals from the same company can be accepted each year. We encourage you reach out to your company's FEMA Main Contact to discuss your intent to apply. If you need assistance identifying your FEMA Main Contact, please reach out to Kaitlin Fitzpatrick.
Apply for the FEMA FLI Program
The FEMA FLI application period is now closed. Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.
Tell a Colleague
Do you know someone who would be interested in the FEMA FLI program? Spread the word by sharing this opportunity with your colleagues.
What FEMA FLIers Say About the Program
"FEMA FLI is a wonderful opportunity to open your mind to new possibilities! People from all age groups, backgrounds, and functions are really welcomed in this thriving industry. It provides empathy, a sense of community, and perspective . It is the space where magicians reveal their tricks under their hats!"
Alejandro Ochoa Ramírez
Regulatory & Scientific Affairs Manager | Tate & Lyle
"One of the greatest benefits in becoming a FEMA FLIER has been the networking opportunities that the program has offered. As someone who is relatively new to the flavor industry, creating connections with colleagues who are in similar points in their career, has been a great comfort to me. Providing a platform in which shared communication is encouraged, has allowed me to better navigate the questions or challenges I face in my day-to-day role."
Maria Fiore
Senior Regulatory Specialist | PROVA US
"Joining the inaugural FEMA FLI program has been invaluable. We’ve been simultaneously challenged and supported by established leaders in the flavor industry and provided numerous opportunities to engage in key issues, collaborate and learn. The FLIERS quickly developed a community through FEMA’s curated sessions (virtual and in-person), where we covered anything from FEMA resources, industry topics, self-promotion, public speaking and leadership skills.
In short, I feel at home."
Jennifer Yudichak
Strategic Raw Material Manager, NA, Regulatory and Scientific Affairs | ADM
Have Questions? We are happy to help! Contact [email protected].