Kitchen Program Director(they/she) Jasmine originally hails from Detroit, Michigan, but they have made a home in Gainesville for 15 years (and counting). After studying Anthropology and Organic Farming at Michigan State University, they worked as a cook and gardener at a cooperative summer camp, and also apprenticed at a goat dairy farm, both in Michigan.…
Board MemberMelissa is a mother, yoga teacher, doula, and the Director of Development for the FrameWorks Institute, a nonprofit that conducts research on cultural mindsets and helps changemakers communicate to build public demand for progressive change. She brings over ten years of fundraising and nonprofit management experience. Prior to Melissa’s nonprofit work, she and her…
T studied journalism at UF and has a passion for telling the stories of those in their community.
Board MemberDina is an ecologist and the Director of the Plant Science Program at the University of Florida. She brings a deep interest in supporting experiential learning in sustainable food systems and natural resources, and loves the amazing connections, curiosities, and conversations that form around growing food and community. She’s excited to dig in with…
Vice PresidentJessica-Jean is a medical anthropologist and faculty member at the University of Florida. She loves cooking, gardening, dancing, and feeding folks. The connections between farming, industry, the environment, education, health, cooking, and food justice inspire her to continue learning (and teaching) about creating more equitable food systems. She is thrilled to work alongside Working…
PresidentCarissa was born and raised in Gainesville, FL. After graduating from Eastside High School, she went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the University of Florida. After college, Carissa spent several years working for a local travel agency. Today, she works in banking and is a freelance copywriter. Her passions include singing…
Board MemberAviva Asher is a farmer, educator, activist and mother. Together with her husband, she runs Nicoya Farm in SE Gainesville. She has been growing food in community for 20 years and leading youth programs that focus on food justice and environmental stewardship. Prior to moving to Gainesville she directed an educational urban farm in…
Recording SecretaryNicole is an avid traveler who loves to discover and learn about other cultures through their culinary offerings and traditions. When she isn’t traveling, she enjoys cooking dishes she has experienced in the United States and abroad, using ingredients from local farmers. After living in Gainesville for almost 30 years, Nicole is excited to…
Board MemberLisa is a Florida native with an MS in nursing from the University of Florida. She spent 32 years in primary care at the ACORN Clinic in Brooker and worked in the Shands/UF Health system. She has served on eight nonprofit Boards of Directors, serving as president of two of them. Her love of…
TreasurerSusan is a retired certified public accountant. She loves being outdoors in nature, gardening and supporting her community, especially the children. She brings her prior experience with a local NGO and looks forward to getting involved again with the Gainesville community.