Host a Gathering

FARMER

Monica Ponce’s life has revolved around food and service. With degrees in anthropology, sustainable agriculture, and environmental horticulture, Monica has put her knowledge to practice for the betterment and success of many farms and agriculture programs in Atlanta. Including the Wylde Center, Anne Quatrano’s Summerland Farm, Heritage Farm, Rodgers Greens & Roots, Greyfield Inn on Cumberland Island, and most recently, Love is Love Cooperative Farm, where she became one of five worker-owners. There, Monica is known as “the planner,” and she’s able to implement her experience in CSA, greenhouse, and pasture-raised livestock management, scaling of vegetable operations, good record keeping, and wholesale account management. In 2020, she also joined the Board of Directors of Georgia Organics.

CHEF

Stella embodies the spirit of a true lady locavore! Through her prepared-meal business, Stella is dedicated to supporting Georgia farmers. Sourcing so many ingredients locally that she was recently recognized as a Gold Tier Farmer Champion by Georgia Organics. With over 15 years in the industry, Stella has worked with many talented chefs who value and promote local agriculture. She’s been on the team of Holeman & Finch, Farm Burger, Storico Fresco, and Empire State South. Stella is committed to bettering herself and her community through a dedication to local food and feeding others well - the proof is in her business plan from the start - “Source locally, get creative, and cook something substantial”.

BEVERAGE

Poorvi is the owner and operator of Herbs & Kettles tea business. She is also a tea sommelier certified by the International Tea Masters Association, a full-time doctor, and a mother of two girls. Poorvi and her family frequently travel to India to personally visit tea farmers in search of the very best single-origin, single-batch teas. They also donate a percentage of the proceeds to conservation efforts in India. One of her missions with her tea company is to remind people of the importance of community and how drinking tea together builds community. Poorvi has been hosting curated events honoring self-love, nutrition, and community building.

ADVOCATE

As the daughter of a civil rights attorney who integrated Savannah schools, Sagdrina’s DEIB work is infused with the rich gifts of historical depth, informed by experiences that transcend everyday Americans’ understanding of the true impacts of the ongoing fight for authentic Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Over the last 3 years, Sagdrina has led the creation, promotion, and implementation of the Anti-Racist Farmers Market Toolkit. Through this process she brought together 10 Black food systems experts from across the country, including some representation from Atlanta, to create the first toolkit of its kind. Since the release, Sagdrina has been a tireless advocate for its promotion and implementation. Sagdrina works hard to create a space that is grounded in community, Black leadership, and healing.

EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK

Chef Asta Reid is making Atlanta a better place through multifaceted contributions. For over a decade, Asta has been developing recipes, writing stories, and working as an educator in partnership with organizations like Food Corps, WABE, Kaiser Permanente, and Small Bites Adventure Club. Asta is a professional chef and community health educator. She holds degrees from International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Atlanta, Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism, a Masters in Education from the University of Kansas, and Masters of Public Health from Emory University. During the pandemic, Asta published a must-read book for parents: How to Feed A Kid: A Parent's Guide.

FARMER

FARMER

FARMER

FARMER

FARMER

FARMER

FARMER

FARMER

CHEF

CHEF

CHEF

CHEF

CHEF

BEVERAGE

BEVERAGE

ADVOCATE

ADVOCATE

ADVOCATE

ADVOCATE

ADVOCATE

EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK

EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK

EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK

EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK

EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK

EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK

EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK