In this popular and free webinar series, NAFSN provides participants with connections and insights to help them identify next steps for their careers. This four-part series for Fall 2023 highlights job creators across the food systems profession.
 

In this episode, we feature:

PATTY LASKOWSKI MORREN, Grassworks, Inc
Patty is the Executive Director of GrassWorks, Inc. She grew up on the farm that she now lives on with her husband and two children. They started their organic dairy in 2002 and shipped to Organic Valley for 20 years, now grazing heifers and youngstock. Patty has a deep appreciation for her farm and its history in the Driftless Region and is passionate about sustainability, stewardship, and improving the land. She has a BS in Biology from UW Oshkosh and an MS in Environmental Studies from Ohio University. Patty has a long history in agricultural nonprofit development and management and is happy to be a part of these activities within GrassWorks. Patty also shares a love of basketball at her local school, coaching and co-coordinating in the girls' youth program.

MELANIE WONG, Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities
Melanie grew up in her Grandparent's Chinese restaurant where she quickly learned the power food has to connect people. Melanie is a Registered Dietitian and the Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE) Specialist at Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities. Her work focuses primarily on supporting the communication and outreach efforts for 10 Cents a Meal, Michigan's local food incentive program, and working to assist with the expansion of the program to early care and education sites. Melanie also serves as a member of the Kent County Food Policy Council in Grand Rapids, Michigan where she lives and works remotely. She loves growing, cooking, and eating food and exploring the world both close and far from home.  

ASH GLOVER-GANAPATHIRAJU

Hi! I'm Ash. I use she/her pronouns. I live & work on the unceded land of the first people of Seattle: The Duwamish. I’m a wearer-of-many-hats: gay, brown, spouse, parent, sibling, child. I’m the founder of Ojaswe. I like reading, running, knitting, and making things. I love spending time with my wife & child. And I really like food (like… a lot). My food is a combination of everywhere I've lived and every kitchen that has welcomed me. And because we're a small co. this shows up in food that we bring to you at Ojaswe Co.  I love hearing from you - ideas, questions, thoughts, collab? Send me a note at hello@ojaswe.com