Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration comes from the communities I serve. In Cleveland, many neighborhoods lack access to fresh food despite having strong traditions of growing and cooking. Seeing residents, students, and families reconnect with land and food sovereignty reminds me that entrepreneurship can be a tool for justice. I’m also inspired by farmers, educators, and grassroots leaders who build systems that nourish both people and the planet.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by the young people we work with. When students harvest food they planted, cook it, and share it with their families, you see confidence and possibility take root. Food Strong isn’t just about farming; it’s about restoring dignity, opportunity, and connection to land. Every garden bed built, every tree planted, and every student engaged reminds me why this work matters.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If selected, the $25,000 would support the development of the Superior Avenue Community Farm in Cleveland. Funding would help us strengthen farm infrastructure, expand youth food-sovereignty education, and increase fresh-food production for surrounding neighborhoods. It would allow us to install additional growing space, improve soil health, and create more hands-on learning opportunities for students while increasing healthy food access in a community historically impacted by food apartheid