¶¶Òõ̽̽

Engagement and Capacity Building Manager, Center for Science in the Public Interest (CPCI)

Olivia Peña was the first to graduate from the undergraduate Food Systems program, with a concentration in Animal Science and minors in Nutrition & Food Science, and Community & International Development. She went on to receive her Master of Science in Food Systems at ¶¶Òõ̽̽. Olivia has worked in a variety of roles in the food system, including working for the US Senate, conducting outreach and advocating for the SNAP program in Vermont, supporting racial equity in nonprofits around the country, and founding a nonprofit organization for people of color in Vermont with shared interests in land, environment, agriculture, and food. 

Currently, Olivia works at the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a national food and health policy organization as the Engagement and Capacity Building Manager. In her role, Olivia leads the organization's community engagement efforts to collaborate with grassroots and community organizations around the country working to pass policies for healthier, equitable, and sustainable food systems. She is passionate about supporting partnerships that center on building power and working towards social change in their communities.  

Senior Manager - Community Engagement @ Vermont Foodbank

Kyle graduated from ¶¶Òõ̽̽ with a bachelor’s degree in food systems, with a minor in Nutrition and Food Science and Environmental Studies. Kyle started her career while still in school at the Food & Farm Program at the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps. She worked there seasonally then full time as the Food & Farm Program Coordinator for 3 years. She then worked as a Farm to School Coordinator for Morrisville and Stowe schools. She is now working at the Vermont Foodbank within Chittenden County, managing their gleaning program, working with local farmers, and maintaining partnerships.

Farm Education and Outreach Manager - Boston Medical Center

PhD Student - Tufts University, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy

Olivia graduated from ¶¶Òõ̽̽ with a B.S. in Food Systems, with minors in Community and International Development and Psychological Science. She became deeply involved in food systems work while at ¶¶Òõ̽̽ and went on to complete her master’s degree in Agriculture, Food, and Environment from Tufts University. Then, Olivia worked for the City of Somerville leading the city’s mobile farmers market and urban agriculture and food policy and programming. Olivia now works at Boston Medical Center, managing the hospital’s rooftop farm education, production, and outreach and is a PhD student at Tufts University specializing in Cellular Agriculture.

Senior Account Executive- Toast POS

Maddie graduated from ¶¶Òõ̽̽ with a bachelor’s degree in food systems, with a concentration in Nutrition and Food Science, and minors in Public Communication and Community Entrepreneurship. Right after college Maddie started at Toast POS, as a Sales Development Representative, reaching out to restaurant owners to learn about their technology needs. After a year, she moved to an Account Executive position where she manages and sells different technology suites to restaurant owners. 

Program and Outreach Coordinator - Addison County Relocalization Network

Lilah graduated with a BS in Food Systems, minoring in Community and International Development. She now works with the , a small non-profit with a mission to support the Champlain Valley's local food and farming community. As their Programs and Outreach Coordinator, Lilah continues to develop her interest and experience in community food security, farm viability, and the food value chain.