Our Team
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Willow Blish
I am from: Middlebury, Vermont
What I do for work: Pilates Instructor & Movement Educator
Why Slow Food?: Slow Food offers a way to both be aware of the complications of the food system and also celebrate the joys inherent in it. And by getting involved, you're immediately connected to a global network of people working toward similar goals - that's powerful!
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Sophia Cheng
I am from: Fremont, California
What I do for work: Good To Eat Dumplings
Why Slow Food: Slow Food works towards a better food system across all parts and honors the people, their traditions, and immense knowledge behind the food. Slow Food's work comes from a place of joy and human connection. I came to know Slow Food East Bay through the Cultural Traditions Food Project, and found a group of people who not only celebrate food, but also the stories and discussion centered around those behind the food.
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Xochitl Segura-Garcia
I am from: Saint Helena, California
What I do for work: Pizzaiola at June’s Pizza
Why Slow Food?: I love the concept of Joy & Justice and the way one cannot exsist without the other. I think the way Slow Food challenges us to live with the values of good, clean and fair food for all can lead to positive impacts in our lives beyond the ways we consume food. I am thrilled to be a part of a community that shares the same values as me, where we collectively work towards a more sustainable and equitable world.
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Justin Evans
I am from: The Kansas City area, Kansas
What I do for work: Development Associate at Kitchen Table Advisors
Why Slow Food?: Food is one of the best ways to connect with people and can bridge many languages and cultures. With a background in cultural anthropology, I believe that looking at food systems can act as a window into many people's cultures and stories. Slow Food provides a platform for these stories to be shared and a space where we can all learn about and experience the power of clean, fair food for all.
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Koa Mendes
I am from: Hilo, Hawaii
What I do for work: Core Team Member at Good to Eat
Why Slow Food?: I’ve been working in the food & beverage industry for over a decade and am excited to learn more about building better, more sustainable food systems. I’m also eager to connect with a community that shares the values of Slow Food, where we can celebrate diverse cuisines and cultures together!
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Nisha Patel
I am from: Fremont, California
What I do for work: Electrical engineer who went to culinary school; currently doing freelance work focusing on food education and writing my first cookbook!
Why Slow Food?: For me, food is about connection: bringing people together, learning about different cultures, and sharing stories around a table. I’m also curious about how we can make our food systems more sustainable and fair for everyone. Slow Food gives me the chance to celebrate the joy of good food while learning about and supporting the people behind it. It’s inspiring to be part of a movement that’s all about building community and making a positive impact—one delicious bite at a time!
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Lily Rockholt
I am from: Vallejo & Berkeley, California
What I do for work: Head Chef at the Cupboard SF
Why Slow Food?: I truly believe that food is how connections are made, and this organization prioritizes many of the principles I hold near and dear to my heart. I appreciate being able to do work that I think brings communities a little closer.
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Avicia Rodgers
I am from: Winchester, Kentucky
What I do for work: Program Design & Technical Assistance at Room to Read
Why Slow Food?: Food is everything -- it's personal, it's political, it's care, communication, culture, community… And it is truly, deeply fun. Investing our resources (including our attention!) to food has virtually endless benefits, and endless opportunities of engagement.