FOOD FUNDED

After previously working in international development and at the United Nations, Ani's health journey inspired her study Holistic and Ayurvedic Nutrition. She eventually combined her passion for health & wellness and sustainability by creating Chai Five Organics. Chai Five is the first 100% single origin, heirloom chai created to energize, and heal stress damage. Ani brought together her  ancestral and scientific knowledge to create her chai blends while remaining committed to supporting sustainability, farmer equity, and community empowerment. Chai Five is rooted in ancient Ayurveda, and is perfect for those seeking a coffee alternative or anyone seeking a delicious daily ritual to heal stress and nourish the body and mind naturally.

Dawnelise has spent 20 year in the farm to table restaurant and social equity non-profit spaces. She is co-founder of Corazon Healdsburg and owner/operator of Scopa and Campo Fina restaurants.  Dawnelise is dedicated to co-creating equitable and and sustainable balanced community.

Elizabeth has worked at the intersection of food, climate, and agriculture for the past fifteen years. She is Chief Strategy Officer for Mad Agriculture, a non-profit that works with farmers as agents of change to move from extractive, conventional agriculture to regenerative, organic farming.  The Mad! family of companies provide land and business planning, farmer forward financing, marketplace development, and storytelling.  Elizabeth’s role is to implement strategic initiatives in collaboration with our diverse network of partners in order to accelerate systematic change in our food system and help spark the regenerative revolution in agriculture.

Elizabeth Whitlow serves as the Executive Director of the Regenerative Organic Alliance, leading a transformative movement to drive long necessary changes to our agricultural system through the Regenerative Organic Certified® standard: an innovative benchmark for food, fiber, and wellness ingredients grounded in the pillars of soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness. With a master's degree in environmental studies focused in agroecology, Elizabeth began her career as an advocate for shade-grown, fair-trade and organic coffee growers in Central America. This work sparked a twenty+ year journey examining systemic agricultural policies and championing programs that reward holistic farmers.

Marivel Mendoza is a proud first-generation Mexicana born and raised in Oakland, CA. As the daughter of parents who immigrated from Michoacan, Mexico and began their journey in the US working in the fields of the Central Valley, Marivel seeks to honor her roots and lend support to others making the sacrifices needed for a better life.

Azizam Wines – founded in 2022 by Maryam Hariri, climate-change policymaker turned climate-adaptive winemaker – is a project of the soul. After 4 years of honing in on her craft at the premier natural winery in Mexico, Maryam launched her own label to focus on climate-adaptive grapes and uniquely Mexican varietals, such as Mission, Rosa Del Peru and Palomino, sourced from old vines, lost ranches and small-scale, sustainable farms.

Azizam’s energy stems from its authenticity, in vision and practice. Maryam brings together her ancient Persian heritage of winemaking with ancient production methods: hand destemming and fermentation in concrete tinajas and lagars, with only wild yeast and spontaneous fermentation.

Merril Gilbert is a provocative thought leader in the future of food and cannabis consumable innovations. A visionary connector enthusiastic about change, Merril believes in using available resources to lead healthier and more resilient lives. As co-founder and CEO of Curious Futures, Merril provides strategic guidance to innovators, disruptors, and refiners.

Reyna own and operates Yagi Sisters Farm, a small-scale vegetable and herb farm with specialties in Asian varieties. Hailing from the Bay Area with a background in environmental science and policy, Reyna chose to live through example starting her own operation. Besides selling to local restaurants, she ensures the farm also welcomes experimentation, education, and training opportunities.

I created AVIVO to delight consumers with delicious, healthy, affordable wine — and to address climate change with farming practices that actively sequester carbon. We will amplify our impact by demonstrating that this approach makes money for our investors, and by openly sharing our financial results.

Everything we do derives from this goal: what we grow, how we farm, how we make our wine, how it is packaged and priced.

Tim Richards is the Founder, Owner, and CEO of Philosopher Foods since 2013. He combined his passions for food, health, philosophy, and activism into founding this regenerative CPG company.

Philosopher Foods® exists to promote the flourishing of all Life through delicious, nutritious, ethical, and ecological food products from regenerative agriculture. Know Thy Foods® is our mantra!

Our line of sprouted almond butters and dehydrated Gut Nuts™ fermented snack nuts are Regenerative Organic Certified® and Glyphosate Residue Free certified plant-based proteins.