WEI Board of Directors

 

 

Collie Graddick. Minnesota Department of Agriculture consultant and founding board member of WEI

“I’ve been involved with WEI for over 19 years. I initially joined the board in 2004 because of the organization’s mission. I served my 10-year term limit and rejoined the board in 2021 because the mission is just as important today as it was 20 years ago.”

 

 

Angela Dawson. Founder and president of 40 Acre Co-op and The Great Rise.

“I became involved with WEI over a decade ago as a student because of the compelling mission, and I joined the board to uplift the important work of the founders, who remind us of the need to support organic farming and women leaders in our food system.”

 

 

Michele Parsons. Paralegal, North Branch native, and longtime WEI volunteer

“I joined WEI because access to healthy, nutritional food should not be determined by where you live or what your zip code is.”

 

 

Tara Lewis. 

“I support WEI because I advocate in the Native American community for women and children. Seeing that WEI grows organic foods and fights environmental injustice against women and children is what kept me coming back to WEI.”

 

 

Whitney Terrill. Founder of Asfora Farm

“WEI offered me an invitation to farming through hands-on training that felt inclusive of my identity as a woman. The courses inspired me to see myself reconnecting with the land, food, and regenerative practices. I continue to be involved as a board member because I hope other people seeking farming education will find WEI the very resource they need.”

 

Alex Carroll. I first became involved with WEI when I worked as a farm crew intern at Amador Hill during high school. Eventually, I even learned to appreciate kale! I stay connected because WEI does essential work to fight for environmental justice and bring healthy, organic, locally grown food to our Minnesota community. Sustainable agriculture nourishes both people and the Earth. Plus, WEI makes spectacular wood-fired pizza!

 

 

Nancy Jannik. Professor and Administrator Emerita, Winona State University. PhD Geosciences and Hydrology.

 

 

 

 

Alma Sanchez. “I am a recent graduate from the school of business at University of St. Thomas. I have come to deeply understand the importance of growing food—not just as a vital part of our survival, but as a powerful way to reconnect with the environment and my roots as a Native American woman. This journey has inspired both a personal passion for food cultivation and a desire to advocate for a more sustainable and equitable food system. Being part of a team that is actively challenging the status quo and creating meaningful change is extremely rewarding. I am inspired by WEI and learn from every conversation I have with everyone in the organization.”