Cheryl Clements
Co-founder of Melanated Mushrooms
My name is Cheryl Clements. I am a farmer, artist, and educator of both. My goal is to provide healing through mushrooms, herbs, and art through my companies, "Melanated Mushrooms" and "House Of Weird Perfection". It's my purpose to educate and share the knowledge I have to help make other people's lives better along with helping and working with Mother Nature- being a steward of the land.
Mr. Vernon Clements
My name is Vernon Clements and I am a military veteran. I feel no one should go without food or education, as they're basic human rights! My organization's purpose is to make sure every community we touch has these things.
Janet Nevels, MPA
Janet Nevels was born in Cleveland, Ohio and is passionate about ensuring that children, adults, and seniors have the right to safe, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food regardless of their socioeconomic status. Her vision is to help communities foster a love for healthy and fresh food. Janet works at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a soil conservation technician. She earned a bachelor's degree from Central State University and a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Akron.
Narkeita Motaabbed
As a Mother, Missionary, Evangelist, Business Owner, Educator and Youth Gardener Liaison, I’ve been impacting families for over 30 years. My mission is clear: to support and to empower, to teach, to reach, and pray for the increase.
Sonia Cruz Matos
The Neighborhood Achievement Hub, Co Founder
Sonia Cruz Matos, 61 years of age, married 42 years, proud mother of two sons and grandmother of five, passionate facilitator/advocate of services to our community. Sonia is the Co-Founder of The Neighborhood Achievement Hub.
Jonathan Gray
Founder and Executive Director of Trials for Hope
I am the Founder and the Executive Director of a non profit called Trials for Hope. We started in 2010 and became a non profit in 2015, with a goal of helping others who struggle with food and or financial challenges with basic needs. We now have a food pantry as well as assisting those unhoused with basic needs at their camps.
Makanya Ms Mikki Smith BSA,MBA,CPSS
Executive Director Little Africa Food Collaborative
Makanya (Mikki) Smith was born in Chicago, Illinois & relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where she currently resides with her family. She received both her master's degree and bachelor's Degree from the University of Phoenix in Beachwood, Ohio. Now retired she spends her time as an educator, consults with organizations on curriculum development, youth curriculums and crisis intervention management, and assists with community
organizing. Mikki is the Executive Director of Little Africa Food Collaborative where she educates on food nutrition and instructs the weekly gardening classes at Village Family Farms. Mikki is the current board chair of Union Miles Development Corporation. Mikki has received certifications as a Master Rain Gardner, Master in aquaponics and agriculture, and Family Peer Support Specialist in 2023. Mikki loves spending time with loved ones and celebrating life one degree at a time.
Angelina L Taylor
Little Africa Food Collaborative
My name is Angelina L Taylor. I have served as executive secretary, program director, and board chair of Little Africa Food Co-op. Currently, I am a board member and serve on the program committee. I have a bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership and have assisted multiple non-profit organizations in different capacities, including project manager and event coordinator. As I pursue my juris doctorate, I plan to continue to serve my community to address food deserts in Cuyahoga County.
Katarina Smiley
Cultural Curator | Sankofa Circle International
Katarina Smiley is a community organizer, youth advocate, and creative entrepreneur from the Collinwood neighborhood of Cleveland, OH. She is an alumni of Kent State University where she received her Bachelor's degree in Public Health. Currently, she is
the garden leader at Collinwood Friends Garden where she strives to nourish the community she loves with affordable, accessible, and quality produce while sowing seeds of liberation on common ground. Katarina is passionate about all things art, healing, and justice related and often incorporates these elements within her work as a
youth-serving professional and faith leader. She firmly believes in the power of radical love, rest, and acceptance as powerful tools to advance humanity in a forward direction.
Ridwan Lawal
Youth Enrichment Specialist with the East Cleveland Neighborhood Center
Ridwan Lawal's biggest passion is supporting other people's growth. He was born in Nigeria and moved to the United States when he was 6 years old. He grew up in Prince George's Maryland and went to Goucher College in Towson Maryland. He is motivated by the good that comes out of collective leadership. He is currently an educator in East Cleveland working for the betterment of the community.