I am an independent consultant who works toward the viability of communities, especially small-scale farming and fishing communities. I have extensive experience in campaign planning & policy analysis, research & writing, and funding & grant development.

My mantra is Everything is Connected – a holistic, systemic approach is the only way we can create a world embedded in dignity, fairness, and respect for everyone.

Over the years, I have spent time with the people who farm and catch our food -from Alaska to New York to Brazil to the Philippines. To me, this is essential to have a deep understanding of where our food comes, who provides it, and how it is harvested or caught. Simultaneously, I have spent time at the World Trade Organization Ministerials, the Halls of the US Congress, and state capitols. These experiences provide me with a holistic approach to our food systems, recognizing, what happens in Brazil impacts Alaska, for example.

For over two decades, I have organized around environmental issues, community empowerment, and food policies in varying capacities and venues. I create advocacy campaigns at the international, federal, and state levels, based on solid policy analysis. Issue areas range from global trade to fisheries to organic agriculture to food sovereignty.

My writing portfolio includes technical reports, public comments, and web content. I also wrote a book - Food Voices - based on individual interviews with farmers and fisherfolk across 5 countries. I develop and implement fundraising plans that target foundations, individual high donors, and businesses.

I have coordinated with global movements and served on national and international boards and steering committees, including the international steering committee of Nyeleni 2007: A Forum on Food Sovereignty. Nyeleni united 800 people from across the world in the countryside of Mali to deepen the concept of food sovereignty and develop a global plan of action.

My ease at public speaking has afforded me spots at press events, on panels, and during conferences, including addressing audiences up to 1,500 people in the U.S. and abroad. I organized racial and social equity trainings for staff to recognize injustice and be part of the solution.

I have a bachelor’s of science from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, NY and a master’s of science from the University of Warwick in Coventry, England.

I live in New York’s beautiful Hudson Valley with my two cats - Helios and Selene.