Medicaid Food Security Network National Summit 2025 - Agenda

Courtney oversees the No Kid Hungry Center for Best Practices, which identifies and promotes adoption of effective strategies, policies, and programs that center the needs of families and communities facing food and economic insecurity. She has extensive experience working to improve government programs and social policies. Before joining Share Our Strength in 2008, Courtney held research, consulting and technical assistance positions at the National Governors Association, Berkeley Policy Associates, the Literacy Assistance Center of New York City, and the Program to Educate the Girl in Guatemala. Courtney has a master’s in public policy from the University of California at Berkeley and a bachelor’s in English literature and women’s studies from Grinnell College.

As Executive Director, Dean champions the institute’s mission to change the world through the power of food. She is a renowned national food policy leader with more than 30 years of experience in the government and non-profit sectors, dedicated to improving nutrition assistance for struggling Americans and tackling barriers ingrained within nutrition programs. Her distinguished career includes her most recent role as the Deputy Under Secretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, where she led the Administration’s work on federal nutrition programs. In this role, Dean was instrumental in strengthening the agency’s efforts on food and nutrition security as well as local food systems and resilience.
Prior to her role at USDA, Dean served as the Vice President for Food Assistance Policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, where she led their research and advocacy work on federal nutrition programs as well as other safety net programs. She has authored scores of papers and analyses on federal nutrition programs, testified before Congress and has been frequently quoted in the media, including the NYTimes, Politico and other publications.

Ashleigh Ligon (she/her) is a mother of six, a passionate advocate, and a voice for families navigating systems that aren’t always built with them in mind. She serves on Share Our Strength’s SNAP Parent Advisory Council and is a Parent Ambassador through the Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP, where she works to elevate parent voices in conversations about policy, equity, and access.
Ashleigh’s advocacy is rooted in both personal experience and professional training. As a disabled parent raising children with lifelong developmental disabilities and severe food allergies, she understands the barriers families face — from accessing early education and healthcare to securing basic necessities like food. These lived experiences fuel her fight for dignity, opportunity, and meaningful change.
Ashleigh is also dedicated to providing family-centered care, supporting parents and families as they navigate complex systems. As a doula, lactation counselor, and childbirth educator, she empowers families to thrive through informed, compassionate support.
An engaging speaker, facilitator, and policy collaborator, Ashleigh is helping to shape a future where healthcare, food security, and dignity are a right for every family.

Julian Xie, MD, MPP (He/they) leads and develops the Medicaid Food Security Network, as well as serves as a programmatic expert in Medicaid, federal nutrition benefits (SNAP, WIC), and Food is Medicine. The Medicaid Food Security Network aims to mobilize the Medicaid system and food security community to better serve Medicaid participants through improved access to SNAP, WIC, and increased investments in food security and access initiatives.
Julian most recently served as the Associate Director of Healthcare Innovation and Evaluation at Benefits Data Trust where he led partnerships with healthcare organizations - including Medicaid managed care organizations and hospitals - to connect members/patients to application assistance for public benefits with a focus on SNAP. His role also included evaluation facilitation for healthcare projects on the links between SNAP access and improved healthcare outcomes. Julian also led technical assistance and advocacy to increase linkages between healthcare and public benefits, including workflow integration for SNAP application assistance for healthcare teams, and advocacy for SNAP data sharing to enable healthcare organizations to improve their SNAP outreach and evaluation efforts.

Kathryn Jantz is the Senior Associate responsible for providing subject matter expertise on Medicaid health related social needs policy, the intersection between food and health, social return on investment for upstream activities, and healthcare-based programs to address social needs. She is a public health policy expert focused on mobilizing the healthcare system to address the structural drivers of health inequity. In prior roles, she supported states in developing strategies to finance care for children in youth with special health care needs, led the implementation and design of Colorado Medicaid’s primary delivery system, and ran a successful Accountable Health Communities Model in Western Colorado. Kathryn holds a Masters in social work with a focus in clinical practice and a Masters in public health with a focus in health law.

Jamila McLean supports states in their efforts to transform healthcare systems to be more affordable, equitable, and innovative. Throughout her career, she has championed policy and practice innovations that improve access to Medicaid and other healthcare-related benefits, providing technical assistance to state agencies and their partners. She also conducted research at the Rutgers Institute for Health focused on understanding the role of race, ethnicity, and nativity status on the physical and mental health outcomes of African Americans and Black Caribbeans. She holds a Master of Public Health from the Rutgers School of Public Health and a B.S. from the Rutgers Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy.

Katie Garfield, JD: Katie is a Clinical Instructor and the Director of Whole Person Care at the Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation of Harvard Law School. Katie joined the Center in 2014 and currently directs its initiatives that focus on better equipping the U.S. health care system to identify and respond to health-related social needs, including the Center’s Food is Medicine project. In her work on these initiatives, she conducts legal and policy research regarding current pathways to integrate innovative services into health care delivery and financing. She also provides education and technical support to a range of community-based organizations, state agencies, health care providers, and coalitions who are working to develop or implement strategies to achieve these goals. Prior to joining the Center, Katie was an associate at Ropes & Gray LLP. She is a licensed member of the Massachusetts Bar.

Craig tracks and analyzes opportunities for federal, state, and local policy change and provides key policy expertise in support of our advocacy efforts. When he joined the Center in 2021, Craig brought a wealth of policy analysis and research experience related to child health and nutrition. His prior roles include the Public Health Law Center in Minnesota, Congressional Research Service, Global Health Council and Bread for the World. Craig holds a Bachelor of Science from Villanova University and a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Global Health Policy from George Washington University.

Kathryn Jantz is the Senior Associate responsible for providing subject matter expertise on Medicaid health related social needs policy, the intersection between food and health, social return on investment for upstream activities, and healthcare-based programs to address social needs. She is a public health policy expert focused on mobilizing the healthcare system to address the structural drivers of health inequity. In prior roles, she supported states in developing strategies to finance care for children in youth with special health care needs, led the implementation and design of Colorado Medicaid’s primary delivery system, and ran a successful Accountable Health Communities Model in Western Colorado. Kathryn holds a Masters in social work with a focus in clinical practice and a Masters in public health with a focus in health law.

Amanda Bank, MPH, is a program officer at the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS). In this role, she leads initiatives that seek to better coordinate Medicaid and food/nutrition security efforts for Medicaid stakeholders across the country, particularly through expanding access to benefits, streamlining state and federal benefit programs, and incorporating community-based organizations into Medicaid. Amanda holds a master’s degree in public health from the Tufts University School of Medicine. When not thinking about Medicaid policy, you can find Amanda teaching yoga, biking, and generally enjoying life outside.

Elizabeth Kenefick – Senior Policy Advisor, Policy and Advocacy, Greater Chicago Food Depository
Beth is a senior policy advisor with the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s policy and advocacy team. In the role she leads the development and advancement of policies and thought leadership to strengthen federal nutrition programs and end hunger and its root causes. Her issue portfolio includes child nutrition and the hunger-health connection e.g., social drivers of health.
Prior to joining the Food Depository, Beth was a senior program manager with the American Hospital Association (AHA) Center for Health Innovation’s population health team. She managed programs that highlighted and strengthened partnerships between health care systems and community organizations in order to advance health equity. This includes content development for the AHA’s Accelerating Health Equity conference and supporting events, as well as, managing a multi-year national grant from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation aimed at sharing learnings about how hospitals are addressing housing instability through community investment.
Prior to joining the AHA, Beth advocated for and analyzed state and federal policies that support children and families in achieving economic success. Through this lens, her work touched upon the areas of early childhood education, family economic security, health, and public budgeting at nonprofits and government offices in Chicago and Washington, DC.
Beth holds a master’s degree in public policy and a certificate in municipal finance from the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy and a bachelor of arts in political economy from Georgetown University.

Jessica Osenbrügge, Senior Director of Community Health and Engagement, has been serving since 2018 at Roadrunner Food Bank of New Mexico (Roadrunner). In her role, Jessica leads strategic partnerships and collaborations between Roadrunner and healthcare systems throughout the state of New Mexico and advances systems change with food and nutrition security, food is medicine, health equity, and drivers of health. 
Additionally, Jessica honorably serves as a council member to the New Mexico Primary Care Council, a Co-chair of the Heart Disease and Diabetes Prevention of the New Mexico Chronic Disease Prevention Council, and as a steering committee member to the New Mexico Social Determinants of Health Collaborative, a burgeoning collaboration begun in 2022. With much delight, Jessica graduated from the Feeding America Community of Practice Health Equity training in June 2022.

Austin Webb joined OK Policy in September 2022 as the Northeast Regional Organizer. Born and raised in Tulsa, he notes his grandfather instilled in him a strong dedication for community service, taking him to volunteer at his church’s food bank twice a week, every summer from the fifth grade until his high school graduation. Austin worked as a volunteer coordinator for local and state election campaigns in 2016 and 2018. He has also worked for non-profit organizations in the Tulsa area in areas that include helping low-income households prepare their tax returns, working for after-school programs, and helping people enroll in various government services like SoonerCare and SNAP. Service to community remains at the heart of everything he does.

Nic Soucy (she/her) serves as the Manager of Government Affairs at Project Angel Heart. Nic became passionate about health equity while working in direct-service and program-level roles supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and carries those perspectives and experiences with her as she engages in advocacy and policy work. She loves working at the intersection of food and health and advocating for increasing access to critical nutrition interventions. Nic earned her Master of Public Health degree from the Colorado School of Public Health as well as her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work. Outside of work, Nic enjoys volunteering with Guide Dogs for the Blind, cooking and trying new foods, visiting her family back “home” in New England, and training for various triathlon and fitness events.

S. Maham Rizvi (she/they) is a Food Systems Manager at DAISA, with a specialization in Food as Medicine programming -- specifically Produce Prescriptions (PRx). Maham has created pivotal resources and provided direct technical assistance to numerous Produce Prescription (PRx) programs across the country and actively co-facilitates multiple PRx communities of practice. Current initiatives include advising 10 Healthy Food Rx programs funded by Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of North Carolina and co-developing The FED Collective for applied fidelity, equity, and dignity (FED) in food as medicine programming. They have more than 15 years experience in the food industry in the U.S. and abroad, spent cooking in restaurants, working on farms, with social enterprises and grassroots organizations. Maham is educated in radio journalism and has a BS in Food Science + Agriculture from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo, Italy.

Kelly D. Horton, MS, RDN is the Senior Vice President, Public Policy and Government Relations at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. Kelly oversees the Academy’s public policy agenda and advocacy efforts that promote health and reduce the burden of chronic disease through evidence-based nutrition services and interventions. Her role supports the pursuit of legislative and regulatory policies that expand access to nutrition care. Her team’s portfolio of programs includes those impacting consumer protection and licensure, healthcare policy and payment, and nutrition security.

Memphis-based master barber with over 14 years of experience.  A dedicated father, I am passionate about creating safe, healing spaces for Black men to vent, grow and thrive.  Since moving to Memphis in 2009, I have committed myself to both personal and community transformation; most recently through my work as a Memphis Power Fellow, recently becoming an alum of The Change Collective and my involvement in PLTI since March 2024.
I am the visionary behind multiple initiatives centered on Black fatherhood, mental health and mobile wellness access, including working with MCSC schools to provide haircuts to low income families.  My efforts aim to rebuild family structures, uplift men’s mental health and redefine what it means to a present and powerful father.

Selene Tituaña Jurado is a Senior Program Manager for Health at UnidosUS, the largest national Latino civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States. In this role, Selene has managed several key health initiatives in collaboration with partners and subgrantees to advance health equity within the Latino community. Currently, Selene supports UnidosUS’s Nutrition Food Security portfolio by working with community-led organizations and partners to implement programs that expand access to food resources and nutritious foods. Selene holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Behavioral and Community Health from the University of Maryland, College Park, School of Public Health, and is a certified Public Health (CPH) professional.

Katie Ettman is a lifelong advocate. In her role as the Deputy Director at Fullwell, she works to build a healthy, just, and sustainable food system through local and state level policy change. Before jumping into policy head first she worked with the Food Bank of the Rockies in Denver, Colorado managing the procurement of fruits and vegetables for 30 counties in Colorado and Wyoming. When Katie isn’t at work you can find her eating her way through San Francisco and searching for the best soup dumplings the city has to offer.

Carly Gustafson Léon, MS, RDN
Carly Gustafson Léon is the Director of Healthcare Policy and Payment for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In this role, she collaborates with both government-funded and private payers to address critical issues impacting access to and payment for services provided by registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs). Ensuring equitable access to nutrition services delivered by qualified practitioners is a central focus of Carly’s work. She leads efforts to increase the utilization of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) throughout the U.S. healthcare system.
Her current initiatives emphasize integrating nutrition into value-based care, expanding Medicaid coverage and reimbursement for MNT, and supporting the Academy’s work with the American Medical Association's CPT® code development and valuation processes.
Throughout her career, Carly has been deeply involved in various advocacy and payment-related initiatives. She holds a Master of Science degree from Eastern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Science degree, Summa Cum Laude, in Nutrition and Dietetics from Loyola University Chicago. She recently earned a Certification of Specialization in Healthcare Leadership from Harvard Online.

Timothy P. McNeill, RN, MPH is a retired U.S. Nurse Corps Officer and graduate of Eastern Virginia Medical School’s Public Health program. Tim is the originating partner for Freedmen’s Medicine and Freedmen’s Consulting and a practicing Registered Nurse. In his role as CEO, he is responsible for clinical program management and oversight of the largest independent home-based primary care practice operating in the District of Columbia. In addition, Tim oversees a complex care management program serving 500+ high-risk, homebound persons with multiple chronic conditions in the District. His passion for those less fortunate has culminated in a career of service that spans over 30 years. He is a nationally recognized SME and consultant to CBO, health systems, and healthcare providers. His expertise is highly sought after, and he is also an author and contributor to several peer-reviewed articles on a variety of health-related topics.

Sarah is the Senior Manager of Health Systems at Share Our Strength. In this role, Sarah supports partnerships and projects at the intersection of healthcare and food access, identifying and amplifying opportunities and promising practices for expanding access to SNAP in healthcare settings.  Prior to joining Share Our Strength, Sarah was employed at Gleaners Community Food Bank in Detroit, MI where she oversaw the growth and expansion of cooking and nutrition education programs, as well as leading initiatives with health care providers to improve food security and health outcomes for their patient populations.   Sarah is a registered dietitian and has a Master’s degree in Public Health from Michigan State University.  She is passionate about connecting people with the healthy foods they need to thrive.

Dr. Fichtenberg is a Co-Director of the Social Interventions Research and Evaluation Network (SIREN) and Researcher in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. In these roles, she leads efforts to conduct, catalyze, and disseminate high quality research on health sector strategies to reduce health inequities by addressing social determinants of health.

Dr. Jenefer Jedele is a health services researcher specializing in health economics and implementation and evaluation science. As a Health Economist for the Drivers of Health Strategy Team at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, Jenefer leads evaluations of pilot programs that test innovative approaches to supporting members experiencing social drivers of health needs. She has expertise in evaluation across a variety of sectors including academia, government, and non-profit; and across a variety of domains including behavioral health, social programs, and public health. Dr. Jedele earned a Master’s degree in Survey Methodology and a PhD in Health Services Research at the University of Michigan.
In her work, she is recognized as a “translator” of complex statistical output into actionable insights and strategies as well as a passionate advocate of data-driven decision-making.

Richard Sheward is the Director of System Implementation Strategies at Children’s HealthWatch. In this role, Richard leads the cross-sector policy work and initiatives of the organization. In close coordination with the Children’s HealthWatch Principal Investigators and Executive Director, he identifies and executes a wide range of projects grounded in research, policy analysis, and advocacy to inform and influence policy decisions that improve children’s health. Richard’s multi-pronged portfolio includes leadership of the Children’s Health Watch Social Vital Signs™ Communities of Practice, as well as strategic and innovative partnerships with other national organizations, researchers, and policy makers to advance the mission of Children’s HealthWatch.
Before joining Children’s HealthWatch, he completed an Education Pioneers Fellowship at Jobs for the Future, where he contributed directly to the organization’s policy research and analysis, and supported the Vice President in scoping out organizational strategy, resource development and external relations. Richard has also focused on organizational development and fundraising as the Grants Manager for the Boston affiliate of the national youth development nonprofit, America SCORES, and as an AmeriCorps*VISTA member in New York to develop the startup operations and fundraising strategy for an eco-civic environmental justice program serving urban youth.
Mr. Sheward received his BA from the University at Albany (SUNY) in English. He received his Master’s of Public Policy from the Heller School at Brandeis University.

Katherine M. Commey, MPH, known as Katie, is the Manager of the Strategic Engagement and Planning Section within the Health Services Administration, at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. With a background in healthcare administration, public policy, and a deep commitment to serving vulnerable populations, she specializes in program development, transformational stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning. Katie is dedicated to creating systems that ensure equitable access to high-quality healthcare for all, focusing on innovative policy initiatives related to health equity and value-based care. She leads a team that supports cross-cutting programs, actively collaborates to enhance healthcare delivery, and serves as a primary resource in Michigan’s section 1115 waiver evaluation efforts. With a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Microbiology, and a Master of Public Health from Michigan State University, Katie's passion for health, commitment to excellence, and continuous pursuit of innovation drive her contributions to healthcare systems and services across the state.

Aaron Canfield is enjoying his fourteenth year with the State of Michigan where he has worked with Medicaid programs in some capacity throughout his career.  He currently serves as the Manager of the Plan Management Section with to the Managed Care Plan Division within Health Services.  A Western Michigan University alum, Aaron has been proud to call Kalamazoo, MI home for more than twenty years and considers himself fortunate to raise two daughters there with his wife.  Passions outside of professional life include family, traveling, biking, and almost any activity enjoyed in nature.

Jennifer Park is a healthcare leader with over 20 years of experience in the medical social health space, including five years as an operational leader overseeing social workers and case management across emergency, hospital, and ambulatory settings. Currently, she serves as the business lead for the Kaiser Permanente Community Support Hub™ call center dedicated to connecting members with essential social health resources. 
Under her leadership, the Hub has evolved into a proactive, multichannel service, integrating social health screenings and resource referrals into care delivery and member services. In 2024, the Hub supported nearly 89,000 members—a 48% increase from the previous year—while significantly reducing operational costs. By leveraging automated workflows, proactive outreach, and centralized referrals, the Hub has strengthened connections to vital services such as SNAP, WIC, and community resources, improving access to food, housing, and other critical social needs.
Jennifer is a licensed clinical social worker with a master’s in social work from NYU before dedicating her career to championing health equity. She co-founded the Bucket List Project, a philanthropic initiative at Long Beach Memorial Health System that grants wishes to adults with life-limiting illnesses.  Beyond her work in healthcare, Jennifer enjoys playing tennis, gets irrationally frustrated at making sourdough (but keeps trying), and loves crafting handmade gifts for friends and family.

Leah Pryor-Lease is the Director of Community & External Relations for Colorado Access where she leads a team focused on reducing disparities related to social determinants of health. She brings over two decades of professional experience in the nonprofit, philanthropic, and public sectors to this role, most recently with the Office of Congressman Jason Crow in Colorado’s 6th Congressional district.
Prior to her work with Congress, Leah was the Director of the Rights, Faith, and Democracy Collaborative at Proteus Fund, where she led grantmaking, strategy development, and fundraising efforts to advance policy change and social justice. She has also served as a Program Officer at Voqal Fund and as Strategic Partnerships Officer at the Gill Foundation, where she supported place-based movement building efforts across the nation.
Leah lives in Denver, CO with her family, where she has served on several boards and commissions, including the Denver Mayor's LGBTQ Commission, New Era Colorado, Progress Now Colorado, and Movement Advancement Project.

Kathryn Jantz is the Senior Associate responsible for providing subject matter expertise on Medicaid health related social needs policy, the intersection between food and health, social return on investment for upstream activities, and healthcare-based programs to address social needs. She is a public health policy expert focused on mobilizing the healthcare system to address the structural drivers of health inequity. In prior roles, she supported states in developing strategies to finance care for children in youth with special health care needs, led the implementation and design of Colorado Medicaid’s primary delivery system, and ran a successful Accountable Health Communities Model in Western Colorado. Kathryn holds a Masters in social work with a focus in clinical practice and a Masters in public health with a focus in health law.

Elise August, MPH is the Director of Health Systems Innovation at Feeding America. In her current role, she oversees Feeding America’s health and nutrition strategic efforts, fostering collaborations across the charitable food and healthcare sectors to improve health.  Elise brings experience from local community-based organizations and global food & beverage brands, addressing topics from program evaluation to food labeling and regulatory compliance. Elise holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and a Master of Public Health degree, both from The Ohio State University.

Dawn Opel, JD, PhD, is Chief Innovation Officer and General Counsel of the Food Bank Council of Michigan, where she oversees strategy, legal and compliance, and a portfolio of cross-sector innovation projects to improve food access and health outcomes for Michiganders. A lawyer and researcher, her career has included positions in academic, nonprofit, and government sectors, and broadly, she works to build strategic partnerships for social innovation. Dr. Opel’s particular focus is developing capacity in Michigan for food-as-medicine interventions, and she is currently involved in the development and implementation of a statewide healthy food pack program as a reimbursable service with Medicaid managed care plans. She holds a PhD from Arizona State University and a JD from the University of North Carolina School of Law. Dr. Opel is adjunct assistant faculty at Michigan State University in the College of Arts & Letters.

Kelcie Silvio is passionate about a making generational impact on health and well-being, not only improving a child’s current circumstances, but also the trajectory of their entire lives. Kelcie leads Voices’ food access and early childhood initiatives, including leading two exploratory workgroups focused on improving nutrition access for children. Additionally, Kelcie co-facilitates the statewide Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Workgroup, spearheads efforts to identify how to leverage Medicaid to address hunger across the state. and collaborates on initiatives to strengthen food and nutrition standards within early education settings. 

Meaghan is a policy advocate who believes that health equity is achievable when we think creatively and work across sectors. As Senior Director of Food is Medicine at the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, Meaghan works with all seven of Virginia’s food banks to build stronger partnerships with the healthcare sector and develop innovative strategies that address health disparities. She also leads the Virginia Food is Medicine Coalition, a passionate group of experts and individuals with lived experience, united in an effort to make nutritious food a recognized and reimbursed part of healthcare. 

Jeneé Saffold, J.D., is an attorney and advocate dedicated to expanding access to healthcare, nutrition, and other public benefits. With over a decade of legal experience, she advises state agencies and inter-tribal councils on data sharing and matching, regulatory compliance strategy, and outreach strategies to improve programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and WIC. She currently uses this expertise as a Policy Attorney with the MORE WIC! Project at The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She is also a co-author of the widely used resource, Data Sharing to Build Effective and Efficient Benefits Systems: A Playbook for State and Local Agencies.

Dr. Kate Hanson is a mom, scientist, and advocate working to end child hunger in North Carolina. Kate is the founder and Executive Director of Meals4Families and co-founder of the NC Tax Credit Coalition. Her work focuses on breaking down barriers that prevent families from accessing food, healthcare, and economic support resources. Kate works with partners across North Carolina to expand access to SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, and school meals and to connect more families with tax credits and free tax filing options.

Brittany Tybo is the esteemed Washington State WIC Director, a position she has held just shy of a year. Her journey in the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program is inspiring and impactful, rooted in personal experience and professional dedication.
Before assuming her role in Washington State, Brittany made significant contributions as the WIC Director for the Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada. In that role, she managed services for 29 tribes across Nevada, demonstrating her ability to effectively address the diverse needs of various communities.

Julian Xie, MD, MPP (He/they) leads and develops the Medicaid Food Security Network, as well as serves as a programmatic expert in Medicaid, federal nutrition benefits (SNAP, WIC), and Food is Medicine. The Medicaid Food Security Network aims to mobilize the Medicaid system and food security community to better serve Medicaid participants through improved access to SNAP, WIC, and increased investments in food security and access initiatives.
Julian most recently served as the Associate Director of Healthcare Innovation and Evaluation at Benefits Data Trust where he led partnerships with healthcare organizations - including Medicaid managed care organizations and hospitals - to connect members/patients to application assistance for public benefits with a focus on SNAP. His role also included evaluation facilitation for healthcare projects on the links between SNAP access and improved healthcare outcomes. Julian also led technical assistance and advocacy to increase linkages between healthcare and public benefits, including workflow integration for SNAP application assistance for healthcare teams, and advocacy for SNAP data sharing to enable healthcare organizations to improve their SNAP outreach and evaluation efforts.

Dr. Rishi Manchanda is CEO at HealthBegins. He has advanced bold strategies to help health care move upstream and advance health equity for historically marginalized patients and communities throughout his career as physician, executive, and public health champion. Dr. Manchanda served as the founding director of social medicine for a network of community health centers in South-Central Los Angeles, as the first lead primary care physician for homeless veterans at the Greater Los Angeles VA, and as the inaugural chief medical officer for a self-insured employer with a large rural agricultural workforce. In his book—The Upstream Doctors—and TED Talk, he introduced “Upstreamists,” a new model of healthcare professionals who improve outcomes by addressing the social and structural drivers of health equity—patients’ social needs, community-level social determinants of health, and structural determinants of health equity including structural racism.

Lillian D. Singh serves as Senior Vice President of Family Economic Mobility for Share Our Strength. In this role, Lillian leads the organization’s initiative to address structural inequities that create, sustain, and perpetuate food insecurity and persistent poverty for families.
For nearly two decades, Lillian has advanced racial economic analysis, program design solutions, grassroots capacity-building models, and power-building approaches to bridge the racial wealth divide.
A Mississippi native but raised in Los Angeles, Lillian earned her undergraduate degree in Urban Planning and Masters of Arts in Sociology, both from Stanford University. She has received numerous fellowships and honors, including the Aspen Institute Civil Society Fellow and the Independent Sector American Express NGen Fellow. Lillian lives in Bowie, Maryland, with her husband.