Take Out With Ashley and Robyn

Today's podcast is sponsored by The Better Nutrition Program and Fullscript. Below is a link to the FREE practitioner account.https://thebetternutritionprogram.comhttps://us.fullscript.com/practitioner-signup/BNPLisa A. Price NDwww.drlisapricend.com EducationDoctor of Naturopathic Medicine, 1998; Bastyr University, Bothell, WAMaster of Science, 1988; SUNY, College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Environmental Biotechnology/Microbiology and Biochemistry.Bachelor of Science, 1986; SUNY, College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Environmental Forest Biology.Work Experience Naturopathic Doctor 2018 – current, Seattle, WA; Tacoma, WA – Currently in solo practice in Seattle as well as a practitioner with the Puget Sound Family Health Clinic in Tacoma, Washington. Naturopathic Doctor 1999-2018, Seattle, WA – Northwest Natural Health Clinic (2011 – August, 2018), a specialty clinic delivering complementary cancer care in partnership with Oncologists at four major Puget Sound Cancer Clinics and hospitals. Our team of physicians also delivers a broad range of healthcare services to patients. My passion is food during all phases of cancer treatment (see book publication). Adjunct Faculty, Bastyr University 2003 to current, Kenmore, WA - Responsible for teaching various courses including Biochemistry (current), Introduction to Western Pathology, Infectious Disease Laboratory, Microbiology Lecture and Laboratory, Disease Processes I and Disease Processes II, Biochemistry Laboratory. I also taught Microbiology at Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine (2005). Research Instructor, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Natural Health Sciences, Bastyr University, 2005-2007, Kenmore, WA – As part of an NIH-supported research team in the Wenner/Novack laboratories, I studied the immunomodulating affects of Trametes versicolor, a traditionally used medicinal mushroom, with regards to breast cancer. My focus was looking at 1) the affects the mushroom has on the population dynamics and phenotypic expression of T helper cells, and 2) elucidation of mechanistic pathways (TLRs) involved in inflammatory cytokine secretion. I functioned as a primary investigator and thus had the responsibilities of designing and executing experiments and experimental designs, problem solving, inventory and ordering, data analysis and participating as part of the team. I was also responsible for generating reports and publishing papers to help support the groups efforts and to build my own portfolio. In the border sense this position required me to function as part of the Basic Science Department team which entailed attending meetings and participating in various working committees.NIH T32 Post Doctoral Fellow, 2007-2010, Kenmore, WA – This position was a continuation of the research instructor position. This mentored position provided extended training in basic and clinical sciences. Additionally, my interests included investigation of Trametes versicolor, and other natural products affects on the translational protein PI 3 kinase and Akt in PTEN null tumor cells. My responsibilities also extended to research coordination and management. During this period of time I completed my first training for clinical research involving human subjects. As well, I mentored over eight students in our basic science laboratory.Co- investigator for Merkel cell carcinoma pilot study, 2009 – 2011, Kenmore, WA – This position entailed developing a clinical plan to study the effects of medicinal mushrooms on Merkel cell carcinoma. The study worked in collaboration with Dr. Paul Nghiem, MD, PhD at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Our teams planned to investigate the changes that occur with regards to CD8, MHC class I in the tumor, and to Natural Killer cells systemically. I also served as a study clinician that involved creating study protocol and the Informed Consent form as well as other study documents. Graduate Research, 1985-1988. SUNY, ESF, Syracuse, N.Y. - Research focused on isolating a bacterium capable of lignin degradation, and the subsequent identification of the bacterium, and the isolation and structural identification of lignin metabolites. Techniques included soil collection, bacterial culture and isolation using microbiological techniques, cell lyphilization, thin plate chromatography, solvent extraction, column chromatography, NMR, HPLC, and spectroscopic DNA analysis. Technical writing, statistical data analysis, and some grant writing were also involved. Research results were delivered at the 1987 American Association of Microbiology conference in Atlanta, GA.Research Laboratory Assistant, 1988-1989, Syracuse, N.Y. - Research involved the biodegradation of lignin by specific fungi. Research focused on various aspects, including products of biodegradation and enzymatic isolation and kinetic studies. Techniques used included spectrophotometric assays and radioisotope studies. Paper published by group in the Journal of Biochemistry, 1989.Research Laboratory Assistant, 1989-1990, Anchorage, AK; University of Alaska, Anchorage - Immunological research focused on the induction and isolation of various forms of DHEA from mice species. I was responsible for all aspects, as the sole laboratory assistant for the project. Techniques included ELISA assays, radioisotope/thin layer chromatography, Western and Northern blot with radioisotopes. Much of the research was focused on the initial development of isolation techniques.Peace Corps, Benin, West Africa, 1990 - Was placed in forestry position with the intent of identification and inventory of existing indigenous tree species. Intensive French languages training completed as well as introduction to ethnobotanical uses and identification of native tree and plant species.Environmental Research Laboratory Assistant, 1991-1992, Parametrix, Bellevue, WA - Environmental research technician. Activities focused on performing standard toxicology assays on soil samples and crustacean species. I was also given the responsibility to develop a new protocol for testing a specific toxin. Other responsibilities included soil sample collection and preparation, and serving as a scientific liaison to the environmental engineers at the firm.Community Coalition for Environmental Justice, 1992 -1995, Seattle, WA - The coalition's activities focused on the identifying "hot spots" in the Seattle area which may be experiencing high relative pollution exposure by industry. The national trend for this type of exposure is in low income and communities of color. I served on the originating committee that formed the coalition as a non-profit. I also served as an organizer of the first conference on Environmental Justice in the Pacific Northwest and for a summer held a paid research staff (I subsequently entered Bastyr University).Bastyr University Bioethics Committee, 1996-1997, Kenmore, WA - Was nominated and requested to serve on the committee at Bastyr University which reviews proposals for alternative research. The review process only focused on the ethics of research. Responsibilities included reading and understanding the basic information proposed in the document, participating in discussion at the meeting, and participating in the decision if the proposal meets with ethical integrity.Sappho/Verbena Clinic at the Country Doctor Health Clinic, 1999- 2006, Seattle, WA - Position involved all aspects of patient care including intake, examination, diagnosis, and referral. Sappho clinic is an integrated clinic with a MD, a nurse practitioner, and a naturopath. It is part of the Country Doctor Public Health Clinic.Vashon Natural Medicine, 2000- 2001, Vashon, WA - Position involved all aspects of patient care including intake, examination, diagnosis, and referral. Therapeutics used includes botanical medicine, homeopathy, supplements and diet manipulation. Stonewall Recovery Services, 2001 - 2004, Seattle, WA - Position involved reviewing title 19 charts for addiction support service funding. I am looking for indication of addiction, as referred to in the DMV. Capital Hill Clinic, 2001 - 2003, Seattle, WA - Small primary care health clinic, was independently run and managed by myself. Responsibilities included patient intake, examination, referrals, diagnosis, billing, and inventory. Bioresources Development and Conservation program Applied Integrated Medical Systems Project, Project Coordinator, 2001-2004, Seattle, WA/Washington, DC – Program sought to create and apply a model for integrated medicine in tropical ecosystems. Responsibilities included developing concept paper, grant proposals, grants, networking, building computer databases, marketing and research. Curriculum Consultant, Bastyr University, 2003 to 2006, Kenmore, WA – Responsible for the development of a preparatory course for incoming naturopathic students. Responsibilities included developing a course schedule, resources, evaluations, examinations, tutoring, and class times. I supervised and hired seven teachers and tutors.Honors OPUS23 Certification 2019 – current (genomic analysis expert using OPUS23 software)Naturopath for Seattle Opera 2014- currentNational Society of Naturopathic Physicians of Color, Secretary 2012Research Coordinator, Northwest Natural Health Clinic, 2011 - 2018NCCAM Minority Researcher Spotlight – 2010Mentor for research students at Bastyr University – 2007-2013NIH/NCCAM T32 Post Doctoral Fellowship Grant– 2005-2010NIH Diversity Awards Supplement – Oct. 2005 – 2007Counseling Honors, Naturopathic Medicine Program, Bastyr University, 1997-1998Bioethics Committee, Bastyr University – 1996-1997Founder, Community Coalition for Environmental Justice, Seattle WA, 1992-1995Peace Corps, Benin, West Africa, 1990Thesis Committee member for M.S. nutrition students (2), 2009-2013 FellowshipsFellowship from SUNY, ESF for Master of Science research.NIH, T32 Postdoctoral Fellowship; 2005 to 2010 PresentationsAmerican Microbiology Association, 1987; Presented graduate research results at the annual conference in Atlanta, GACancer Care Lifeline, 2012-current; Present on various aspects of complementary cancer care. Gilda’s Club, 2013; Presented on how food and nutrition can help to support conventional cancer treatment and decrease side effects. Publications and Abstracts “Breast Cancer: Thriving through Treatment” Demos Health Publishing, Inc., NYC publish date: Spring 2019 “Prostate Cancer: Thriving through Treatment” Demos Health Publishing, Inc., NYC published Jan., 2019 “Cooking Through Cancer Treatment to Recovery” cookbook published March 16, 2015 by Demos Medical Publishing Inc. Price and Gins “Stimulation of TNF-alpha secretion by Polysaccharide Krestin, a Trametes versicolor mushroom extract, is toll-like receptor 4-dependent and dectin-1 independent”, Price et al. Submitted for publication in February, 2010 to Fitoterapia, accepted June 2010.“Comparative effects of Reishi and Turkey Tail Mushrooms on macrophage receptors”, Price et al.; presented at the American Society of Pharmacognosy, Honolulu, HI, 2009.Stimulation of TNF- α secretion by Polysaccharide Krestin, a Trametes versicolor mushroom extract, is toll-like receptor 4-dependent and dectin-1 independentLisa A. Price, Cynthia A. Wenner, Daniel T. Sloper, Joel W. Slaton, Jeffrey P. Novack; presented at the American Society of Pharmacognosy, Greece 2008 and at the Annual Oxford International Conference on The Science of Botanicals, Mississippi, 2007Post-Intelligencer article, August 2006 – “August blackberries: Invasive weed or nutritional powerhouse?”Additional Projects Allegory: Stories that shape the Soul Host, Unapologetically Black series (Merika Productions) March 2019 New Urban Unlimited Radio Health Show “The Feed” – KKNW 1150 AM radio broadcast 2013- 2018Sound Integrated Health News, Founder and Chief Editor- online publication dedicated to promoting the use of integrated medical therapies. 2009-2012Gage Art Studio Youth Committee. Seattle, 2009- 2013Bastyr University working group for the creation of a program in Pharmacognosy M.S./PhD- 2006 to 2009 Board Member: Community Coalition for Environmental Justice, Seattle Washington, 2009Peruvian Ethnobotany working group, 2005 to current; group’s goal is to establish a collaborative grant focused on an interdisciplinary study of specific Peruvian medicinal plantsAssisted in the development of the Bastyr University's ethnobotany class curriculum taught in 2001.Contextual Healing Workshops, 2001 - Formulated and organized workshops regarding how symbols affect health and healing processes.

www.greenheffafarms.comifundwomen.com/projects/leveling-the-planting-field.Clarenda "Farmer Cee" Stanley is a fifth-generation farmer, originally from Annie Manie, Alabama. She did not set out in life to follow on her family's agrarian path. But in 2017, she found herself returning to her roots as the CEO of Green Heffa Farms (GHF), a medicinal plant and hemp farm in Liberty, NC. As one of the first black women to be licensed in North Carolina, she was selected as the 2019 Featured Farmer for Hemp History Week, the nation's largest grassroots campaign for the federal legalization of industrial hemp. She has been featured in more than 200 national and international publications, including April’s Oprah O Magazine, and is a well-sought after speaker at national conferences. An award-winning fundraising and marketing professional, Cee is currently a senior principal gifts officer at The Nature Conservancy's World Office. She is the first black American to hold this title at the world's largest environmental organization. In this role, Cee manages a global portfolio of high net worth donors. She also recently assumed leadership for developing the organization's first philanthropic inclusion program, strategically helping the organization broaden its donor constituency to achieve its conservation goals. Previously Cee worked as VP for Advancement at Shaw University in Raleigh, NC, Director of Development and Communications for the Lucy Daniels Foundation and was a Major Gifts Officer at NC Central University. Green Heffa Farms is one of very few black-owned farms in Chatham County and perhaps the only one growing hemp that is led by a black woman. Transitioning to organic, it will also be another rarity - a minority woman owned USDA certified organic farm. The farm is committed to best practices in regenerative agriculture. It seeks to create a learning lab where aspiring and current farmers can gain critical skills in boutique hemp and medicinal plant cultivation, production, and needed business skills. GHF hopes to increase the number of socially and ecologically conscious farmers, with a focus on underrepresented populations. Cee has earned a bachelors in marketing from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and a masters degree in education from Troy University. In 2016, she selected by her peers as the 2016 Association for Fundraising Professionals, Triangle Chapter Fundraiser of the Year and in 2017, received the C-Suite Award for Nonprofit Leadership. Cee has also earned the coveted Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation.

Rising 9th graders Jay Bowles and Karn Kaura started a campaign to support the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Having far exceeded their original goal of $3,500, they now hope to raise $18,650 in honor of Juneteenth, a holiday that celebrates June 19, 1865, the date the last enslaved African Americans were liberated. In their words, "We chose the NAACP Legal Defense Fund because it helps to provide justice for African Americans and people of color in court. We need to stand together, stand stronger, and help provide justice for those who have been mistreated, killed, abused and harassed because of the color of their skin.” These are the youngest guests ever featured on TakeOut with Ashley and Robyn. They possess profound composure, insight and wisdom. While we normally share bios of our guests, we invite you to listen and let their words speak for themselves. https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-the-naacp-legal-defense-fund?utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link-tipMore information about the work of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund: https://www.naacpldf.org/about-us/ Link to interview with Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors: https://www.instagram.com/p/CBjqeddp-7e/?igshid=1wruc8bgjjsiiAdditional CAA Amplify Town Hall content is available on social channels at @CAAamplify The documentary “13th” regarding the history of racial bias in mass incarceration is available on Netflix A comprehensive collection of information about Mahatma Gandhi is available here: www.mkgandhi.org

Jeff Tkach serves as the Chief Impact Officer for the Rodale Institute. Jeff is responsible forexpanding Rodale Institute’s global influence in healing people and the planet byunlocking the transformational power of regenerative organic agriculture.As Chief Impact Officer, Jeff leads the development and execution of the Institute’s corestrategies, overseeing opportunities for partnership and co-investment that drive positiveoutcomes for Rodale’s philanthropic and programmatic initiatives.Jeff served on the Rodale Institute’s Board of Directors in 2016, where he was instrumental infostering relationships between the organization and business leaders in the organic foodindustry. With the commencement of his role as Chief Growth Officer, Tkach resigned from hisposition as a Board member.From 2015 – 2016, Jeff served as Managing Director and Vice President for Rodale’s OrganicLife and Prevention Magazines, where he oversaw business objectives and strategic operationsfor both brands, leading efforts across print and digital advertising, sales and marketing, liveevents, and e-tailing to maximize growth opportunities.Previously, Tkach served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Life Time Fitness and asGroup Publisher at Active Interest Media (AIM) from 2013-2015, overseeing Yoga Journal andVegetarian Times. He was responsible for leading Yoga Journal’s relaunch in 2014, resulting in arecord-breaking 40th year of publication for the brand.A Pennsylvania native, Tkach earned a degree in business marketing from Kutztown Universityand a post graduate “Authentic Leadership Certificate” from Naropa University in Boulder, CO.He regularly speaks at various industry organizations on behalf of Rodale Institute, in an effort tocatalyze the human connection to regenerative organic agriculture and its ability to heal theworld.Inspired by his work at Naropa, Jeff is an advocate for bringing mindful leadership tocorporations to help people reach their greatest potential. Jeff aims to inspire and mobilizepeople around him to make an impact by bringing his deeply collaborative and highlyentrepreneurial spirit to everything he does.ABOUT RODALE INSTITUTE: Rodale Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to pioneeringorganic farming through research and outreach. For more than seventy years, we’ve beenresearching the best practices of organic agriculture and sharing our findings with farmers andscientists throughout the world, advocating for policies that support farmers, and educatingconsumers about how going organic is the healthiest options for people and the planet.

Ashley and Robyn welcome Soren Bjorn to talk about the health benefits, access to, and secret recipe for Driscolls berries. The conversation dives deeply into the issues facing America’s farmers and all of us who enjoy berries as part of our food choices. You won’t want to miss this episode!Soren Bjorn is President of Driscoll’s of the Americas, the leading global brand for fresh berries. In his role, Mr. Bjorn leads the largest business unit for Driscoll’s and is responsible for all aspects of the business enterprise from the strategic planning process and to its financial success. Family owned for more than 100 years, Driscoll’s works with more than 700 independent growers around the world to create shared value in the communities where Driscoll’s berries are grown.Soren has been with Driscoll’s for more than eleven years and has led several key functional areas. He served as the company’s first senior vice president of international business and was responsible for oversight of Driscoll’s Europe, Middle East and Africa business, an Australia based joint venture and a new start-up venture in China. In addition, Soren has led Driscoll’s global research and breeding programs which focus on developing proprietary seedlings in order to deliver great tasting berries to consumers. This superior flavor is a competitive differentiator and one of the primary reasons Driscoll’s is the market leader in fresh berries.As a seasoned executive in the food industry, Soren spent six years with Del Monte Foods in San Francisco. There, his responsibilities included outsourcing of manufacturing operations globally, and the management of the company’s sales and operations planning department. Soren also held the role of President and CEO for UniMark Foods, Inc. Soren grew up in Silkeborg, Denmark. He earned an MBA from Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, Texas and a BBA from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Today, Soren lives on the California Central Coast and is the father of three boys.

Elizabeth Nardi is the CEO of Organically Grown Company, an organization that has powerfully grown the organic movement for over 50 years. She sits down with Robyn and Ashley to share her greatest motivator (it will bring you to tears) and what steps an organization can take to protect both values and shareholder return.

Impossible Burger or Beyond Burger, which one is better for you, the planet, farmers and the stock market? In this episode, Ashley and Robyn pull apart the burgers to assess their health so you can make better choices about what goes in you, where and how you allocate your resources. So grab Take Out with Ashley and Robyn before you grab either of these plant-based burgers!

With the government shutdown and no end in sight, the headlines could scare us all into a food panic. Join Take Out co-hosts to sort fact from fiction, for a menu of your better choices, and a discussion of policies, programs, and partners who can help keep our food safer for all.

Paul Greenberg is the New York Times bestselling author of Four Fish, American Catch, and The Omega Principle. A regular contributor to the Times and many other publications, Mr. Greenberg is the winner of a James Beard Award for Writing and Literature, a Pew Fellow in Marine Conservation and the writer-in-residence at the Safina Center. He has been featured on Fresh Air with Terry Gross, TED and PBS's Frontline. For a Chance to win a copy of Paul's new book The Omega Principle click here!https://sweeps.penguinrandomhouse.com/enter/omega-principle

With Master Degrees in Health and Exercise Science from Furman University, Dr. Tommy John brings over 17 years of health experience to the table. At completion of his studies Dr. Tommy played professional baseball for three years with teams such as the Schaumburg Flyers, Tyler Roughnecks and the LA Dodgers. After his career was abruptly ended from a rare infection in his throwing shoulder, Dr. Tommy developed his own baseball performance company providing over 11,000 baseball training sessions for baseball enthusiasts from ages six to thirty. Additionally, he expanded his practice of personal training, sports performance training and rehabilitation of all types of soft tissue injuries. Dr. Tommy was drawn to chiropractic because he realized there was a higher element missing from the healing, performance process and proper function of the human body in the innate intelligence and the nervous system: brain, brain stem and spinal cord. That paramount observation led him to obtain his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree from Life University, (a 4-year program), in Marietta, Georgia, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. As the son of renowned Major League Baseball pitcher Tommy John who played in the Major Leagues for 26 seasons and was the first person to comeback in 1974 from the revolutionary surgery named the Tommy John Surgery, it is not surprising that Dr. Tommy developed a passion for proper healing and physical function as he witnessed firsthand the outcomes of injury, innovation and principled healing.The primary goal of Dr. Tommy John Performance and Healing Center is to provide entire families with integrative, individualized care plans and treatment to improve their quality of life by reducing physical and emotional pain from injury and aging and minimizing the use of pharmaceuticals or surgery.Dr. Tommy John also has a book coming out in June 2018(Da Capo) which is a unique program: a diet, lifestyle, and movement plan (Rethink. Rebuild. Replenish. Recover) for injury- and performance-proofing young athletes in every sport.Beginning as early as age 6 and continuing through the teenage years and on into their twenties, both male and female athletes are more at risk of serious injuries at younger ages than ever before. Concussions are up 500%, ACL surgeries have increases 60% over the last 20 years in 6-18 year olds and are a public health issue, and Tommy John Surgeries are occurring 57% of the time in 15-19 year olds. The book covers all sports and discusses the specialization of sports, what’s happening to our kids today, and how they can correct the mistakes being done so they can grow up healthier. Not just from a physical standpoint, but from a nutritional and emotional standpoint as well. It’s about approaching the game the right way, no matter what game, sport, or activity a young athlete participates in. Dr. John’s book is a fusion of thousands of hours of research, clinical experience, and personal experimentation he has used with kids and clients alike for years, merged with the same simple philosophy of healing his Dad used 40 years ago. But his book isn’t just about injury avoidance—and it’s more than just sports. It’s about correcting the developmental deficiencies that are happening right now in youth athletes. It’s a return to traditional methods and techniques—through making the right diet, exercise and lifestyle choices—to reestablish the functional movements lost today. It’s not just about saving an elbow—it’s about saving a life. And it’s about finally attaching the name Tommy John to something positive again. Dr. Tommy John’s name used to be associated to a legendary pitcher, and now, it’s connected to a crisis. Soon, the next time someone says the name “Tommy John,” they won’t just think about injury. They will remember his Dad…and hopefully the son that showed them a set of principles that not only saved their own child’s arm, but allowed them to reach their greatest potential in life.

As President of the General Mills Natural & Organic Operating Unit, Carla leads both financial, strategic and environmental stewardship strategy for Natural and Organic brands in General Mills. The portfolio includes Annie’s, Cascadian Farm, Muir Glen, EPIC, and Immaculate Baking. As a member of the North American Leadership team, Carla also provides long-term vision and strategic leadership to drive double-digit growth and environmental sustainability for the entire $1B General Mills portfolio of Natural and Organic foods.Prior to this role, Carla led the business strategy for a $1.5 Billion portfolio of snack brands including Nature Valley and Larabar. While in Snacks, Carla continued her track record of business turnarounds and growth acceleration by driving unprecedented results on Larabar, quadrupling growth from +16% to +70% in six months. She also restored growth to the $1 Billion Nature Valley brand (the world’s top selling granola bar brand) resulting in the highest level of unit sales in the brand’s history. Carla’s General Mills career has also included leadership on the Yogurt and Cereal Businesses, as well a role on the Corporate Strategy and Mergers and Acquisition team. Outside of General Mills, Carla recently served on the national Board of Directors for the Make-a-Wish Foundation and the Advisory Board for the Wisconsin School of Business’s Center for Brand and Product Management. Carla loves to coach people reach their goals on the Whole 30 food program. And she is also an active volunteer at her church and her children’s school. Prior to joining General Mills, Carla worked for U.S. Senator Carol Moseley-Braun and The Nature Conservancy. Carla received her BA in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Princeton University and an MBA from the University of Texas, Austin (as a Consortium Fellow). And she is a member of CAA Amplify Class of 2017 and is a Henry Crown Fellows at the Aspen Institute.Carla can be found on social media at: @CarlaInspired on twitter, Instagram, SnapchatCarla’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlainspired/

Errol Schweizerwas born and raised in the Bronx, New York and has nearly 25 years’ experience in Natural and Organic food, starting out in food co-op's, farmer's markets and community supported agriculture. He led the Grocery division at Whole Foods for nearly a decade and was responsible for the merchandising and product assortment for over 75 product categories. He consistently exceeded sales and profitability goals during his tenure by prioritizing ethically and transparently sourced products. His team launched thousands of products into household names (such as Justin's, Suja, Siggi's, Califia Farms and more), helped popularize trends such as Biodynamics and Fair Trade, and helped shepherd over 10,000 items thru Non GMO Verification. Errol was recently named one of the top 25 retail game changers in the USA. Over the years, he has also been an organizer on mandatory minimum drug sentencing, fair labor and environmental justice issues. He is currently a strategic advisor and board member for select retailers and manufacturers, and is on the Board of Directors of Demeter USA and the Non GMO Project.

Kris Carr is a multiple New York Times best-selling author, speaker, and wellness activist. She is the subject and director of the documentary Crazy Sexy Cancer, which premiered at the SXSW Film Festival and aired on TLC, The Discovery Channel, and The Oprah Winfrey Network. Kris is also the author of the award-winning Crazy Sexy book series. Her latest books, Crazy Sexy Juice, Crazy Sexy Kitchen and Crazy Sexy Diet, will change the way you live, love, and eat! Kris regularly lectures at hospitals, wellness centers, corporations such as Whole Foods, and Harvard University. Named a “new role model” by The New York Times, she has been featured in Glamour, Vanity Fair, Scientific American, Success, Forbes, People, Good Morning America, the Today show, CBS Evening News, The Early Show, Access Hollywood, The Doctors, Super Soul Sunday, and The Oprah Winfrey Show. As an irreverent foot soldier in the fight against disease, Kris inspires countless people to take charge of their health and happiness by adopting a plant-passionate diet, self-care practices, and learning to live and love like they really mean it. In Oprah’s words, “Kris Carr’s riveting journey started a revolution.” Visit her at Kriscarr.com.

Seth Goldman co-founded Honest® Tea in 1998 with Professor Barry Nalebuff of the Yale School of Management. Over the past eighteen years the company has thrived as consumers have shifted toward healthier and more sustainable diets. In March 2011, Honest Tea was acquired by The Coca-Cola Company, helping to further the reach and impact of Honest Tea’s mission by becoming the first organic and Fair Trade brand in the world's largest beverage distribution system. Today, Honest Tea is the nation’s top selling ready-to-drink organic bottled tea and Honest Kids® is the nation’s top-selling organic children/youth beverage. The brands are carried in more than 100,000 outlets in the United States, including all Wendy’s and Chik-fil-A restaurants. In 2016 Honest Tea’s distribution will be expanding to Europe.In 2016, Seth transitioned to a new role at Honest Tea as TeaEO Emeritus and Innovation Catalyst for Coca-Cola’s Venturing & Emerging Brands business unit. This transition allows him to take on an additional role as Executive Chairman of Beyond Meat, a privately held California-based enterprise where Seth has served as a board member since 2012. Beyond Meat is a company on the cutting edge of plant protein research and development, with a goal of providing plant-based protein foods - without sacrificing the taste, chew or satisfaction of animal meat.In addition to offering a range of lower-calorie beverages, Honest Tea has been recognized as the first company to launch an organic bottled tea (1999) and a Fair Trade Certified bottled tea (2003). Today every Honest Tea variety is certified organic and Fair Trade. The company has initiated community-based partnerships with suppliers in India, China, Paraguay and South Africa. In 2015 Seth was named the #1 Disruptor by Beverage World, and Beverage Executive of the Year by Beverage Industry magazine; he was also inducted into the Washington DC Business Hall of Fame. Seth has also been recognized by the United States Healthful Food Council with a REAL Food Innovator Award for helping change the food landscape by providing options that are healthier for both the body and the planet.Seth serves on the advisory boards of Ripple Foods, the Yale School of Management, the American Beverage Association, and Bethesda Green (a local sustainability non-profit he co-founded). He graduated from Harvard College (1987) and the Yale School of Management (1995), and is a Henry Crown Fellow of the Aspen Institute. Seth and Barry are the authors, along with graphic artist Soongyun Choi, of The New York Times bestseller Mission in a Bottle, which was published by the Crown Business division of Random House in September, 2013. The book, told in comic book form, captures their efforts to create a mission-driven business in a profit-driven world. Seth lives with his wife and three sons near Honest Tea’s Bethesda, MD headquarters in an eco-friendly house.

Organic Valley is America’s largest cooperative of organic farmers and one of the nation’s leading organic brands. Organized in 1988, it represents more than 2,000 farmers in 36 states. Focused on its founding mission of saving family farms through organic farming, Organic Valley produces a variety of organic foods, including organic dairy milk, eggs, produce, and soy products, which are sold in supermarkets, natural foods stores and food cooperatives nationwide. With its regional model, milk is produced, bottled and distributed right in the region where it is farmed to ensure fewer miles from farm to table and to support our local economies. For further information visit www.organicvalley.coop. Organic Valley is also on Twitter @OrganicValley and Facebook www.facebook.com/OrganicValley.Logan PetermanManager of Agricultural Research & AnalyticsFrom his roots growing up on an apple orchard in central Wisconsin, to his years working in the organic sector, Logan Peterman has attempted to merge a background in Ecology, Statistics, and Research design to aid and validate Farmer intuition and on-farm management. He has advised State, Federal, NGO, and private organizations and companies using an evolving set of skills in data analysis, and research interpretation/application, which has landed him several leadership opportunities in his young career, including a visit to the Obama White House. He also currently chairs the Science committee for The Organic Center, as well as serving as an active member of the Board of Trustees.At Organic Valley, Peterman applies his expertise to leverage fresh insights to inform strategy and operational tactics for the farmer-owned cooperative that is Organic Valley—2,000 family farms strong across the country, and its increasingly international supply chain. With development efforts spanning from product nutrition and identifying biological drivers, to on-farm management and conservation, the scope of his work can involve nearly any part of the modern organic food system. His primary goal, is to validate member intuition regarding organic benefits, nutrition, and resilience, using the research expertise of peer-reviewed academics and private research institutions. Improving nutrition, reducing externalities, and ensuring integrity of organic foods into the future.In his expertise as a young leader, Peterman will specifically bring breaking news and scientific findings about pasture and nutrition to the table at Food Tank DC. Jon BansenOrganic Valley Grassmilk farmer-owner and expert grazierOwner, Double J Jerseys in Monmouth, ORWas once told that it takes 20 years to become a good grazier.“Good graziers are generally good teachers,” Jon says. “When I went to New Zealand to study their grazing operations, every farmer I met was more than happy to show me around and talk about what works and doesn’t work. I like to give that back.”Now 25 years into the profession, he manages a successful 600-acre farm with over 200 cows, writes articles for Graze magazine and speaks to classes at Oregon State University. So you could say he’s finally earned the title.

Shep Gordon is known in the entertainment industry as having an eye for talent and an innate understanding of what people find entertaining. After graduating from SUNY Buffalo, Shep moved to LA and in 1969 co-founded Alive Enterprises. Over the years, Gordon has been responsible for managing the careers of Alice Cooper, Groucho Marx, Raquel Welch, Luther Vandross, Kenny Loggins, and countless others. He’s also credited as creating the celebrity chef, which revolutionized the food industry and turned the culinary arts into the multi-billion dollar industry it is today. His clients that include culinary legends, Wolfgang Puck, Emeril Lagasse, Nobu, Daniel Boulud and many more. In addition to the impact he’s had on the music, film and food industries, he’s also highly regarded for his philanthropic endeavors. Shep was named one of the 100 most influential people in Rolling Stone magazine. He was the subject of Mike Myers 2013 documentary - Supermensch The Legend of Shep Gordon. Anthony Bourdain ECCO will be releasing his book - They Call Me Supermensch A Backstage Pass To The Amazing World Of Film, Food, and Rock ’N’ Roll in September 2016. Through Sheps efforts, The Maui Food Bank has been able to provide 994,000 meals to those in need.

Tony Horton is the wildly popular creator of the best-selling fitness series: P90X®, P90X2®, P90X3®, and Ten Minute Trainer®, and most recently his 22-Minute military inspired workout, 22 Minute Hard Corps®. Tony is a world-class motivational speaker and the author of top-selling books “Bring It”, Crush It!” and his latest motivational book, “The Big Picture” 11 Laws that will change your life. He has appeared on countless television programs as a fitness and lifestyle expert to promote healthy living through exercise and proper nutrition. In keeping with Tony's passion for a healthy lifestyle, he's teamed up with the beauty experts at Ultimate Salon Professionals to create his new hair and skincare line, TH Care by Tony Horton, because he believes what goes on your body is just as important as what goes in it.Tony believes that real and lasting change can happen when we commit to health as a lifestyle. Exercise, whole foods, and the right mindset is the formula that leads to a vibrant, productive and full life for anyone who focuses on being the best they can be.

Susan MacTavish Best is the founder & CEO of Living MacTavish. She hosts salons around the world on a diverse range of topics bringing together an eclectic array of influencers she knows into one room. At these salons Susan mixes cocktails and cooks for all of her guests, then interviews an expert or two on a specific topic followed by a live music performance. In an era of always-on one’s phone, always connected to technology, Susan brings people together informally and imperfectly, and encourages them to look each other in the eye and have a spirited conversation all the while tickling their senses with tasty food, yummy smells, interesting debates and live music. Susan sits on the advisory board of the Berkeley Center for New Media at UC Berkeley and the Quantitative Biosciences Institute at UC San Francisco. Susan has been on the advisory board of a handful of startups, and has worked closely mentoring many entrepreneurs.When she was 24, Susan founded Best Public Relations, a firm that specialized in influencing the public, the media and the influencers themselves around the globe. She handled the public relations needs for dozens of companies including: Bankrate, craigslist, Esurance, Founders Fund, Hampton Creek, Klout, LaLa, LuLu, MainStreet.com, Olivia, Playfish, Quid, Smugmug, Spoonflower, VentureBeat and YouNoodle. Susan was an Executive Producer of craigslistTV, the TV series that originated out of craigslist. In the mid 90’s Susan went back to night school to learn how to code and, as a result, started Posthoc, one of the first online guides to San Francisco which she grew into a local resource managing over 100 volunteer editors and writers. Susan graduated from Hamilton College with a BA in History. During a one year stint at St. Hilda’s College, Oxford University, she was co-Editor of the UK’s longest running university magazine, The ISIS, following in the shoes of past editors Evelyn Waugh, Graham Greene, John Betjeman and Sylvia Plath. While a student at Oxford, Susan won an internship at The Sunday Times (London), where she sat on the Transportation Desk outside the office of editor Andrew Neil. Here, she lasted two weeks until she realized sitting behind a desk writing about transportation news was not her calling. She left one Friday lunchtime on a train to Europe abruptly ending her journalism career. Other early jobs included Soda Jerk during summers in Connecticut at a nuclear submarine shipyard and Pickle Packer at Emandal Farm in Mendocino County. Susan lives in Soho in NYC, SF, and on the Big Sur Coast. She is a long distance trail runner. Susan grew up in Scotland, and went to school at St. Leonards in St. Andrews. She was born on Prince Edward Island after her very pregnant mother, Laurie MacTavish, flew herself unexpectedly to Charlottetown in her Cesna to deliver her daughter.

I believe that education is a lifelong pursuit that occurs in and outside the classroom. I graduated from Duke University, earned a Masters in Social Work from New York University, and received my License in Clinical Social Work in both New York and California. But I didn’t stop there. I also received specialized training in working with families and couples from the esteemed Ackerman Institute, and finished a postgraduate program at Fielding University for Executive Coaching. Additionally, I am a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and have completed the National Institute for Psychotherapies psychoanalytic training. I also recently completed Levels 1, 2, and 3 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy as well as specialized instruction in TRM (Trauma Resiliency Model), a mind-body approach for treating affairs and trauma. My professional experience includes therapy for latency-aged children at Four Winds Hospital and group therapy for individuals who either worked in the World Trade Center or were nearby during the 9/11 attacks. Inspired by the remarkable women I met while researching Fortytude, I launched a discussion series called Wise Women of LA in which women of diverse backgrounds could meet, share and support each other in achieving their professional and personal goals. Of course, women don’t have a monopoly on hard-won wisdom. So recently, I created a podcast series called Shared Secrets in which men and women with wisdom to share graciously let us in on their secrets. I hope these enlightening discussions empower you to share your own secret wisdom. My work to help men and women harness their internal power and pursue their goals continues in my volunteer work, which has taken me to locations including Rwanda, Bosnia and Haiti. I serve on the board of Equality Now, an organization whose aim is to end violence and discrimination against women around the world.

An American author and politician, the founder of the anti-Trump resistance movement Daily Action. She is a candidate for the United States Congress in Texas's 7th congressional district for the Democratic Party.Moser published her first book, an "efficient, compact" biography of the actress Bette Davis, in 2005.[5] With her friend Lauren Mechling, she co-authored a series of young adult novels about the experiences of a girl who moves from Houston to Brooklyn.[6]She contributed to The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, and The Jewish Daily Forward. She worked as the education columnist at Slate.com, where she explored many areas of policy.Following the United States presidential election, 2016, Moser founded an organization called Daily Action.[8] In 2017, she moved back to Texas's 7th congressional district to run for Congress in 2018.[9]In March 2018, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) attracted widespread condemnation for funding opposition research against her, a move that was widely perceived as helping Moser make the runoff against the establishment favorite, attorney Lizzie Pannill Fletcher. In that primary on March 6, 2018 she earned 24.3% of the vote after Fletcher's 29.3%, in the seven-candidate field. The run-off is May 22. [10][11] Tom Perez, who became the chair of the Democratic National Committee after the downfall of Debbie Wasserman Schultz in 2016, had broken ranks and criticized the DCCC's opposition to Moser.[12]

Robyn has served as executive director of the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence (formerly the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence) since 2006. Under her leadership, the Giffords Law Center has experienced a dramatic increase in the scope of its work—today, the attorneys at the Giffords Law Center represent the foremost experts in American gun policy in the nation.Her role is to advance the Giffords Law Center’s mission to bring smart gun laws and creative solutions to the nation's gun violence epidemic in every state. She oversees the development of state and local gun policy, and has testified at numerous public hearings in support of such laws. Robyn is also an expert on the Second Amendment and supervises the Giffords Law Center’s tracking and analysis of all Second Amendment litigation nationwide. She launched the Giffords Law Center's Impact Litigation Project, Urban Gun Violence Initiative and a number of other ground-breaking projects. Additionally, she authors op-eds and serves as a media spokesperson for the organization.

Robert is the passionate CEO of FoodState – a company that has been mastering the art of whole-food supplements since 1973. FoodState markets under the high-growth brands MegaFood, in the natural retail market, and INNATE Response, in the practitioner channel. Robert's mission & that of the company he is blessed to run is focused on improving lives & inspiring others. #ilioRobert has worked for Procter & Gamble, Boston Scientific, and The Hackett Group, where he was a lead business best-practices strategist. He entered the natural industry as CEO of Garden of Life twelve years ago, and led them to the #14 spot on the Inc. magazine list of fastest-growing private companies. He later partnered with natural industry pioneer Jethren Phillips, founder of Spectrum Organic Products, to successfully build a high-growth organic ingredients business. Robert joined FoodState in May, 2011 and is proud to lead a company so dedicated to doing what it takes to stay true to the intention of farm-fresh foods. Robert is dedicated to transparency & shares extensively on twitter @RobertUCraven.

Wayne B. Jonas, M.D. is a practicing family physician, an expert in integrative health and health care delivery, and a widely published scientific investigator. Dr. Jonas is the Executive Director of Samueli Integrative Health Programs, an effort supported by Henry and Susan Samueli to increase awareness and access to integrative health. Additionally, Dr. Jonas is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Medical Corps of the United States Army. From 2001-2016, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of the Samueli Institute, a non-profit medical research organization supporting the scientific investigation of healing processes in the areas of stress, pain and resilience.Dr. Jonas was the Director of the Office of Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from 1995-1999, and prior to that served as the Director of the Medical Research Fellowship at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.Dr. Jonas has led and participated in hundreds of research studies beginning with his time as Director of the National Institutes of Health Office of Alternative Medicine. While serving as CEO and President of the non-profit research organization Samueli Institute, his work set the bar for evidence-based research in the areas of pain, stress and human performance.His research has appeared in peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of the American Medical Association, Nature Medicine, the Journal of Family Practice, the Annals of Internal Medicine, and The Lancet. Dr. Jonas received the 2015 Pioneer Award from the Integrative Healthcare Symposium, the 2007 America’s Top Family Doctors Award, the 2003 Pioneer Award from the American Holistic Medical Association, the 2002 Physician Recognition Award of the American Medical Association, and the 2002 Meritorious Activity Prize from the International Society of Life Information Science in Chiba, Japan.

Siri Lindley is triathlon coach to the elites and a two-time triathlon world champion.Lindley grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut, as an athletic and shy child.[4] She attended Greenwich High School, where she played field hockey, ice hockey, and lacrosse.[5] She later attended Brown University, where she played at the varsity level in the same three sports and graduated with a degree in psychology.[6][7] Following graduation, she spent two years coaching field hockey and lacrosse – one year at Princeton University and one year at Lehigh University.[6]She dominated the International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Rankings over the course of her career as a pro, winning 13 World Cup races between 2000-2002 and becoming the 2001 ITU World Champion. Siri won the ITU World Cup Series both years by achieving #1 ranking in the world. With her professional sporting goals achieved, Siri turned to coaching in 2003. Her experience and talent as a coach is seen in the tremendous results of her athletes at all race distances, both at the elite and age-group level.Siri has coached athletes to Olympic Medals, and World Championship crowns at both the Ironman, and half ironman distances. Siri has been inducted into the Brown University Hall of Fame. Siri graduated from Brown in 1991 with a bachelors degree in Psychology. Siri has also been inducted into the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame. Siri enjoys motivational speaking, and being able to share her story to help inspire others.

Anahad is an author and reporter who writes about health and fitness for The New YorkTimes. Anahad was born and raised on Manhattan’s lower east side, the second youngest in afamily of seven. After graduating from the High School for Leadership and PublicService in 1999, he went on to Yale University, where he studied neuroscience andobtained a degree in psychology. Before joining the Times in 2003, he traveled the country by bicycle, building homes forlow-income families and working with Habitat for Humanity. At the paper he started outwriting about psychology for the Tuesday science section, and launched a weeklycolumn, which addresses questions on health from readers and explores and investigatesmedical myths and curiosities. In his career at the Times he has been a correspondent forthe paper’s Metropolitan section, traveling the state to write about politics and life in thesuburbs, and has covered business, politics and foreign news. Anahad has published four books, including the bestselling Never Shower in aThunderstorm: Surprising Facts and Misleading Myths about Our Health and the WorldWe Live In, which was published in 2007, and The 10 Things You Need to Eat: AndMore Than 100 Easy and Delicious Ways to Prepare Them, which made the New York Times Bestseller list in 2010. Anahad currently lives in New York City.

Nicolette Hahn Niman is an environmental advocate and cattle rancher. A former attorney, she is married to the founder of the famed Niman Ranch, a collective of traditional farms. She lives in northern California.She believes that few issues are more important than what and how we eat. Food sustains us and provides some of life's greatest pleasures. It affects our daily moods and energy levels while having an incalculable impact on our longterm health. Broad access to healthy, nutritious food is essential to a well-functioning society. Food production is extremely important, too. When food is created in harmony with nature's seasons and resources, the environment is preserved and regenerated. But when food production results from methods that go against the seasons and the basic needs of people, animals, plants, and the soil, the results are disastrous. Her work is to spread awareness about problems inherent in industrial food production and to move agriculture toward more ecological farming. Despite the enormous problems with the current food system, She is hopeful about the future. Young farmers and ranchers, chefs, writers and other food activists are building a delicious and sustainable food system one blade of grass at a time. The revolution is well underway!

I am a dedicated mother, entrepreneur and chef. As a child growing up in Cameroon, I ate only the freshest organic foods from my family’s gardens and local markets. Following my son’s birth in 2004, I struggled to find meals for my young son, Jared-Zane, which were equally delicious and nutritious. Determined, I took to my kitchen to create meals packed with healthy organic ingredients—and nothing else. Soon I began filling casual orders for friends and—in 2006— Yummy Spoonfuls® was born. I left my six figure job as an IT executive and started the company.My baby food products soon gained a loyal celebrity following while winning over babies across the country through a few regional retailers and a national direct ship program. In 2014, I partnered with fellow mom and entrepreneur, Camila Alves, to expand Yummy Spoonfuls® and fulfill our collective vision of providing fresh, organic foods to babies and tots; what a blessing that continues to be. Today, I am a sought-after baby food expert who has appeared on CNN, Fox Business News, Essence.com, CBS, Style Network, People.com and more. I serve as the founder and Chief Yummy Officer for Yummy Spoonfuls®. Along with my most important roles of wife and mother, I fill my time outside of the kitchen conducting media engagements and healthy eating workshops across the country.

Chef Richard Ingraham was born and raised in Miami, Florida and became a culinary enthusiast at an early age. He trained at the Art Institute of Atlanta, and soon after began teaching culinary arts at a Miami high school. In 2003, he was offered what is now his current position as Private Chef for NBA star Dwyane Wade. The combination of his world-class training, recognitions, and passion for fine cuisine and spirits has allowed him to create a network of Private Chefs called ChefRLI, which serves a plethora of NBA, NFL, MLB, and entertainment personalities. Chef Richard has competed on The Food Network’s Chopped, partnered as an ambassador with Walmart, GOYA Foods and the National Pork Board, and presented at the South Beach Food & Wine Festival every year since 2011. Eating Well to Win is his first cookbook.

Dr. Jonny Bowden, also known as The Nutrition Myth Buster, is a nationally known expert on weight loss and health, and has been seen on Dr. Oz, the Doctors, and every major television network. He is the best-selling author of 15 books, including Living Low Carb, The Great Cholesterol Myth, and his latest, Smart Fat: Eat More Fat Lose More Weight Get Healthy Now!Dr. Jonny—a former professional pianist and conductor—earned six certifications in personal training and fitness, has a Masters degree in psychology, a PhD in holistic nutrition, and is board certified by the American College of Nutrition. He has written, contributed to or consulted on hundreds of articles in publications as diverse as the New York Times, People, Us, O the Oprah Magazine, In Style, Vanity Fair Online, People, GQ, Forbes Online, Clean Eating, the Huffington Post and countless others.His personal story of overcoming addiction and ill health to become one of the top nutritional gurus in the country inspires audiences whenever he speaks. He’s much loved for his humor, his style, his delivery, and his never-ending desire to call out the health establishment whenever he believes they’re misleading us.

Danielle Gould is the founder and CEO of Food+Tech Connect, the site of record and community for the food tech sector. She works with companies of all sizes to understand how technology, collaboration and innovative business and investment models can be used to create a food future that's better for people, profit and the planet. In 2009, she started Food+Tech Connect to help people get the information and connections they need re-engineer the food system. In 2010, she hosted the first food hackathon, and she continues to work with game-changing companies like Applegate, Google and Chipotle to build a community of innovators tackling big challenges. Most recently, she launched Food+Tech Ed, which offers online and in-person business courses for food entrepreneurs and those looking to advance their career. Danielle regularly speaks and consults on food, technology and open innovation, including presentations at The G8 Conference on Open Agricultural Data, SXSW, Menus of Change, Expo West and East, The Aspen Institute, Health Datapalooza, Edible Institute, CropLife America National Policy Conference, SOCAP, Internet Week and Social Media Week. She is a founding member of the Culinary Institute of America's Business Leadership Council, a member of the Google Innovation Lab For Food Experiences and a mentor for Accel Foods and Food-X. She is also a contributor to Forbes and The Huffington Post. Her work has been featured prominently in the media, including in The New York Times, Fast Company and The Guardian. Prior to FTC, Danielle worked on PR and business development at BrightFarm Systems (now BrightFarms).

Eric is a serial entrepreneur who has started, led, and advised organizations pursuing social change across the country and around the globe. As founder of Arabella Advisors, Eric has been at the forefront of innovation and impact in the philanthropic sector during one of its greatest historical expansions.While guiding Arabella from a small startup to a company with more than 160 employees that advises on several billion dollars of philanthropic resources annually, Eric has focused on helping clients achieve their philanthropic goals by devising grant-making strategies, mounting effective advocacy campaigns, evaluating impact, and managing their foundation’s operations. In addition to serving a broad range of family, institutional, and corporate clients, Eric leads the firm’s work with clients who are working to improve our food system through policies and business investments that promote nutritious, sustainable, and affordable food.Eric’s interest in the food sector extends well beyond his work at Arabella. He chairs the committee at the James Beard Foundation that oversees efforts to engage the culinary community in advocacy on food policy, and he created the foundation’s Chefs Boot Camp for Policy and Change. Eric also co-founded the Chef Action Network and has a personal private equity portfolio invested in businesses at the forefront of improving our food system. And, he proudly serves as an appointed member of Washington, DC’s Food Policy Council.In addition to his work at Arabella, Eric founded and serves as chairman of the New Venture Fund, a nonprofit that incubates new social sector innovations, and co-founded the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.Earlier in his career, Eric served as the national field director for the League of Conservation Voters. Then, as a White House appointee, he helped manage conservation issues during the Clinton administration. Before that, Eric spent six years with the National Democratic Institute, which sent him to the former Soviet Union, Southeast Asia, and throughout the Middle East to train civic and political leaders on strategies to encourage democratic change.Eric is on the boards of Friends of the Global Fight Against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and the James Beard Foundation. He is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization and Summit Series. He also serves as a trustee of his own family’s foundation, which holds assets generated by the sale of a fifth-generation family-owned business.Eric holds an Executive MBA from Georgetown University and a BA from the University of Colorado.

Jonathan R Latham, PhD is co-founder and Executive Director of the Bioscience Resource Project and the Editor of Independent Science News. Dr. Latham holds a Masters degree in Crop Genetics and a PhD in Virology. He was subsequently a postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Genetics, University of Wisconsin, Madison. He has published scientific papers in disciplines as diverse as plant ecology, plant virology, genetics and toxicology. Dr Latham is also the Director of the Poison Papers project which publicizes documents of the chemical industry and its regulators.

THROUGH HIS BEST-SELLING books, television programs, products, and syndicated column, environmental lifestyle expert Danny Seo shares the creative ideas that have made him America’s leading authority on modern, eco-friendly living. Born on Earth Day in 1977, Danny has championed the natural biodiversity of our planet from a very young age. On his 12th birthday, he founded the organization Earth 2000 with just a few friends and $23. By his 18th birthday, he had transformed the grassroots organization into the country’s largest teenage activist charity, spearheading worldwide campaigns on behalf of the environment. Today, Danny is founder and CEO of Danny Seo Media Ventures, a multimedia lifestyle company that marries style and sustainability across a whole host of media and merchandising products. The Danny Seo portfolio includes a line of home products sold at over 4,000 stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods; a syndicated column called “Do Just One Thing” appearing in hundreds of newspapers everyday; Danny Seo Philosophy organic wines; Danny Seo Reserve Beauty, a collection of fine fragrances and bath products sold on HSN; and more than nine bestselling books covering decorating, entertaining, crafts and more. Danny is also a national spokesperson and partner with Wilsonart, an American-made manufacturer of eco-friendly laminate surfaces and is a brand ambassador with the Ford Motor Company.

Mike Weeks is a coach, trainer and speaker who specialises in peak performance coaching for people in high-pressure workplaces and environments. Mike has designed and delivered training for leadership, personal effectiveness, advanced communication, developing creativity, well being, resilience, modelling excellence and performance under pressure.For fourteen years Mike has worked with individuals and organisations to develop excellence in their chosen fields, including on TV, where his coaching successes have been viewed in 148 countries. In the therapeutic fields he has provided interventions for people with performance anxiety, burn-out, depression, fear, anxiety, phobias, stress, procrastination, relationship and parenting issues and many hundreds of cases of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.Mike regularly coaches peak-performers in extreme sports, business, frontline services, arts and technology, alongside anyone who is genuinely committed to achieving their fullest potential.

Ashley Koff RD is your better health enabler. Koff knows firsthand that better nutrition powers better health. Over two decades as a dietitian, Koff developed better nutrition tools to help her patients and their practitioners get results. Today as CEO of The Better Nutrition Program, Koff makes those tools available online as part of The Better Nutrition Membership and during her "Build Your Better Nutrition Plan" workshops for groups (book clubs, schools, organizations and businesses). A practitioner first, Koff is an award-winning nutrition expert, author, speaker, consultant, spokesperson and advocate. She regularly shares her better nutrition message with millions via national media, social media and co-hosts the podcast “Take Out with Ashley and Robyn." For more about Ashley or to get the Better Nutrition tools visit www.AshleyKoffApproved.comA former financial and food industry analyst, Robyn O’Brien triggered an allergic reaction in the food industry when she asked: “Are we allergic to food or what’s been done to it?”She has been called “food’s Erin Brockovich” by Bloomberg and the New York Times. From a conservativeTexas family, Robyn earned an MBA on a full scholarship, graduating as the top woman in her class before going to work as a financial analyst that covered the food industry.For over a decade, she has helped lead a food awakening among consumers, corporations and political leaders.Armed with data and analytics, food companies and policy makers respond to Robyn’s work. Robyn highlights the actions needed at the local, national and global levels to secure a smarter food system.She has presented to multinational corporations like Bloomberg, Compass Food Group, Chipotle, Nestle, Target and others. Robyn has also worked with and advised grocery stores, farming associations and startups in the food industry. She sheds light on how the changing landscape of food and health are impacting the food industry and our economy.While working as an equity analyst, she was specifically assigned to cover the food industry where she had the opportunity to meet with the management teams from Kroger, Costco, Whole Foods and other companies on a regular basis. She also met with Goldman Sachs’ Henry Paulson, Ebay’s Meg Whitman and Martha Stewart as they were taking their companies public. https://robynobrien.com/

Carlotta Mast is a recognized expert in the natural products and health and wellness arena. As senior director of content and insights at New Hope Natural Media, Carlotta oversees Natural Foods Merchandiser, newhope360.com, Functional Ingredients, Nutrition Business Journal and New Hope's consumer content portfolio. She also is the content director for the NEXT Natural Products Accelerator, a digital platform designed to help entrepreneurs launch and grow their natural products businesses. In addition, Carlotta engages in New Hope's multi-partner research and was the lead author of NEXT: The Natural Products Industry Forecast.Prior to this role, Carlotta was the editorial director for Nutrition Business Journal, the leading market research and business journal for today's nutrition and natural products industry executives. Carlotta is a frequent speaker at industry events and conferences, including the NBJ Summit, Natural Products Expo West and East, the NutriCosmetic Summit, SupplySide West and Nutrition Capital Network. She has been interviewed about natural products industry trends, regulatory issues and market performance by numerous media outlets, including The New York Times, Cosmopolitan, NPR, ABC News and others. Carlotta also appears in the 2013 BBC documentary The Men Who Made Us Thin.A paleo enthusiast, Carlotta is co-founder of Wholly Bites, maker of organic, nutrient-packed, grain-free snacks.Carlotta earned her bachelor of science degree in journalism from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.

Steve Young (Strategy & Operations Advisor) provides growth expertise to portfolio companies in functional areas such as strategy, marketing, sales, innovation, and operations. Steve has 20 years of experience with General Mills, most recently responsible for the Annie’s acquisition and business performance, and leading General Mills’ broader $700+ million portfolio of natural/organic businesses.Steve has held U.S. and global management positions at the officer level within General Mills, on diverse categories ranging from yogurt, cereal, baking, meals, and better-for-your snacks.We partner with good people to build great brands.Sunrise Strategic Partners provides growth capital and expertise to emerging brands in the healthy, active and sustainable living space. We team up with founders to add strategic value, share guidance on tactical priorities and leverage our industry relationships to maximize potential. The team at Sunrise has been growing businesses for over 30 years and has deep experience with the unique challenges and decisions that growing brands face. We partner with passionate founders who are ready to take their business to the next level, because we know scaling your brand can be a challenging journey. We know because we've been there.The tide is turning in the consumer package goods industry and the current climate favors breakout opportunities for the next generation brands. Today's consumers - driven by the millennial generation - are focused on authenticity and are more willing than ever to try new brands that resonate with core values. Our team is well versed in these changing dynamics and has the experience to capitalize on this new landscape to drive up and coming brands to the next level.

Arran Stephens, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Nature’s Path Foods Inc.Entrepreneur, artist, writer, ecology advocate, gardener, volunteer and meditation practitioner, Arran Stephens has passionately followed the beat of a distant drummer for seven decades. Born and raised on his family’s farm on Vancouver Island, Arran learned a valuable lesson from his dad: “Always leave the soil better than you found it.” Leaving the Earth better became Arran’s driving ethos – from opening a successful vegetarian restaurant in 1967 to providing wholesome food in what was then a real food desert by creating Lifestream, Canada’s first natural foods supermarket (1971-1981). Arran and Ratana, his wife and partner of 45 years, share a profound commitment to organic agriculture, people and health. Together, from humble roots, they established Nature’s Path Foods in 1985, built on a foundation of social responsibility, sustainability and financial viability.Overcoming the odds, Nature’s Path has blossomed to become North America’s largest organic breakfast foods company with plant operations in Delta BC, Blaine, WA and Sussex WI. In 2012 Arran welcomed Que Pasa Mexican Foods and their delicious stone-ground, organic tortilla chips and salsas into the Nature’s Path family. Despite an age of consolidation and sell-outs, Nature’s Path remains proudly independent, with the next generation of son, daughter and other team leaders in place and to carry on the founders’ passion and mission. "No part of Nature's Path is for sale," is a frequent mantra.Arran served on the Organic Trade Association board during the development of the USDA Organic Rule, was a founding member of the Non-GMO Project and has been an avid supporter of federal and state-level mandatory GMO labeling initiatives. He has been a recipient of many industry awards and accolades including Ernst & Young’s 2002 Entrepreneur of the Year, the Schumacher Sustainability Award, the OTA 2013 Organic Leadership Award for Growing the Organic industry, in addition to being inducted into the New Hope and CHFA Halls of Legends.When not digging in his large organic garden, or the office, Arran lives to educate and bring about positive change through the written word. Published works include Journey to the Luminous (Elton-Wolf, 1999), Moth & the Flame and The Compassionate Diet—How What You Eat Can Change Your Life and Save the Planet, (Rodale Books, 2011).

Pamela Salzman is a Los Angeles-based natural foods cooking instructor and certified holistic health counselor. She teaches private, healthful cooking classes throughout Los Angeles and the South Bay. Pamela’s much-anticipated debut cookbook, Kitchen Matters, was released on June 13th, 2017 through Da Capo, an imprint of Hachette. Both practical and elegant, Kitchen Matters answers the most common questions heard in Pamela’s classes, weekly meal plans, tips on how to create a balanced meal, how to prep ahead, and how to make substitutions for the most common allergens and dietary restrictions. It is the ease with which Pamela approaches food and nutrition that has established such a dedicated following. Her business grew organically, and within a very short amount of time, she was teaching private cooking classes 5-days per week. She inspires her clients, who range from stay at home moms to A-list actresses and fashion designers, to get back in the kitchen and cook real food. "Isn't she amazing?" raves Pamela’s regular client, designer Jenni Kayne. "I couldn't boil water, and now I regularly make dinner." Pamela is also skilled at substitutions, making healthier swaps and elevating traditional recipes to another level. With every dish, she encourages her clients to take steps toward a more whole-foods based diet, with conscious thoughts to its impact on the environment. Pamela found her calling after volunteering as a nutrition docent in an elementary school for the nonprofit organization Growing Great. She recognized a huge problem in our society and wanted to help people grasp the importance of proper nutrition and eating REAL food. She was asked to teach a healthy cooking class for a group of young mothers, and from that first day her message and mission were clear: Eat Well. Live Well. Be Well. Pamela’s love of food began at an early age, and as a child she delighted in working in the family vegetable garden with her father and cooking with her mother. Although the food she grew up with was never fancy, it was always real, wholesome and nourishing. Her large Italian-American family frequently gathered together for simple meals – with long tables of bowls and platters piled high, complete with plenty of laughter and conversation to go around. In addition to teaching classes, Pamela also authors a successful food blog, where she shares her favorite recipes and offers practical kitchen advice and tips on healthy living. She has appeared on “The Today Show,” Hallmark’s “Home & Family,” and “KTLA” multiple times. Pamela is a recipe developer for Clean Eating and contributes recipes and videos regularly for The Chalkboard Mag, Rip+Tan and HowYouGlow. In addition, Pamela has been featured in Elle, Allure, Vogue.com and C Magazine, amongst others. She resides in Manhattan Beach with her husband and 3 children.

Bill Shore is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Share Our Strength, a national nonprofit that is ending childhood hunger in America through the No Kid Hungry campaign. Bill founded Share Our Strength in 1984 with his sister Debbie Shore and a $2,000 cash advance on a credit card. Since then, Share Our Strength has raised and invested more than $600 million in the fight against hunger, and has won the support of national leaders in business, government, health and education, sports and entertainment. Our track record includes connecting 3 million more kids with school breakfast, adding 40,000 new summer meals sites to feed kids when school is out and continuing to be a strategic grant maker helping kids and their families in all 50 states. Bill is also the chairman of Community Wealth Partners, a Share Our Strength organization that helps change agents solve social problems at the magnitude they exist. From 2014 to 2015, Bill served as a Congressional appointee to the National Commission on Hunger, a group tasked with finding innovative ways to end hunger in America.From 1978 to 1987, Bill served on the senatorial and presidential campaign staffs of former U.S. Senator Gary Hart (D-Colorado). From 1988 to 1991, he served as Chief of Staff for former U.S. Senator Robert Kerrey (D-Nebraska). Bill is the author of four books focused on social change, including “Revolution of the Heart” (Riverhead Press, 1995), “The Cathedral Within” (Random House, 1999), “The Light of Conscience” (Random House, 2004) and most recently, “The Imaginations of Unreasonable Men” (PublicAffairs, 2010). A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., Bill earned a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Pennsylvania and his law degree from George Washington University in Washington, DC. He has been an adjunct professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business and an advisor for the Reynolds Foundation Fellowship program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government. From 2001 to 2011, he served as a director of The Timberland Company. Bill was named one of America’s Best Leaders in 2005 by US News & World Report. In 2011, the Jefferson Awards Foundation presented Bill with the S. Roger Horchow Award for Greatest Public Service.

Frances Fisher began by apprenticing at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia. She spent 14 years based in New York City, playing leads in over 30 productions of plays by such noted writers as John Arden, Noël Coward, Emily Mann, Joe Orton, Sam Shepard, William Shakespeare, Jean Claude Van Italie, Eudora Welty and Tennessee Williams. She won a Drama Logue Award - Best Ensemble for the American Premier of Caryl Churchill's "Three More Sleepless Nights", played in the American premier of Judith Thompson's "The Crackwalker" and originated roles in Elia Kazan's "The Chain" and Arthur Miller's last play "Finishing the Picture". Besides working with Kazan and Miller, some of Ms. Fisher's more interesting theater experiences were creating roles from two great works of literature: George Orwell's "1984" and Victor Hugo's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame". Ms. Fisher worked at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles alongside Annette Bening and Alfred Molina in Anton Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard". Fisher starred in "Sexy Laundry" with Paul Ben-Victor at the Hayworth Theatre in Los Angeles. She studied with Stella Adler and became a lifetime member of the Actors Studio by actually "walking up the stairs" and auditioning for legendary acting teacher Lee Strasberg. Ms. Fisher recently completed The Host (2013), Love on the Run (2016), Red Wing (2013) and will work with Catherine Hardwicke in her new film Plush (2013) in August 2012. Ms. Fisher was honored for a Lifetime Achievement Award 2011 in her old hometown of the Pacific Palisades, California.

Haile Thomas is 16 years old, a homeschooled 11th grader, youth health activist, motivational speaker, teen vegan chef, and the youngest certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Haile is also the founder and executive director of the HAPPY Organization established in 2012 in Tucson, AZ, now based in New Windsor, NY. HAPPY (Healthy Active Positive Purposeful Youth) was established to address the need for free and/or low cost nutrition and culinary education for young people in underserved/at-risk communities. At 10 years old, after successfully helping to reverse her father's Type-2 Diabetes through healthy eating & other lifestyle changes, Haile began her journey to engage, educate, and inspire youth and families to embrace healthy habits. Her experience in the health food movement includes personally engaging over 7000 young people in schools, summer camps, community events, and through HAPPY's youth programs and special events, as well as through her appearances at major health and wellness conferences across the country.BIOHaile has served on several advisory boards, including the Canyon Ranch Institute Life Enhancement Program, Chop Chop Magazine, and the Hip Hop Public Health Organization. She is also served for 3 years on the Clinton Foundation's Alliance for a Healthier Generation Youth Advisory Board. Haile is one of the first 8 young chefs featured on season one of Rachael vs. Guy Kids-Cook-Off, and also on Cupcake Wars Kids both airing on Food Network. She also worked for two years as the Jr. Chef Advisor for Hyatt Hotel’s “For Kids - By Kids” Menu, with her kids menu recipes served at all Hyatt Resorts in North America and the Caribbean, and most recently as a Nutrition Science Assistant with Canyon Ranch Institute. She currently hosts the "Plant-Powered Haile" Cooking Series on YouTube where she shares delicious and nutritious plant-based recipes that everyone can enjoy! Haile has been featured on the Today Show, Dr. Oz, Home and Family Show, and The Rachael Ray Show, and highlighted in several major publications including O Magazine, Teen Vogue, and YES Magazine, and is the first teen featured on the Cover of Experience Life Magazine in the October 2016 issue.

Today Ashley and Robyn discuss the "Every Day Hero" and the role they play when everything around us seems to be crumbling. With Robyn's close links with Texas they wanted to discuss what was happening after hurricane Harvey and how the human spirit rose above the carnage caused by this natural disaster and what we can do in times of need.

Tonya Antle has been a driving force in the farming and produce industry for the past thirty plus years. She grew up on her own family’s table grape and citrus farm in Delano, California. She is recognized as a top spokesperson and a true trailblazer for the organic produce segment, helping to propel organic produce from the fringe to mainstream mass-market retailing. Tonya is the Cofounder and EVP of the newly formed Organic Produce Network. OPN, based in Salinas, Ca, is focused on connecting all facets of the organic produce, specialty crop community through education, information and live events. She previously held the position of Vice President of Organic Sales for over 13 years at Earthbound Farm, the country’s leading brand of organic vegetables and salads. During her tenure at Earthbound Farm, she worked with leading retailers throughout the US and Canada to develop and build organic programs and markets. Tonya was an instrumental leader in helping to build this California brand to its half billion-dollar sales level prior to her departure.Tonya brings an unabashedly positive outlook and can-do attitude to everything she does and understands the power of the judicious use of humor, even in business, which means that she’s in high demand. She has also consulted for leading US Venture Capital firms on investments in the organic space. Tonya, is the 2017 recipient of the Ag Against Hunger, Ag Women of the Year, the 2016 co-recipient, along with her husband, Rick, of the United Fresh, Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 2003 recipient of the Women in Produce achievement award. In 2010, she joined the Ag Business Department at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo as an Adjunct Professor in Fresh Fruit and Vegetable marketing and has also served the university as a member of the President’s Council. Tonya also enjoys guest lecturing at Hartnell Junior College, Ag Business Department and most recently at CSUMB, School of Business. She currently leads the Women's Fund Leadership Council which is a field of interest fund at the Community Foundation for Monterey County, where she recently completed a 1.5-million-dollar endowment campaign for this fund. Tonya also serves on the CSUMB Foundation Board. Tonya holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Communications from the University of California at Irvine. Her time is well balanced between her entrepreneurial role in the organic produce industry, community volunteerism, mother, and wife. Tonya takes great pleasure in the time she spends with her husband Rick, CEO of Tanimura and Antle, whether it’s boating the waterways of the Americas or playing tennis in Pebble Beach. Tonya brings a joyful enthusiasm to all of her endeavors.

Shep Gordon is known in the entertainment industry as having an eye for talent and an innate understanding of what people find entertaining. After graduating from SUNY Buffalo, Shep moved to LA and in 1969 co-founded Alive Enterprises. Over the years, Gordon has been responsible for managing the careers of Alice Cooper, Groucho Marx, Raquel Welch, Luther Vandross, Kenny Loggins, and countless others. He’s also credited as creating the celebrity chef, which revolutionized the food industry and turned the culinary arts into the multi-billion dollar industry it is today. His clients that include culinary legends, Wolfgang Puck, Emeril Lagasse, Nobu, Daniel Boulud and many more. In addition to the impact he’s had on the music, film and food industries, he’s also highly regarded for his philanthropic endeavors. Shep was named one of the 100 most influential people in Rolling Stone magazine. He was the subject of Mike Myers 2013 documentary - Supermensch The Legend of Shep Gordon. Anthony Bourdain ECCO will be releasing his book - They Call Me Supermensch A Backstage Pass To The Amazing World Of Film, Food, and Rock ’N’ Roll in September 2016. Through Sheps efforts, The Maui Food Bank has been able to provide 994,000 meals to those in need.

Leah Segedie is the founder of the Mamavation® community, ShiftCon Social Media Conference, food activist and social media consultant. Through the Mamavation community, she teaches “digital moms” healthy living practices to combat disease in their home. The community members of Mamavation have lost over 3,500 lbs. Leah is also a very passionate food activist. She organizes trending twitter parties monthly to educate the public about the food supply and other issues impacting public health. She also organizes blogging efforts through her network and hosts the ShiftCon Social Media Conference where green and wellness bloggers gather annually. And brands love to work with Leah because she has over 10,000 bloggers in the Bookieboo Network to create wellness related campaigns with.Leah has been recognized for several feats in her professional and personal life such as being named “Mom of the Year” by Shape Magazine, being named the 4th most Influential Mom Blogger by Cision Media, Top 10 Woman Changing School Nutrition, compared to Lady Gaga for her unique social media tactics in The Huffington Post, and Favorite Weight Loss Blog by Fitness Magazine. Her story, communities and work have also been featured in the following publications: CNN, ABC, NBC, The O’Reiley factor, Chicago Tribune, Christian Science Monitor, The Talk, Yahoo, Ladies Home Journal, Fitness Magazine, Shape Magazine, The Huffington Post, Women’s Day, Fitness RX, International Business Times, Babble, etc.Leah has a Masters in Communication Management from the University of Southern California. She was also Commencement Speaker during her 2001 Graduation Ceremony at the University of Southern California when she received her Bachelor’s of Arts in Communication. She lives in Simi Valley with her husband and three young children.

Carey Gillam is a veteran journalist, researcher and writer with more than 20 years experience in the news industry. In January, Gillam became Research Director for the nonprofit consumer group U.S. Right to Know, which has the stated mission: “Pursuing Truth and Transparency in America’s Food System.”Prior to joining USRTK, Gillam spent 17 years as a senior correspondent for Reuters, an international news service, roving America's farm fields and agribusiness operations to document the evolution of U.S. agriculture and the impacts on our food system and environment. She has specialty knowledge in the rise of biotech crop technology, associated pesticide product development, and the environmental impacts of both. She has developed an in-depth knowledge of leading agrichemical companies that include Monsanto, Dow AgroSciences, DuPont, BASF, Bayer and Syngenta.Gillam has been recognized as one of the top journalists in the country covering these issues and is frequently asked to speak on radio and television and to appear at conferences to share her knowledge of hotly debated issues involving food and agriculture.She resides in Overland Park, Kansas, with her husband and three children.

Asha Gomez is owner of Spice to Table in Atlanta, GA, where she currently resides. In 2013, her restaurant Cardamom Hill received a James Beard Award nomination for Best New Restaurant. Asha was born in Kerala, the southwestern-most state of India. The area’s unique and multilayered culture, a result of its vital position on the ancient spice routes between Europe and Asia, provides much of the inspiration for Asha’s enterprises. Her Kerala fried chicken has been a draw at the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival and won the People’s Choice award at the city’s first annual Mother Clucker Fried Chicken Festival. Recently, Asha also created a “culinary conversation” event studio called The Third Space in Atlanta. Asha’s first cookbook entitled My Two Souths, was recently released.Katherine Miller founded Table 81, a full-service communications firm that works with clients in the nonprofit, philanthropy, and socially responsible business fields. Katherine designs global communication campaigns to raise awareness about important issues, inspire people to take meaningful action, and result in lasting changes in policy, politics, and business practices. Katherine is also a founder of the Chef Action Network (CAN), a project of the James Beard Foundation and Osprey Foundation. Recognizing that food is a national passion, affects the quality of consumers’ everyday lives, and has potential impact on human, environmental, social, economic health. CAN is focused on harnessing the power of America’s preeminent chefs to help create awareness, inspire action, and aggregate credible resources to proactively address a broad range of policies relevant to issues areas important to the chef community. CAN provides tailored research, policy, and advocacy support to chefs that participate in the James Beard Foundation’s Chef Policy Boot Camp and Food Policy Salons.

In December 2016, Sheryl O'Loughlin introduced her first book, Killing It: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Keeping Your Head Without Losing Your Heart. In the book, she shares her advice with a wider group of current and aspiring entrepreneurs. The book has garnered attention from media outlets including Fortune, Conscious Company, Inc., Forbes, the Huffington Post and more.Sheryl currently leads REBBL, the first plant-based, super herb adaptogen beverage company, as the CEO. At REBBL, Sheryl is leading the team to develop a new category of beverages that uses ancient wisdom confirmed by science to help modern-day, busy people adapt to stress. She upholds REBBL’s vision of respecting human dignity through its focus on a sustainable and just supply chain and through its partnership with Not for Sale, a non-profit dedicated to eliminating human trafficking. Earlier in her career, Sheryl co-founded and served as CEO for Plum, Inc., a healthy, organic food company nourishing kids “from the high chair to the lunch box.” She cultivated a culture around nurturing the human spirit and helping kids develop a lifetime love of healthy eating. In 2013, Plum was successfully sold to Campbell Soup Company. When she served as the CEO of Clif Bar and Company, Sheryl led the concept development and introduction of Luna, the first Whole Nutrition Bar for Women, which became a $70M business in 3 years and, to this day, is a core brand in the Clif Bar and Company portfolio. Following her time at Plum, Sheryl was the Executive Director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Sheryl also held a faculty position at Sonoma State University, where she taught entrepreneurship and provided career advice to hundreds of aspiring entrepreneurs and other professionals. Sheryl had served on the boards of multiple entrepreneurial and high growth companies, including Zukes natural pet treats, thinkThin nutrition bars, Sugar Bowl Bakery and Gardein Protein International. She is currently on the advisory board of The Harvest Summit, an annual gathering of innovators making connections to solve the biggest world challenges. She is also a member of OSC2 whose mission is to address the toughest sustainability problems facing our planet by building new regenerative businesses.Sheryl earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan and her Masters of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Sheryl lives in Santa Rosa with her husband, Patrick, and her two sons.

Nicole Bernard Dawes grew up in the natural food industry – both on the counter of her mother’s health food store during the 70s and on the production floor of her father’s potato chip company, Cape Cod Potato Chips. Ever since, she dreamed of creating healthier products that could hold their own against traditional (and admittedly tasty) packaged snacks. In 2002, while pregnant with her first son, this childhood dream turned into a passion – and eventually, a business. Today, Nicole is proud to lead Late July Snacks, and be a part of creating delicious food that make people look at organic and natural products in a different way. She served as a board member of the Organic Trade Associate from 2009-2015 and has testified before Congress about the economic impact of organic agriculture today.

Laird Hamilton is an American athlete, surfer, author, stunt man, model, producer, inventor, TV host, fitness and nutrition expert, husband, father and adrenaline junkie. He is regarded as one of todays best known big wave surfers. But at 6’3”, 215 pounds, with an uncommon combination of balance, flexibility, and strength, Laird Hamilton is unique. In addition to riding many of the biggest waves on the planet, Laird is known as the world-renowned innovator and guiding genius of crossover board sports including tow-in surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, and hydrofoil boarding. In short, Laird Hamilton is the essential Water Man.Over the last decade Laird has transcended surfing to become an international fitness icon and nutrition expert. Many of today’s top professional athletes and celebrities look to Laird for training guidance, including instruction in his unique underwater resistance workouts. Partnering with his wife, pro-volleyball player and TV personality Gabby Reece, along with Crossfit Endurance founder and author Brian Mackenzie, Laird created XPT--a unique and powerful fitness training and lifestyle program featuring these unique water workouts, performance breathing and high-intensity fitness and endurance training for both elite athletes and those seeking every day fitness. Laird’s first book, Force of Nature: Mind, Body, Soul, and, Of Course, Surfing (Rodale Books, 2008), has become the go-to manual for people seeking inspiration for a healthy lifestyle and hit the New York Times Bestseller list within two weeks of publication. He is also a contributing editor for Men’s Journal, where he writes about his own fitness, health and nutrition philosophies.Laird has also appeared in a number of feature films and surfing documentaries including Radical Attitude (1992), Wake Up Call (1996), Step into Liquid, (2003), Riding Giants (2004) where he also served as executive producer, and as a stunt man or surfer in The Decendants (2014), Water World (1995), Die Another Day (2002) and Point Break (2015). In addition to his film work, Laird has appeared on numerous television shows such as Oprah’s Master Class, Charlie Rose, 60 Minutes, Chelsea Handler, Conan O’Brien, Steven Colbert, and The Ellen Degeneres Show.Laird has a passion for helping others live happy, healthy lives, as exhibited through his work with charities such as the Surfrider Foundation, Race Across America, Pipeline for a Cure for Cystic Fibrosis, Rain Catcher, Muscular Dystrophy and City Of Hope.Laird lives with wife Gabrielle Reece and their daughters on the Hawaiʻian island of Kauaʻi six months out of the year during surfs’ swell season and during the offseason, in Malibu, California.