February 2025 BWI Spotlight

I joined the BWI program because I share an immense passion for health and wellness. My background is in fitness, and I became a dietitian. I like spreading that passion in creative ways to those around me. 

Being a BWI is important for me because I can be a resource to our staff if they have any wellness-related questions and help motivate and encourage individuals. It is also important because it connects me to resources outside of dining services. 

I create a monthly newsletter highlighting resources and wellness events on campus. I embrace the various dimensions of health by planning wellness walks and activity days. Example: in December, we had a wellness walk (physical wellness), followed by offering crafts and puzzles for staff (creative and intellectual wellness), a festive sweater contest, and a hot chocolate social (social wellness). Events like these are planned 3-4 times per year for our full-time staff. The next event will be over spring break, during which each day will focus on a different dimension of wellness. 

I hold a monthly meeting with all dining BWIs to attend, where we plan events, wellness boards, and ways to spread wellness further. 

This is difficult and ongoing. We aim to have our major events during slow times, but I think having different options at the events that appeal to all populations helps with the barriers. An example at our August event we had options for those interested in physical wellness to intellectual and environmental options. 

They have embraced my role as a BWI and I am still working on engaging higher leadership to participate in activities.

It sets a good example for the lower-level staff; if their boss is doing it, they should, too. 

I have seen team bonding, individuals from different operations that never interact getting to know each other.

I am big on physical wellness, so my dream would be to have free/very reduced gym access available for our staff. Most of our staff do not make enough to afford a gym membership and use their LSA money on more necessary goods, and I think having this option would eliminate the financial excuse to work on their health.

Really listen to staff about what they enjoy and would like to see and make it happen. I have used surveys or just word of mouth to get to know and understand what our staff likes, and I am constantly trying to incorporate that into our wellness initiatives.