One of my earliest memories is of my grandfather convincing me to eat escargot, and I’ve been in love with food ever since. Equally experienced in politics and urban farming, I’ve spent the last 15 years pursuing novel and effective ways to advance the common good over corporate interests. In politics, I’ve held senior roles inside and outside of government, leading teams and advising influential principals. I’ve raised millions of dollars for clients, organized national advocacy campaigns, and secured wins for the progressive movement. In agriculture, I co-founded ACRE, a for-profit urban farm in Detroit, as well as the nonprofit Corktown Farmers’ Market. I am also co-author of a guide to crowdfunding for small farms with the MSU Center for Regional Food Systems and have presented on that topic nationally. I believe that small farms like the one my grandfather grew up on play an essential role in building a more progressive society that promotes the health of our communities and our environment.