Nina Roofe

I attribute my success to the strong foundation my parents instilled, raising me to value quality work, integrity, and the importance of education. Their emphasis on excellence and perseverance shaped my approach to both learning and professional growth. I am deeply grateful to God for His blessings, guidance, and grace throughout my life, which have sustained and directed me along my journey. Additionally, I have been fortunate to have mentors throughout my academic and work career who encouraged me, offered guidance, and believed in my potential. Their support helped me build confidence, refine my skills, and remain committed to continuous improvement.

The best career advice I've ever received is to focus on doing quality work and building a reputation for reliability and integrity. I was encouraged to stay curious, seek out mentors, and view every role as an opportunity to learn and grow. That advice helped me understand that long-term success is built through consistency, strong relationships, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Keep an open mind. treat every class, volunteer experience, or project as a job interview or contact for potential reference. You have to show up on time or early. We are always being watched. Don't be afraid to try new things; that's how we learn. It's okay to fail, just learn from the experience and keep trying. You will be the expert one day, so give yourself grace.

One of the greatest challenges is addressing the increasing complexity of family and consumer sciences (FCS) issues, such as financial instability, food insecurity, mental health concerns, and workforce readiness, while resources and funding for education and community problems remain limited. Additionally, FCS continues to face misconceptions about its relevance, requiring ongoing advocacy to demonstrate its positive and critical impact on individual, family, and community well-being.

At the same time, these challenges present significant opportunities. The growing focus on life skills, financial literacy, nutrition and health, human development, and sustainability has made FCS more relevant than ever. There is a strong opportunity to integrate technology, data-informed practices, and interprofessional partnerships to better prepare individuals and families to navigate modern economic and social realities. FCS professionals are uniquely positioned to translate research into practical, real-world solutions that improve the quality of life across the lifespan.

The field's greatest opportunity lies in its ability to adapt, innovate, and clearly communicate its value, empowering individuals and families with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, quality, service, and lifelong learning. I strive to approach every responsibility with honesty, transparency, and accountability, believing that trust is the foundation for meaningful relationships and effective leadership. I value doing quality work — not merely completing tasks but taking pride in excellence and continuous improvement. Service is also central to who I am, particularly in work that supports individuals, families, and communities. Finally, I place great importance on growth and learning, recognizing that staying curious, adaptable, and open to new perspectives allows me to contribute more thoughtfully and lead with purpose.