Community Researchers provide real-world expertise in food systems and in community-level dynamics structuring local food systems in Cleveland. This expertise informs the situated and deliberative systems modeling approach employed by the Modeling the Future of Food in Your Neighborhood Study (foodNEST 2.0) and the decision support tools that are created as a result.
Lena Boswell
Community Researcher, Modeling the Future of Food in Your Neighborhood Study
Urban Agriculture Leader, Nguzo Saba Gardens
Lena Boswell comes to the Community Researcher role with deep-rooted connections, both local and national, to gain and maintain Black food sovereignty. Ms. Boswell seeks to strengthen resources to increase Black and indigenous communities access to land so they can nurture and grow new food systems.
Marilyn Burns
Community Researcher, Modeling the Future of Food in Your Neighborhood Study
Steering Committee Member, Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Food Policy Coalition; Community Advocate, Woodhill Community
Marilyn Burns is motivated by the possibilities for better linkages of healthy eating and active living activities with the interests of residents in public housing. Ms. Burns has been a community leader and advocate for 17 years. Her main focus has always been to serve her community, residents, and neighbors while promoting a spiritual and healthy outlook, uplifting community engagement whenever possible.
Michelle B. Jackson
Community Researcher, Modeling the Future of Food in Your Neighborhood Study
Activist and Community Leader, Reclaim Ward 4 PAC and culinatrixCOOKS
Michelle B. Jackson lives at the intersection of politics and the culinary arts. Drawing on her strong ties to activist communities, plus her decade as a restaurant chef, Ms. Jackson focuses on advancing food sovereignty through community gardening and food entrepreneurship in the Buckeye-Shaker neighborhood.
La Queta Worley-Bell
Community Researcher, Modeling the Future of Food in Your Neighborhood Study
Community Leader, Clevelanders for Public Transit
La Queta Worley-Bell comes to the Community Researcher role as an advocate and representative of the Central Neighborhood. Ms. Worley-Bell brings a passion for ensuring that all people’s basic needs are met, especially when it comes to healthy food, transportation, hygiene, and a healthy household environment.