Welcome to our Meet the Team series, where we’ll be introducing the Move For Hunger Staff 1 blog and 9 questions at a time. We hope you enjoy getting to know our team members as much as we enjoy working with them!
For September, we’re introducing our Chief Operating Officer, Kristy Ryan! Kristy is the newest member of the team, joining Move For Hunger this month. Kristy has a huge passion for giving to those in need, and strives to make a change in the lives of those who need it most.
What do you do at Move For Hunger?
“Chief Operating Officer.”
Why did you join Move For Hunger?
“My passion has always been centered on doing good for others. I was exposed to community needs in early childhood and grew a passion for service. From my early days volunteering in food banks, organizing food drives, and even sharing my lunch with friends that had less than I did, food security has been a part of my core understanding of fundamental needs.”
What do you like about working at Move For Hunger?
“My work at Move For Hunger allows me to join in the momentum shift towards sustainable and impactful change. The spark for me is activation; we activate communities to embrace sustainable life-long change. As a team, we are making strides every day to change lives, businesses, and communities. That is a life-affirming and life-altering mission, which you can feel in each and every team member's passion for this work.”
What’s something you’re working on right now that you’re really excited about?
“While I’m very much in the learning phase, that has to be the most exciting part, digging in and learning from the passionate members of our team. The ability to ask and earnestly learn is invigorating.”
Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?
“I have been blessed with a career with many impactful and instrumental women in leadership roles. These leaders have helped shape me as a professional and a leader. However, I would not be half the person I am today without the guidance and support from my mum and her willingness to set an example of perseverance. From the early days of hustling, to give me everything advantage in life, to leading my Girl Scout troop on adventures, she demonstrated tenacity, grace, and a service-first mindset. I have carried their values through every chapter of my life and hope to pass them on to my daughters.”
What food could you eat every day and never get tired of?
“After living in Hawai`i for 11 years, Poké for sure is at the top of my list and my ultimate comfort food.”
What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve been given?
“This one is hard because I have received amazing advice from mentors. To date, the most impactful is: Fail Forward - remember that failure is a sign that you are striving and trying, never fear failing as it will teach you important lessons and help you grow. “
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
“A lawyer. I really wanted to do the right thing and support those that were trying to do the same.”
Favorite Movie?
“My movie love ranges from Casablanca to What About Bob! I love the classics.”
Make sure to tune back in monthly to meet a new staff member, and follow our social channels (we’re on all of them @moveforhunger) to stay up to date on hunger news and the impact our network is making!
