Tabitha’s Way Local Food Pantry founder Wendy Osborne joined Utah Valley University’s Halladay Lecture Series to share the story of how she left her career in telecommunications to fight food insecurity in Utah County, emphasizing why compassion, accountability, and stewardship define purposeful leadership.
Osborne shared the story behind Tabitha’s Way and her calling to help individuals and families facing food insecurity in Utah County. With the support of her husband, Jody Osborne, she left a successful career as an executive in telecommunications to pursue work that would make a meaningful difference in her community.
Tabitha’s Way began in 2010 as a small thrift store and food pantry operating from a tiny building in Spanish Fork. Since then, it has grown into an organization with full-time pantry locations in Spanish Fork, Pleasant Grove, and Saratoga Springs, as well as a mobile pantry serving the community in Santaquin.
Osborne explained how founding and operating a nonprofit differs from leading a for-profit business. While she helped establish Tabitha’s Way, she emphasized that she does not own the organization — the community does. She described herself and the other founders as stewards entrusted with supporting its mission, resources, and impact.
A major theme of Osborne’s lecture was the importance of sharing one’s perspective and asking questions. She encouraged students to be bold in expressing their ideas while remaining open to improvement and the viewpoints of others. She explained that listening to different perspectives can help individuals grow as leaders, coworkers, and members of their communities.
Osborne also discussed the importance of compassion and accountability in the workplace. She encouraged students to care for employees and coworkers, seek to understand the experiences of others, and create environments where people feel valued. These principles, she explained, are essential not only in nonprofit work but also in business and professional careers.
The Woodbury School of Business thanks Wendy Osborne for sharing her experience and insight with UVU students. Her message reinforced that success is built through purposeful leadership, compassion, accountability, and a willingness to serve others.
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Watch Wendy Osborne's full lecture below.
