Areas of Expertise
I bring deep expertise in nonprofit management, grant administration, food systems, and equity-driven program development. My work spans strategy, policy, and hands-on implementation, with a focus on building sustainable, community-centered solutions. These are the knowledge areas and issue spaces that ground my work and shape the consulting services I offer.
Subject Areas:
Local & regional food chains
Farmers’ markets & other farm direct-marketing channels
Sustainable food & farming
Food & nutrition policy
Food access & equity
Federal nutrition programs including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) & Nutrition Incentives
Organizational Leadership, Management & Administration Including:
Federal & state grant writing and administration, including subawards / subcontracts
Budget development & management
Training, technical assistance, & toolkit development
Meeting facilitation & event planning
Contract management & compliance
Communication, conflict resolution, effective interaction
Community engagement, public communications, & stakeholder outreach
Project management
From Vision to Impact: Areas of Expertise in Action
Strategic Leadership in Food Systems & Social Justice
I have extensive experience leading initiatives that promote equity in agriculture and food systems, especially for underserved communities. My work has included providing strategic direction, managing multi-million-dollar budgets, and advancing policy development for sustainable and equitable food access.
Examples of this work include:
- Leading strategy development and project management for a pilot under the Department of Social Services focused on expanding healthy food access in underserved communities.
- Supporting a coalition of 250+ organizations to advocate for and secure $35 million in state funding for Nutrition Incentive Programs, through strategy, communications, and project management.
I bring a strong ability to blend long-term strategic planning with on-the-ground implementation that centers community needs and social justice.
Grant Writing and Fundraising
I have a proven track record of securing over $57 million in federal, state, and private grants to support programs that advance equity in food systems. My strengths include grant writing, narrative development, budget design, relationship building. I also have a focus on demystifying government grants and contracts to support equitable access and confident participation, especially for newer or smaller organizations.
Recent work includes:
- Advising senior staff on state and federal nutrition grant strategies, including scope development and narrative refinement to better integrate social inclusion and equity goals.
- Contributing to successful proposal writing, editing, and review for large-scale government grants focused on public health and food security.
Team Management and Cross-Sector Collaboration
Over two decades, I’ve managed diverse teams, cultivated inclusive learning environments, and fostered collaboration across sectors, including with fully remote groups. My leadership includes professional development planning, mentorship of senior and executive staff, and advancing DEIJ (Diversity Equity Inclusion & Justice) initiatives within organizational policies and structures.
I’ve also led:
- Planning and facilitation for events, including the California Small Farms Conference and EcoFarm Conference, as well as designing and leading structure, content and logistics for convenings of 100+ to share best practices, foster collaboration, and celebrate community-led work.
- Coalition-building and stakeholder engagement across local, state, and national levels to drive systems change.
- Cross-functional team alignment and communications to deliver complex, time-sensitive projects with clarity and care.
Ready to Talk about Collaborating?
Think I might be a good fit for your project or organization? Schedule a 30-minute Consultation
Contact
(+1) 510-545-9990
