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This Week's Episode

What does it really mean to be Better Together?

In this special episode of Food Secure Nation, Dr. Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson welcome Dr. Dawn Opel as they reflect on her six and a half years of leadership, innovation, and service with the Food Bank Council of Michigan before she begins a new chapter.

 

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On This Episode

This conversation explores how influence, insight, innovation, and integrity combine to create stronger teams, better decisions, and lasting impact. Through stories of Michigan’s response to COVID-19, the growth of Food Is Medicine, and groundbreaking partnerships, the three leaders demonstrate how trust, humility, and diverse perspectives can transform both organizations and communities.

Whether you’re leading a business, nonprofit, or community initiative, this episode offers a powerful reminder that Better Together is more than a slogan—it’s a choice to value different strengths in pursuit of a mission greater than ourselves.

 

“Better Together is a choice, and the most important choice you can make is who you choose to surround yourself with. Because risk is inherent in innovation. There’s no way to avoid that, and in fact, it is often much riskier to try something new than to stay with the status quo.”

Dr. Dawn Opel

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This Week's Guest

Dr. Dawn Opel

Dr. Dawn Opel is a nationally recognized leader in food security, health innovation, and systems change. During her six and a half years with the Food Bank Council of Michigan, she served as President and Chief Innovation Officer, helping advance groundbreaking work in Food Is Medicine, senior nutrition, health equity, and cross-sector partnerships that have influenced organizations across Michigan and beyond.

Known for her ability to connect research with real-world solutions, Dr. Opel has challenged leaders to think differently about addressing complex problems. As she begins a new chapter in her career, we celebrate her remarkable contributions, her commitment to innovation, and the lasting impact she has made on the fight to build a more food-secure future.

Dr. Dawn Opel

Chief Innovation Officer & General Counsel of the Food Bank Council of Michigan

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Dr. Dawn Opel

Chief Innovation Officer & General Counsel of the Food Bank Council of Michigan

Dr. Dawn Opel is a nationally recognized leader in food security, health innovation, and systems change. During her six and a half years with the Food Bank Council of Michigan, she served as President and Chief Innovation Officer, helping advance groundbreaking work in Food Is Medicine, senior nutrition, health equity, and cross-sector partnerships that have influenced organizations across Michigan and beyond.

Known for her ability to connect research with real-world solutions, Dr. Opel has challenged leaders to think differently about addressing complex problems. As she begins a new chapter in her career, we celebrate her remarkable contributions, her commitment to innovation, and the lasting impact she has made on the fight to build a more food-secure future.

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