Jamese Kwele
Vice President, Organizational and Food Systems Equity
I work in partnership with colleagues and teams across the organization to support Ecotrust’s transformation into an antiracist organization, while also providing support and strategic oversight across a variety of programmatic efforts including the Viviane Barnett Fellowship, BIPOC Farm to Market Program, Equitable Food Economy Collaborative, ProCureWorks Northwest and regional/statewide farm to child nutrition efforts. I am also a co-founder of the Black Food Fund and serve on the boards of the Black Oregon Land Trust, Black Food Sovereignty Coalition, and the National Farm to School Network. Originally from California, I spent twenty years living and working in the greater Philadelphia area before returning to the West Coast in 2019. I am fueled by authentic connection, subversive humor, and deep joy.
Ecotrust Teams:
- Food Systems, JEDI Accountability and Advisory Group, Leadership Team
Links
Jamese writes about a visit with USDA Under Secretary Jennifer Lester Moffitt in March 2022 that focused on Ecotrust’s efforts to expand and strengthen opportunities for local and regional food producers to sell to institutions.
Read more about our work to advance equitable outcomes within Ecotrust and throughout the region.
As Jamese wrote in June 2020, building resilient communities, ecosystems, and economies requires a multitude of approaches. Read about and support these Black-led organizations who are showing the way.
Featured Projects
A cohort-based program designed for aspiring and experienced leaders of color working to build equitable, climate-resilient food systems
A training program for farmers and producers who are Black, African, Indigenous, and people of color in the Portland Metro area