Katy Munna

Why are you passionate about working in school nutrition?

I grew up on free & reduced lunch in Little Rock Public Schools. When I joined this industry 14 years ago, I had no idea of the complexities that go into running a school nutrition department. Being on the software side of school nutrition, I get to meet with districts of all sizes, all over the county and listen to each of their different needs. No two school districts are ever the same, so it’s my job to ensure that we can provide them with tools to make their jobs more efficient and constantly improve our features to keep up with the needs of their (and our) true customers: the Children.

What was your favorite school meal from your childhood?

I can still remember in detail what the cafeteria line looked like, the color of the trays and Mrs. Pearl (my favorite lunch lady) smiling from behind the counter. I loved the rectangle pizza, corn and steamed carrots (the only place I’d eat them!).

What is the best vacation you’ve ever been on?

Florence, Italy. I love art and music, and it has it all. Street dancing, street artists, cobblestone roads: Can’t beat it!

If you could spend a day with any fictional character, who would it be?

Baymax from the movie Big Hero 6! He’s the sweetest, cuddliest superhero who helps people with needs that he doesn’t even face himself.

What past fashion trend would you bring back in style?

I have always loved the 1940’s trends, especially the iconic “flapper girl hair.” I’d totally rock that.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

“It takes all kinds of people to make this world go round. The trash collectors are as necessary as a CEO. As you grow in your career and graduate college, never forget that everyone’s job in this world is as important as yours and stay humble. This will always keep you ahead.” – My mom

What new skill would you pick up instantly if you could?

Playing acoustic guitar and singing/writing folk music (I have strong Arkansas roots and grew up listening to John Prine and Patsy Cline). I’d want to go to the city and play in the town center while enjoying the beautiful nature outdoors and bringing people joy through music.

If you could read one book again for the first time, what would it be?

The book “Educated” by Tara Westover is the most powerful book I’ve ever read. It’s an autobiography that she wrote in her late 20’s about growing up sheltered in rural Idaho with no real schooling or housing and an abusive family that was deeply immersed in religion. She lived in a bubble (literally) and found a way out of that life by going to college and then Cambridge University in England for graduate studies.

The beauty of this book is that she wrote it to work through a lot of her childhood struggles and adult PTSD and was finally able to start her healing journey.