Vanessa is a scholar-activist passionate for advocating for minorities, immigrants, and refugees in food, agriculture, the environment, and natural resources. She is a graduate student at Michigan State University Department of Community Sustainability focusing on Community Agriculture and Food Systems, to support civically-focused efforts that revitalize our food systems. She serves in The Agriculture, Food and Human Values Society board and is a member of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences and Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanic and Native American in the Sciences where she seeks to advance people of color in academia and in food, agriculture, the environment, and natural resources fields. She has worked with Food Solutions New England, MSU Center for Regional Food Systems and at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Vanessa is an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, and she brings her identities and experiences to shape her advocacy and research. Vanessa is a 2020 Michigan Junior Food System Leader of  the Year and 2019 James Beard Foundation Scholar.  

 In this episode you will learn: 

- How agriculture allows Vanessa to connect with her heritage, family and community. 

- The importance of creating opportunities for people of color (poc) to own land and become farm operators instead of just being farm workers. 

- The challenges new immigrants face when migrating to the United States.  

Connect with Vanessa on Social Media 

 Website: www.vanessagarciapolanco.com 

Twitter: @vgpvisions Instagram: @vgpvisions  

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