Staff

Arabella “Amaranth” graduated from the University of Louisville with a B.A. in History and a minor in Humanities. She completed undergraduate research on the history of conservation in the United States, which secured her interest in the work of exploring the relationships between plants, animals, people, and their environment. With a background in community organizing, she’s excited to be part of the Food Literacy Project learning alongside and supporting youth as they make change within their own community. During off hours, Arabella enjoys running, baking, and writing.

Celeste “Celery” recently graduated from Bellarmine University, where she studied Environmental Justice & Sustainability. While in school, she has been actively engaged with community-based organizations like Common Earth Gardens and Passionist Earth & Spirit Center, and Eviction Prevention programs. Additionally, she has spent the past few years working in the food industry! She’s really looking forward to being out on the farm, out in the community, and working with our Field-to-Fork Clubs.

Jenni “Perennial” Lohrey is inspired and motivated by building communities through food and urban agriculture. She joins The Food Literacy Project with a background in farmer’s market management and community development. She holds a degree in Spanish and Latin American and Latino Studies from the University of Louisville. In her free time she enjoys being with her family, gardening and studying herbalism.

Jill “Jujube” Seelmeyer, a Louisville native, began her nonprofit career in the food justice field in Central Kentucky shortly after graduating from the University of Kentucky in 2011 with a journalism and political science degree. She loves being able to live out her personal values through the work of FLP –collaborating with the community to foster equity, sustainability, and education among our youth and their families. Jill enjoys spending time outdoors with her young children, practicing yoga, and listening to live music in her free time.

Joel “Horseradish” Deckard is eager to apply his accounting and finance acumen to help the Food Literacy Project achieve our long-term goals and continue to build lasting relationships in the community.  Joel grew up in Mayfield KY, graduated from the University of Louisville with a BSBA in Accounting, and has worked with local businesses and non-profits in Louisville for over ten years.  Joel briefly worked in a factory farm processing plant which left a profound impact on his relationship with food, and he is proud to be part of an organization that supports social and environmental responsibility.   When not counting beans, Joel is likely looking for new books to read, playing old-time fiddle with friends, or chasing his two kids

Kelsey “Kabocha” Voit has been involved in food movement work in Kentucky for a decade – farming, working on agricultural policy, and organizing around several local efforts to combat food apartheid. They came to this work through a love for delicious food and a commitment to justice. Kelsey is excited to bring their six years of regenerative vegetable production experience to the FLP urban farm. Outside of farming, Kelsey likes to cook food, make music, and play outside.

Micah “Moringa” Ndiaye brings over a decade of experience working in youth development and nonprofit leadership to her role as Youth Engagement Manager at the Food Literacy Project. In this position, she supports the Youth Community Agriculture Program (YCAP), helping young people build leadership skills, confidence, and community through hands-on experiences with farming, food, and social change.

Micah’s work is grounded in mentorship, relationship-building, and equity. Whether working side-by-side with the crew in the soil, facilitating workshops, or co-creating learning experiences, she is creating an environment where youth feel seen, supported, and empowered to lead with curiosity and compassion.

Micah is a proud graduate of Midway College with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She was also recognized with the 2021 Young Professionals Award by the Young Professionals Association of Louisville (YPAL) for her commitment to community engagement and lifelong learning.

When she’s not at the farm, you can find her reading, roller skating, basking in the sun “like a lizard on a rock,” or spending time with her husband and daughter.

My name is Alexa “Avocado” I am a recent graduate of Bellarmine University, where I studied Environmental Science with a focus on public health and community engagement. I have experience working in medical interpretation, community health, and urban gardening, and I have always been passionate about supporting immigrant and underserved communities. I am excited to help lift youth voices and share stories from the farm as a Communications Specialist with the Food Literacy Project!

Evan “Egghead” is a Summer 2025 YCAP crew member.

Hani “Habanero” is a Summer 2025 YCAP crew member.

“I’ve been involved in this work for 2 years and I love the joy it brings people. I love crocheting and I plan to become a personal chef later in life.”

Laurel “Lemon” is a Summer 2025 YCAP crew member.

Makiya “Papaya” is a Summer 2025 YCAP crew member.

Mari “Marigold” is a Summer 2025 YCAP crew member.

Patrick “Pumpkin” is a Summer 2025 YCAP crew member.

Zakaria “Zalzalak” is a Summer 2025 YCAP crew member.