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- Walls Receives Joe Burrow Foundation Grant to Address Food Insecurity
The Walls Project is proud to announce that it has been awarded a grant through the Joe Burrow Foundation to support the Capital Area Food Equity Coalition (CAFÉ), a coalition of the OneRouge Coalitions, in their efforts to address food insecurity as an intersectional driver of poverty in East Baton Rouge Parish. The Joe Burrow Foundation (JBF) is dedicated to providing resources and support to the underprivileged and underserved, primarily focusing on aiding children with mental illness and those facing food insecurity in Greater Cincinnati and Baton Rouge. The partnership between The Walls Project, CAFÉ, and the Joe Burrow Foundation highlights a commitment to combating food insecurity and poverty in the community. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its far-reaching impacts, the need to address food insecurity in East Baton Rouge Parish has become even more critical. Prior to the pandemic, the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank estimated that approximately 1 in 5 individuals in the area experienced food insecurity. The economic disruptions caused by the pandemic have only exacerbated this issue, underscoring the urgency of this collaborative grant initiative. CAFÉ, a coalition of over 100 organizations, is dedicated to reducing the number of individuals experiencing food insecurity in the Capital Region. The coalition's objectives include ensuring equitable access to three healthy meals per day, promoting the use of existing feeding programs such as SNAP, and addressing the multiple factors contributing to food insecurity. The grant awarded to The Walls Project and CAFÉ will facilitate the development and implementation of a comprehensive program to tackle food insecurity in East Baton Rouge Parish. The program will leverage the expertise and resources of CAFÉ and the OneRouge Coalition, working together to create lasting systemic change. The program will focus on four key areas: Increasing Access to Healthy Food Promoting Economic Development Raising Awareness of Feeding Programs Empowering Individuals and Families The Walls Project, CAFÉ, and the Joe Burrow Foundation stand united in their commitment to addressing food insecurity as a crucial step toward breaking the cycle of poverty. This grant marks an important stride toward building a resilient, nourished, and empowered Baton Rouge community.
- The Futures Fund Presents Free Tech Workshops for Adults at EBR Libraries
The Walls Project's Futures Fund is thrilled to unveil an impactful initiative aimed at empowering the adults of Baton Rouge with crucial technological skills, called Break N2 Tech. The program will be hosting a series of free tech workshops in partnership with the East Baton Rouge Libraries, offering adults in the community a valuable opportunity to explore diverse pathways into the realm of technology. The Futures Fund is deeply committed to nurturing a passion for technology and innovation among Baton Rouge's adult population. Through these workshops, participants will be immersed in a variety of engaging tech subjects, sparking curiosity and expanding their skill sets. The classes are expertly crafted to introduce key concepts while discussing avenues for further exploration, including pursuing secondary education programs, utilizing free resources for self-guided learning, and delving into the comprehensive web development courses provided by the Futures Fund. "Our mission is to provide every adult in Baton Rouge with access to the world of technology," states Helena Williams, Co-Director of the Futures Fund. "Our workshops are thoughtfully designed to adapt to the ever-changing tech landscape, ensuring that participants gain knowledge that is both relevant and practical." The upcoming workshops are as follows: Intro to Cybersecurity and Web 3.0 September 16, 1 - 3PM, Carver Library Participants will receive an in-depth introduction to cybersecurity fundamentals and an exploration of the innovative concept of Web 3.0, contributing to a better understanding of online security and the evolving digital landscape. Click here to RSVP Becoming a Developer without a Degree & How to Design a Mock Website September 30, 1 - 3PM, Main Library on Goodwood This workshop dispels misconceptions about the necessity of a formal degree in tech careers and guides participants through the process of designing a mock website, fostering both creative and technical skills. Click here to RSVP Google Office Suite and Intro to Unity (Game Development) October 14, 3 - 5 PM Main Library Attendees will uncover the versatile tools within Google Office Suite and embark on an exciting journey into game development with an introduction to Unity. The Futures Fund places a strong emphasis on ensuring that workshops are led by subject-matter experts who possess a deep understanding of their fields. This ensures that participants receive accurate and up-to-date information, laying a solid foundation for their tech endeavors. Click here to RSVP All workshops are open to adults of all ages and backgrounds, and participation is free of charge. Interested individuals can find detailed information and register at www.thewallsproject.org/workshops. Events like our Futures Fund BREAK N2 Tech Workshops are made possible through the support of: Capital One, Microsoft, Capital Area United Way, Santander Consumer USA, the Moozie Foundation, Aetna/CVS, UNUM, and the Huey and Angelina Wilson Foundation.
- OneRouge Coalition Meetings Summary
In the third week of August 2023, OneRouge hosted two in-person coalition-building meetings at the EBR River Ceneter Library, continuing the development of collaboration and knowledge-sharing between organizations across government, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors. Education to Career Coalition Meeting On Tuesday, August 15, OneRouge greeted 25 participants eager to get working on the Education to Career (E2C) Coalition. Casey Phillips and Tonnisha Ellis hosted the conversation around continuing to define the goals around "expand awareness and access to early childhood education" Then looking at all of the goals that had been previously defined: Create a culture that values literacy and increases literacy rates. Increase equitable access to safe learning spaces that encourage a joy for learning at any level Within that framework, we looked in a 45-day window. In September, we will define metrics and discuss the goal of "increase opportunities for continuous learning." Capital Area Food Equity (CAFÉ) Coalition Meeting On Wednesday, August 16, CAFÉ convened a conversation around existing activity and how to propel the work already happening to reduce food insecurity. Using the goals as a thematic focus, this activity helped illuminate important work that is active in the Greater Baton Rouge Area. Using "Greater access to benefits and programs," Monica Brown from DCFS discussed working on developing an easier method for SNAP applications. Mike Manning from EBR Food Bank discussed their distributions growing to more rural areas to help support access there. By acknowledging the goal of "Better Collaboration between coalition partners" Dean Donald Andrews from Southern University discussed a shared student activity with DCFS around assessing system-to-system communication. With "Teach to Grow" BREADA and Baton Roots look to build a start-up farmers document to help new farmers navigate the growing pains of launching a brand new farm. Transportation & Mobility (T&M) Coalition Meeting On August 17, the Transportation & Social Mobility (T&M) Coalition met to define work around the goals established: Community assets are consistently mapped and aligned to increase mobility. Barriers to mobility are regularly considered and addressed timely. Planning and funding structures impacting community mobility work in coordination with one another to increase overall mobility for all. Emerging and proven practices in mobility appropriate for BatonRouge are embraced and executed. Discussed during this meeting was who is already doing this work, what is being captured, and how can we bring more people to the table to elevate the work being done. If you would like to join either coalition, please click here to register. OneRouge and its coalitions were made possible through the support of: City of Baton Rouge, Capital Area United Way, Huey and Angelina Wilson Foundation, Baton Rouge Alliance for Students, American Heart Association, Joe Burrow Foundation, and BlueCross BlueShield Foundation of Louisiana.
- Recap of Summer 2023 with Baton Roots Community Farm
As August comes to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on all the incredible things that happened at the Baton Roots Community Farm this summer. Even while school was out, Baton Roots continued to cultivate connection through education over the summer! Baton Roots kicked off the summer with a number of community events including Kids Fest hosted by Scotlandville CDC. Baton Roots joined other Geaux Get Healthy partners in sharing the goodness of fresh produce with young people and families in attendance! See related story: Teens Can Grow! Baton Roots Summer with MYWE Baton Roots also participated in the Mayor’s Youth Workforce Experience, hosting six students for paid summer internships. MYWE interns gained fundamental skills applicable to both urban agroforestry and community-based programming. Baton Roots hosted hundreds of students through weekly field trips from BREC summer camps where students learned about where fruits and vegetables come from, the life cycle of plants, and how to start seeds. Baton Roots participated in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System’s back-to-school training for Agricultural Science teachers at Istrouma High School. Teachers learned to build garden beds, prepare recipes with food from the garden, and start seeds. Teachers who attended the training will receive seedlings from Baton Roots to support their school herb gardens. This type of train-the-trainer opportunity allows Baton Roots to support more local school garden programs than ever before. As the 2023-2024 school year starts, the Baton Roots team looks forward to working with community members of all ages to grow food, share knowledge, and build a local food system that meets our community’s needs. We are thrilled to have new staff members Kiarah Craft and Jacob Jones joining us in this mission! You can find Kiarah, Jacob, and the whole team at September’s Sow Good Saturday, a free event at Baton Roots Community Farm. The program Baton Roots is made possible through the support of: Geaux Get Healthy & Healthy BR, Humana Foundation, Capital Area United Way, Huey & Angelina Wilson Foundation, InterFaith America, UNUM, ADM, BREC, EBRPHA, Entergy, Big Green, The Rotary Club of Baton Rouge, Sprouts Neighborhood Grant, Baton Rouge Green, and LDAF.
- Celebrating Art and Community: The Unveiling of a Beautiful Mural at Manna Soup Kitchen
We are thrilled to share the heartwarming success of our recent community-driven mural project at Manna Soup Kitchen! During the month of June 2023, over 50 volunteers of all ages and backgrounds came together to transform the entrance of Manna Soup Kitchen in Durango, Colorado into a vivid masterpiece that celebrates the power of community and the spirit of giving. Under the guidance of the talented local muralist, Maddie Sanders, the project exemplifies the magic that unfolds when passion and creativity meet unity and purpose. The Power of Community The mural's creation truly exemplifies the power of community spirit. Inspired by Manna's mission of providing nourishing meals and supportive services with love and acceptance, volunteers poured their hearts into every brushstroke, reflecting the essence of our diverse and compassionate community. From little monsters barely up to our knees to seasoned artists and everyone in between, each person's unique contribution played a significant role in shaping the mural's vibrant and captivating narrative. As a result, the mural reflects not only the values of Manna Soup Kitchen but also the collective essence of our community, making it a true labor of love. Beauty in Collaboration The process of creating this beautiful mural was a testament to the power of collaboration. Volunteers, donors, and local partners rallied together to provide support, materials, and inspiration. The Walls Project, with its extensive experience in executing mural projects, ensured smooth coordination and organization. The mural, a collective effort, symbolizes the interconnectedness of our community, demonstrating that when we come together, we can achieve something truly remarkable. Unveiling and Celebration The mural unveiling at Manna Soup Kitchen took place on August 4, 2023. The volunteers and residents enjoyed live entertainment, delicious refreshments, and opportunities to take photos with the mural. The unveiling of this beautiful mural stands as a testament to the transformative power of community-driven projects. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers, partners, and donors who made this remarkable achievement possible.
- OneRouge Coalition Meetings Summary
In the third week of May 2023, OneRouge hosted two in-person coalition-building meetings at the EBR Main Library on Goodwood Blvd, continuing the development of collaboration and knowledge-sharing between organizations across government, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors. Education to Career Coalition Meeting On Tuesday, May 16, OneRouge greeted nearly 50 participants eager to get working on the newly launched Education to Career (E2C) Coalition. Co-chairs Adonica Duggan, Dustin LaFont, and Tonnisha Ellis headed the tables for discussions around the four working groups: Schools as community hubs/centers Equity/Access Bridging the gap: education and industry - networking Community Outreach (Events) These conversations were insightful as they helped craft some of the initial focuses of the working groups. To see the full notes, please read them here. Capital Area Food Equity (CAFÉ) Coalition Meeting On Wednesday, May 17, CAFÉ convened in person for the first time ever since forming in 2020. Having gathered every month since 2020, CAFÉ is further along in the coalition-building process (guided by Collective Impact 3.0), so work continued to begin building the network of resources and knowledge. At the meeting, OneRouge hosted a Needs and Offers activity, looking to identify what gaps exist in the assets captured and what support exists. This activity helped illuminate some important aspects the coalition must consider, primarily the continued need for up-to-date asset mapping that is accessible to service providers and residents. You can read more about the May CAFÉ Meeting here. Transportation & Mobility (T&M) Coalition Meeting On May 25th, the inaugural meeting began the first step forward for the Transportation & Mobility Coalition. The Transportation & Social Mobility (T&M) Coalition is focused on increasing access to safe and reliable methods of mobility. Co-chairs for Transportation & Mobility Tina Ufford and Cheri Soileau and OneRouge leader Raymond Jetson opened the conversation by asking new coalition members to review the Aspirational Statement of the new coalition: Inclusive, accessible, and progressive mobility options for the present and future of our entire community. This activity guides the confirmation of the aspirational statement as well as sparks the formation of the working groups as conceptual gaps and opportunities begin to be defined. You can read more about the Transportation & Mobility Coalition launch here. If you would like to join either coalition, please click here to register.
- 3 States - 3 Service Projects: June 2023 Marks The Walls Project First National Service Series
This June, for the first time, Walls Project hosted volunteer service events in 3 different markets: Baton Rouge, LA, Dallas, TX, and Durango, CO. Each service event was carefully curated for the audience and area-specific needs. Volunteer service events, like ones hosted by Walls, offer an opportunity for people of all ages to connect to and give back to the areas they love. Fostering a place can help beyond the immediate impact. It reverberates its investment further by becoming a replicable opportunity in the future. Allowing for future experiences to be had by those wanting to make their areas better. Baton Rouge, LA On Friday, June 16th The Walls Project contributed to a community planning effort to lead off the Juneteenth celebrations, downtown in Galvez Plaza and on the Greenway. Black in Bloom: Juneteenth 2023 was a community lead celebration of arts and culture health and wellness, and of course one of African-Americans' greatest contributions to America, music. In the arts and culture pavilion, The Walls Project curated a community mural and a space for healing arts reflection. The Walls Project along with Scotland Saturdays and the Great Baton Rouge Arts Council also assisted in curating local art vendors, live painting experiences, and a historic panel between Dr. Randall Henry, Keith “Cartoonman” Douglas, and Wayne “Dang” Jones. Additionally, cultural icon Gerry Hobdy led a session on the intersection between art and entrepreneurship. Rodneyna Hart, the panel facilitator, said of the moment, “We shade ourselves with trees we did not plant. This year's Black in Bloom Juneteenth arts tent provided a rare opportunity to 'give flowers' to those who made a life and identity of art in Baton Rouge.” On Monday, The Walls Project continued its year-long support of the Baton Rouge African-American Museum by attending the march from the old old L.S. Williams then and now African-American museum to the new Baton Rouge African-American museum, where city leaders, legislators, culture-keepers, creatives, partners, and family members of the late Sadie Joseph Robertson. Stewards and artifacts from the building and a caravan walk to the new building. The opening included music speakers, a rousing request for funding led by Councilwoman, Carolyn Coleman, and the presentation of an initial fund of $250,000 towards the renovation of the former school and recycling office into a cultural hub for the African American community in the Baton Rouge Capital Region. Logo signage and eastern façade painting improvements were completed by AB Artistry and Skinny Dope ahead of the celebration to brand the new building and anchor the Downtown Corridor from the I-10 split. Dallas, TX In Dallas, The Walls Project participated in the Juneteenth 2023 celebration alongside many amazing organizations doing good work across DFW. This collaborative event allowed residents in the city of Dallas to enjoy a fun, safe, and festive experience while getting connected to many local resources and building fellowship. Nationally-known artists from South Africa presented over 90 pieces of art at the African-American Museum. Mr. Blair had a wonderful golf tournament that took place out in Grand Prairie. Miss Opal Lee's Walk for Freedom, a 2.5-mile walk to recognize the 2.5 years it took for the news of freedom to reach all enslaved people in the United States. Even right at the South Dallas Cultural Center, we had a mural revealed that was created by an artist by the name of JD. The MLK Center did great work and had an amazing festival there. This event came out of the major partnership between The Walls Project, Epiphany, New Era Booking, and Management, Heal America, Absolute Equality working together to gather numerous organizations to celebrate one collaborative DFW Juneteenth Festival that will be growing for many years to come. If Juneteenth DFW interests you, please find a way to support, to get connected, to collaborate, because this is only the first year and it's gonna be even more amazing than 2024! Durango, CO In Durango, Walls Project partnered with Manna Soup Kitchen and muralist Maddie Sanders to launch a transformative community mural project. This initiative aims to bring together volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to paint a vibrant mural at the entrance of Manna Soup Kitchen, located in Durango. The mural will reflect the organization's mission to provide nourishing meals and supportive services in an atmosphere of acceptance and caring for those in need. To help support our programs in any city, consider becoming a Walls Insider. Your recurring donation will help us continue to participate in hosting service projects like these.
- Capital Area United Way Support Food Access Through Basic Needs Grant
Capital Area United Way defines a strategy addressing "Basic Needs" by supporting programs promoting: Access to Food: number of meals served; amount of food distributed directly to individuals and families; Access to Emergency Shelter: number of shelter nights; increasing access to temporary housing; emergency assistance to prevent eviction/homelessness; Access to Transportation: increasing transportation solutions for individuals; and Access to Family Supports: increasing access to short term supports for families to create stability. Baton Roots Community Farm is one such program specifically addressing the needs around "Access to Food". Through its Community Farm systems, located in area schools, parks, and housing developments, Baton Roots is able to help grow more fresh food. This food is able to be freely distributed to local residents, students, and families. Because of the extent of the reach, Baton Roots was awarded $50,000 for the year. These funds help place the program in an extraordinary lead at the start of the fiscal year, helping support program initiatives like: Increase and improve the impact of Baton Roots program delivery through existing programs such as Hustle and Grow, Harmony Gardens, food preparation demonstrations, and other means of direct community resident engagement. Seek alliances with additional groups that can connect to those most in need. For example, work collaboratively with groups associated with re-entry programs (for persons formerly incarcerated) and systems that support food access (such as SNAP). More aggressively coordinate, promote, offer, and communicate educational programming focused on the foundational concept that (1) diet and nutrition have a direct impact on health outcomes and (2) that people can take direct action (such as backyard gardening and preparing healthy foods at home). Continue work with the American Heart Association, Geaux Get Healthy, and others who work in this area, as well as forge new alliances. Increase Baton Roots employment opportunities and encourage entrepreneurship to (a) increase fresh food production and (b) as a means of connecting food-insecure families to sustainable urban agriculture practices. Target employment for youth, unemployed, underemployed, and re-entry program participants (formerly incarcerated) through new, in-development programming such as Farmerships. Thank you for the support, Capital Area United Way!!
- Teens Can Grow! Baton Roots Summer with MYWE
Every summer, Baton Roots participates in the Mayor’s Youth Workforce Experience summer program. This initiative is led by the Mayor’s office, Big Buddy, and other community organizations, looks to “creates a pathway to success by providing young adults with a chance to discover interests, build skills, and explore careers through experiences that can serve as the foundation for educational and professional success.” The program offers rising 9th graders through recent high school graduates summer internship opportunities at local organizations. Find more information on MYWE here. Baton Roots MYWE Summer Program History This summer, youth interns came from schools including Scotlandville, Istrouma, Capitol High Schools, and Second Chance Academy. The students working on the farm range from rising 9th graders to college-bound high school graduates. Students are learning the fundamentals of urban agroforestry and community-based programming. Students participate in many parts of Baton Roots including working in the greenhouse starting seeds and maintaining seedlings, planting crops at community farm and garden sites around EBR, co-leading field trips and community programs for K-12 students in summer camps, and hosting community volunteer events at the Baton Roots Community Farm at Howell Park. Youth at Baton Roots this Summer. Baton Roots MYWE interns have attended educational and professional development opportunities including attending the Louisiana Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Field Day hosted by LSU Ag at Buden Gardens, participating in a fruit tree maintenance workshop led by Baton Rouge Green, and touring the SU Ag Greenhouses. Students are gaining essential skills in horticulture, permaculture, arboriculture, community-based education, public speaking, and teamwork. To help support Baton Roots, consider becoming a Walls Insider. Your recurring donation will help us continue to participate in programs like MYWE every summer.
- Learn Tomato Upkeep with Baton Roots
Tomatoes are a staple in many gardens due to their versatility, vibrant colors, and delicious taste. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner with a green thumb, growing tomatoes can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. In this video demo, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of successfully growing your own juicy, flavorful tomatoes right in your backyard. In addition to the upkeep of tomatoes, please consider the following when growing tomatoes this season: Choosing the Right Tomato Varieties: The first step in growing tomatoes is selecting the right variety based on your preferences and growing conditions. Determinate varieties are compact and suitable for small gardens or containers, while indeterminate varieties grow tall and require staking or caging for support. Consider factors like taste, disease resistance, and maturity time when choosing the right tomato cultivars for your garden. Preparing the Soil: Tomatoes thrive in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Before planting, prepare your garden bed by removing any weeds and loosening the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. Incorporate organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve soil structure and provide essential nutrients. Starting from Seeds or Seedlings: Tomatoes can be grown from seeds or purchased as young seedlings. If starting from seeds, sow them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Provide warmth, adequate light, and regular watering to promote healthy seedling growth. Transplant the seedlings outdoors after the threat of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. Planting and Spacing: When planting tomato seedlings or transplants, dig a hole slightly deeper than the root ball. Remove the lower leaves and bury the stem up to the first set of true leaves. This encourages the plant to develop a strong root system. Space the plants 18-36 inches apart, allowing enough room for air circulation and future growth. Providing Proper Care: Watering is crucial for healthy tomato plants. Consistently provide deep watering, ensuring the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering, as it can promote fungal diseases. Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain even soil temperatures. Fertilize regularly with a balanced organic tomato fertilizer, following the package instructions. This will provide the necessary nutrients for robust growth and fruit development. Additionally, stake or cage indeterminate varieties to support the plants as they grow taller. Disease and Pest Management: Tomatoes are susceptible to certain diseases and pests, such as blight, aphids, and tomato hornworms. Practice good garden hygiene by removing and disposing of any infected or infested plant parts. Consider using organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap to combat pests. Applying a layer of mulch can also help prevent soil-borne diseases. Harvesting and Enjoying Your Tomatoes: As your tomato plants grow, they will produce blossoms that eventually develop into ripe fruits. Harvest tomatoes when they are fully colored, firm, and have a slight give when gently squeezed. Avoid refrigerating tomatoes, as it can negatively impact their flavor and texture. Instead, store them at room temperature and consume them within a few days for the best taste. Growing your own tomatoes can be a gratifying experience, providing you with a bountiful harvest of delicious, homegrown fruits. By choosing the right varieties, preparing the soil, providing proper care, and managing diseases and pests, you can enjoy the flavors of freshly picked tomatoes right from your garden. So, roll up your sleeves, get your gardening tools ready, and embark on an exciting journey to grow your own vibrant and mouthwatering tomatoes. Happy gardening! Need support? Attend the next Sow Good Saturday and come ready with your gardening questions!
- Workshops Help to Bring Tech to Everyone
Have you ever wanted to learn about the newest innovations in tech or simply to just catch up with the ever-evolving tech world? The Futures Fund is now offering Workshops for youth and adults to expose and encourage the exploration of tech and its related careers. Futures Fund has been introducing Tech skills to youth and adults since 2016, educating over 3,500 trainees on how to code for the web or in digital photography. As the program expanded, an emerging path became clear. One-off or scaffolded workshops presented the best opportunity to allow for more exposure to the vast opportunities that tech and creative careers bring. What started as our JOLTcon event, a youth conference aimed at jolting teens into the future of the workforce has evolved into a series of events including the Hack-A-Thon Training event and the Break N2 Tech series. Our workshops help those interested navigate everything from soft skills like Project Management to hard skills like Idea Development and Pitching. Through the workshops, instructors can showcase their specialties, like cybersecurity for Futures Fund Dean of Coding, Teressa Calligan. Teressa emphasizes this by showcasing the following information, Cybersecurity is impactful to every industry nationwide, and I'm excited to be able to introduce Cybersecurity from a business-perspective to consumer-protection. Learn about Cybersecurity Today! You can learn more about our free workshops and when they are available by going here and registering! Workshops are available virtually, in Baton Rouge, LA, or in Dallas, TX.
- "Craft"ing a New Approach to Urban Agriculture with Kiarah Craft
Joining the Baton Roots team this summer is Kiarah Craft, an avid urban agriculture enthusiast. Kiarah enjoys connecting people to the food they are eating through education and hands-on training. Kiarah has spent an extensive amount of time learning about growing food, as she is getting her Masters's degree in Horticulture. She first gained academic interest in this when she joined the plant club during her undergrad at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, but she's always loved nature and plants. Kiarah spent a lot of time in the garden with her grandmother when she was younger, and contributes that connection to where her core interest in it developed. Kiarah became interested in the training Baton Roots is doing when she was TAing for the Sustainable Agriculture class at LSU. Kiarah kept returning as she began to see Baton Roots Program Coordinators Mitchell Provensal and SK Groll in the same horticulture circles and saw the alignment in the work with her thesis research. Kiarah wants to help develop a more sustainable food system in Baton Rouge, specifically, encouraging more horticulture in North Baton Rouge and areas that are food deserts. For those just getting into Urban Agriculture, Kiarah would encourage them to volunteer with Baton Roots, and other local organizations that are growing within the city. Learning with others creates a community that respects and elevates each other in the learning process. To meet Kiarah and other like-minded Urban Ag enthusiasts, visit Baton Roots on Sow Good Saturdays, every first Saturday of the month.