Strong Women Building A Gentle World

Toni House and her daughter Jasmine Jimerson are 2nd and 3rd generations in a line of strong women who are passionate about sustaining the native culture of their Oneida Nation, including language. “The more you speak the language, the more you learn about the culture,” says Jasmine.

We are inspired by their story.

Tagen Towsley Baker and her daughter Mila grow lavender at their home near the Space Force base in California. They create lavender sachets to thank neighboring veterans for their service. As a military family that moves every couple of years, they have found that lavender has helped them find a sense of community.

We are inspired by their story.

Lynn Martin is a licensed falconer and wildlife rehabilitator. She gives people a close up experience with wildlife by working with ambassador birds that cannot be released due to injury. This helps build knowledge and respect for these creatures. “Animals have a lot to teach us,” says Lynn.

We are inspired by her story.

Michelle Woo is a botanical artist committed to helping refugees. She donates a percentage of all sales to non-profits like the Lemon Tree Trust, which helps refugees living in camps realize the benefits of creating green spaces; and to a local career center equipping refugees with career skills and leadership training.

We are inspired by her story.

Adrienne Scott-Ellis is a former teacher and founder of Sowing Seeds of Change in Utah. The community garden provides a safe place where students are encouraged to talk about social change. As they pull weeds they discuss ways to ‘root out’ injustices in the world. The garden donates produce to people in need.

We are inspired by her story.

Viviana DeCohen, a veteran of the US Marine Corps, has dedicated her life to working with veterans, ensuring food, shelter and motivation for all. She finds the serenity of gardening offers a tool for healing. She was recently appointed Commissioner of the Veterans Service Agency by the Mayor of Mt. Vernon, NY.

We are inspired by her story.
www.womanswork.com

Sarah Red-Laird is founder of BeeGirl.org, a nonprofit dedicated to education, policy, & bee conservation. She also serves as “Kids and Bees” program director for the American Bee-keeping Federation. With a focus on community collaboration, she works to educate the public about saving the bees!

We are inspired by her story.
www.womanswork.com

Natasha Bowens Blair is a farmer and author. Her book "The Color of Food" spotlights the often-overlooked history of people of color in agriculture. A community activist, Natasha has donated over 200 bouquets of Native Mountain Farm's harvest to seniors and mothers in public housing.

We are inspired by her story.
www.womanswork.com

Rebecca Webster is a citizen of the Oneida Nation in Wisconsin. She's an attorney and professor of tribal administration and governance. Her personal mission is to develop her 10 acre farm into a community hub for learning about planting, growing, harvesting, seed keeping, food preparation and food storage. Every seed she plants is an assertion of sovereignty.

We are inspired by her story.
www.womanswork.com

Katie Stagliano started Katie's Krops with the goal of fighting hunger. After donating a homegrown cabbage to a local soup kitchen at age 9, Katie started a garden at her school to help those in need. There are now 100 Katie's Krops gardens run by young growers across the USA!

We are inspired by her story.

Virginia Frazier leads Collegiate Plant Initiative, a student-run organization that connects college students to the horticulture industry. Her goal is to “make people who love plants”. Through Plant Drops CPI visits campuses around the country, giving away plants, hoping to build lifelong connections.

We are inspired by her story.

Kelly Carlisle leads Acta Non Verba: Youth Urban Farm Project, which creates a safe and creative outdoor space for children and families in East Oakland, CA. Through camp, after school programs, and farm days, she helps children develop a relationship with the natural world.

We are inspired by her story.

Elizabeth Hoover’s work with the Mohawk Indian organization “We Are Planting Good Seeds” led to a road trip and book project. The book she co-authored explores the importance of food sovereignty for Native peoples in the United States, and asks how it might be achieved and sustained.

We are inspired by her story.