Designation Team Members

I'm from Guanajuato, Mexico. I grew up in Salvatierra, Guanajuato. I remember when I used to plant tomatoes in Merced, California. The first few days when I came home I would just sit on the couch and fall asleep all afternoon and that's when I started liking produce. I worked in produce for 19 years and one day while I was talking to Luis he offered me a job, but this time, I could help people in need. I found the work very interesting and I like that it benefits many low-income families. In my free time, I like to play the electric bass and practice with a Norteño band. And I also enjoy spending time with my family.

Allison grew up in New England, and stayed close for college, studying Communications at Northeastern University. Upon graduation, Allison made the move out West and spent 6+ years at TOMS Shoes, helping to build and execute global partnerships. She continued…

I am originally from Puebla, Mexico, where I grew up. Before I worked at Food Forward, I was a driver. I enjoy being a driver because I get to meet and talk with people from many different countries. I enjoy working at Food Forward because I can help people who need food. When I'm not working, I enjoy being well with my family, the people around me, and God.

Diane grew up in suburban Los Angeles, where she and her siblings used to pick avocados from their backyard and sell them 8 for $1! After college at UC San Diego and earning a Stanford MBA, Diane’s early career focused…

I was born and grew up among the rolling hills of Villa Purificacion, Jalisco, Mexico. In my hometown, I was a rancher. I grew up growing food, being around animals, and I enjoyed drinking warm fresh raw milk with chocolate…

Before founding Food Forward in 2009, Rick was an award-winning photographer and writer who focused on the faces and stories of marginalized communities. His formal training as a cook, along with his exploration of California’s agricultural workforce in his body…

I am originally from Chiquimula, Guatemala. In Guatemala, I worked as a sign painter on the road and as a driver and brewer for Gallo brewery. I was a brewer.  I’ve worked as a driver in the produce industry in…

Vivian Poonsopin was born and raised in North Hollywood climbing trees, digging holes, and getting stuck in each. She went to college for a bachelor’s in animation, later again for computer graphics but eventually fell into event production. During her…

Betsy hails from Oklahoma and spent her childhood summers selling produce at farmers markets and devouring her mom’s homemade plum jam, made with plums her family gleaned from trees on country roads. She ventured to Boston for college, where she…

Samantha Teslik was born and raised in the SFV in a home surrounded by citrus, avocado & stone fruit trees. She left the valley to spend 6 years living in Hoboken, New Jersey to earn a Masters Degree in Food…