Shana Catoe

Please share a little of your K-12 school nutrition journey.

I was introduced to the school nutrition field by my college advisor many years ago, and now, 28 years later, it has been my career. I started as a foodservice director for a residential childcare institution and then I moved onto the school district side. I am now the coordinator of student nutrition for one of the large districts in South Carolina.

Who most inspires you?

There are many women that inspire me, but the one who comes to mind is my mother, Doris W. Hill. My mother not only attended college, she went on to be a successful businesswoman working her way to a top executive position at the agency she worked for. Her strong faith, willingness to help others and her quiet spirit are all traits I too pray that I portray.

Did you eat school lunch as a child?

Yes! My all-time FAVORITE school lunch was, and still is, spaghetti and homemade cinnamon rolls with salad or green beans, garlic bread and applesauce.

Do you have a favorite memory with one of your students?

Early in my career we were trying a new recipe in our elementary schools—sweet potatoes and apples.  One of the students came through the line and asked “What’s that?” and I told her. Of course, she turned up her nose. I said to her, “Try it for me,” and she took some.  After a few minutes, I found her at her table and asked what she thought of the dish, and she said “This is good!” We talked and I told her, “You have to try new things, they just might be something you like!”

What past fashion trend would you bring back in style?

I enjoyed the fashion trends of the 80s. I loved the preppy girl style, the pastel-colored jeans and vibrant colors we wore during that time.

Is there one musical artist you could listen to over and over?

I love female artists, so it is hard to pick just one. I will tell you my top three: Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott and Whitney Houston.

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

To enjoy every period of your life. There will be hard times no matter what stage you’re in but continue to see the good. Don’t give up on yourself or the goals you set for your life—the hard work will pay off. Live in the moment, have fun, travel and make the best of everything that is thrown your way.

What are your favorite hobbies outside of work?

I love traveling to new places, reading, listening to music and spending time with family and friends eating good food and having fun.

If you could see one movie again for the first time, what would it be?

Six Triple Eight. The women featured in this movie were brilliant, resilient and innovative for their time in history, which is so inspiring for me as a woman to see other women succeed when faced with all kinds of adversity.

What would you most like to be remembered for?

This may sound cliche in our industry, but I would like to be remembered for my desire to make sure others have access to nutritious food.