About Dr. Sarah Bush

Sarah Bush, Assistant Professor of Agricultural Leadership Education at the University of Florida. Her research focuses on human capacity building for change and collaborative community-based problem solving.  She is also certified in various personality assessments and critical stress management.

From Hunger to Hope: Leading Change Together

Ending hunger is a complex challenge that demands more than technical solutions. It requires adaptive leadership and inclusive, community-driven change. This presentation examines how various models and theories of change can inform international development efforts aimed at achieving food security. By exploring approaches that emphasize collaboration, flexibility, and responsiveness to local contexts, we highlight how practitioners can move beyond top-down interventions to foster sustainable, locally owned solutions. Drawing from real-world examples, including both successful and unsuccessful change efforts, we explore the dynamics of innovation adoption, behavior change, trust-building, and shared purpose in diverse environments. Attendees will gain practical insights into applying change theory to navigate uncertainty, engage stakeholders meaningfully, and co-create pathways to flourishing.