Our Team

selection committee

Our Selection Committee, drawn from diverse fields, are an inspiring group of leaders. They are thought leaders, connectors, and bridge builders. They have driven change in meaningful ways and have played key roles to further justice, equity, and health in our food system and beyond. We are honored to have such an esteemed Selection Committee to help us select our next cohort of Fellows.


Anne Fredrick
Executive Director, Hawai’i Alliance for Progressive Action

Brett Ramey
Climate Resilience Planner
Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska

Deepa Iyer
Founder, Ayeko Farm

Jose Oliva
Campaigns Director, HEAL Food Alliance

Jovida Ross
Co-Director, Food Culture Collective

Martín Lemos
Director of Agriculture and Impact, 
Dirt Capital

Maryan Abdinur
Sustaining Environmental Systems'
Community Relationship Officer,
Mortenson Family Foundation

Trisha Chakrabarti
National Organizer,
Equitable Food Oriented Development Collaborative

Yonia M. Gray
Community Development Finance Executive

community advisors

Our Community Advisors infuse the Fellowship with on-the-ground perspectives and specialized expertise we utilize for curriculum development. They help us recruit, serve as concept-builders, provide guidance, and share their time to strengthen our work. We are filled with gratitude to have such a dynamic, growing, set of Community Advisors.


Dara Cooper
National Black Food and Justice Alliance, Co-founder and Senior Advisor

Malik Yakini
Executive Director Detroit Black Community Food Security Network

Oran Hesterman
President/CEO
Fair Food Network

Hilde Steffey
Organizational/Philanthropic
Advisor and Consultant

Mailee Walker
Executive Director
Claneil Foundation

Cristina Dominguez
Executive Director
La Semilla Food Center

SUPPORT THE CASTANEA FELLOWSHIP

Join the numerous foundations, nonprofit, and business leaders in this multi-sector collaborative committed to shaping an equitable future for food. Grants, gifts, and individual donations are welcome.
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