The new year has arrived and we hope you have been welcoming this time of change and renewal in high spirits! We would like to share some exciting news with you: our Community Engagement Coordinator Thao Tran has moved on from their position to relocate to Philadelphia, and Community Engagement Co-Manager Prairie Hale has shifted into a new role at Zenger Farm as our Operations Manager! Please see some messages from Thao and Prairie below:
I extend my warmest gratitude to the community of Zenger Farm and for the land that has kept me well and fed over the past 3 years. Thank you for the deliciousness, relationships, and wealth of knowledge that you all have shared with me. I care deeply about this community and the essential work that is happening whenever we gather in the kitchen, in the garden, at the common table over a joyful meal. As I move on from my current position to continue my journey of healing and self-reclamation, I will hold onto all of these memories and lessons. The struggle for food justice is both personal and political, and I am tremendously grateful for the privilege to take part in your personal journeys to define what food justice means for all of us. I am so excited for what the future brings to Zenger Farm and the people who continue to grow and heal here. With love, Thao
There’s also change in store for me as I moved into the position of Operations Manager in January. After 11 years working in community engagement and program management, I’m looking forward to learning new skills and supporting Zenger Farm at an organizational level, while managing systems for communications, finances, human resources, and facilities. Reflecting back on my work with community engagement, I’m so grateful for all the people I’ve gotten to know, who’ve come together across cultures and backgrounds to share, grow and learn together on this beautiful land. Together, we’ve nourished community and well-being in a neighborhood impacted by injustice. I’ve learned so much every year from colleagues and community members and developed many wonderful friendships. Even though I won’t be at as many community events, I’d love to stay connected. Please stop by the office and say hi anytime! Warmly, Prairie