Dana (she/her/hers) spent the last decade in clinical social work, supporting kids & families, and people experiencing addiction. She has a B.S. and Masters Degree in Social Work and is conversationally fluent in Spanish. She has managed multiple programs including regional mental and physical health initiatives with the Autism Society, the Boys & Girls Clubs, and most recently, MAHEC.

Dana's passion for food extends to her work outside of WNC FSC. She and her partner co-own and manage a regenerative farm in McDowell County focused on pastured chickens, hogs, sheep and cattle. She loves spending every possible moment outside, and sharing a delicious meal with pals.

Gina has been working in the areas of agriculture, food policy and agriculture education for over 15 years. Before focusing on Local and Regional food council development she found a niche working with educational institutions and individuals to create educational farms, agriculture and food policy curricula, and holistic farm design. Gina has owned and operated Sparrow Hill Farm since 2016 in Candler where she currently is growing heritage breed sheep and offers coaching services for new and beginning farmers interested in regenerative and agroecological practices.

Over the last two decades, Jenn (she/her) has worked in worked primarily in social research and food preparation, with 15 years in nonprofit research, design and program delivery.

She credits food for changing her life; influencing health, community and connection to the land, during a time when she needed it most. She realized food was a nearly universal way to influence people’s lives and in 2016 she became dedicated to never stop learning more about preparation, production, ritual and sustainability related to food.

She is now very excited to combine her passion for food and experience in research and service development to support community food sovereignty across WNC.