10:00a
Room 2G
Advancing Your Advocacy: A Guide to New and Seasoned Advocates
Bailey joined Hunger Free Oklahoma in September 2021 and brought with her a passion for sustainable policy development and community engagement. Bailey began her career while pursuing her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Global Studies at OU, where she worked on projects focused on international hydropower development, national anti-corruption strategy, and developed curriculum for U.S. Department of State officials. After realizing the prevalence of hunger in her own community, she pivoted to focus on domestic anti-hunger policy and began working at HFO, researching and advocating for policy solutions that more efficiently address food insecurity.
11:20a
Room 3A
Tried and Tested Models of Hunger Free Communities
Amanda Bankston is a Ph.D. student in public administration at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Stemming from a decade of facilitating community-centered processes aimed at addressing systemic inequities through broad-based collaboration, her research interests center on how people and organizations work across divides to create stronger, healthier, more equitable communities. Originally from El Paso, Texas, Amanda earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota and an M.P.A. from the University of Arizona.
2:40p
Room 3G
Addressing Nutrition Insecurity in Oklahoma through Medicaid Managed Care
Dominique has over 14 years of experience collaborating with marginalized communities affected by incarceration, health disparities, and chronic disease. During her 6 years at the Oklahoma City-County Health Department, her most recent role was as Chief of Community Health, where she spearheaded initiatives to enhance the effectiveness of the Mobile Market Program, significantly improving access to fresh produce for food-insecure populations. Recently, Dominique transitioned to serve as the Community Management & Engagement Manager for Humana Healthy Horizons in Oklahoma, where she continues to champion community health initiatives to improve the well-being of underserved populations through Health Equity and community investment.
11:20a
1C
SNAP Partner Gathering: Round Table Discussions, Collaborations, and Lessons Learned
Eric joined the Hunger Free Oklahoma team in October of 2021. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma he spent his formative years in Texas before a 4-year enlistment in the US Air Force. He moved back to Oklahoma in 2018. His previous experience was working with unhoused veterans to help them build skills to find and keep gainful employment. During that time, he saw how hunger impacted housing and employment. His belief that food is a human right drives him to want to end hunger in Oklahoma. Eric holds a BS in Political Science from Troy University.
12:20p
Legacy Ballroom
Nourishing Oklahoma: The Power of Collaboration
In 2019, Del Beaver was elected by the citizens to serve as the Second Chief of the great Muscogee (Creek) Nation. It was the beginning of this unprecedented time the leadership abilities to navigate a worldwide pandemic and the landmark decision of the U.S. Supreme Court McGirt case came to being. As the Second Chief of the 4th largest native nation in the United States, the responsibilities are numerous and endless. Since being elected, Second Chief Beaver has made it a top priority to enhance and protect the language and culture of the Nation. Prior to being elected Second Chief, Del was elected to serve on the Nation’s National Council as the Okmulgee District Representative. While on the Council, he served on the Land, Natural Resources, & Culture Committee. After graduating with a B.S. in Environmental Services and a M.S. in Industrial Operations at Northeastern State University, Del began his professional career as an Environmental Protection Specialist. He later became the Director of the MCN Office of Environmental Services, overseeing numerous programs that directly affected the health and wellbeing of the citizens. Del is also a graduate of the 2023 Leadership Oklahoma class and the 2019 Leadership Native Oklahoma class.
Following the personal motto of “Faith, Family, Work”, Del also serves as an associate Pastor at Native Stone Baptist Church. He has been happily married to his wife, Rhonda, for 18 years and have 3 children and 1 grandchild. He is a proud softball dad and loves to watch his kids and go fishing.
9:00a
Legacy Ballroom
12:20p
Legacy Ballroom
Nourishing Oklahoma: The Power of Collaboration
Chris, a proud native of Oklahoma, became part of Hunger Free Oklahoma in December of 2017. With a robust background in policy, advocacy, legislative strategy, and program implementation, Chris brings invaluable expertise to the organization. His extensive involvement in public safety, juvenile justice and anti-poverty has showcased his adept leadership in fostering public/private partnerships and coalition building to address intricate challenges. Chris’s track record includes impactful contributions both within and outside of government, where he has spearheaded policy, program, and legislative changes aimed at enhancing services for citizens, optimizing government resources, and fostering improved outcomes for individuals and communities.
In 2023, Chris was honored with the Rodney Bivens Innovation Award by the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to the field. Additionally, he was named among The Journal Record’s Most Admired CEOs in 2023, a testament to his exemplary leadership within the community and beyond. Furthermore, Chris’s commitment to personal and professional growth is evident through his participation in the 35th LeadershipOK Class.
Chris earned his BA from the University of Texas at Austin and furthered his education by obtaining a JD from Northwestern University School of Law.
11:20a
Room 2G
Feeding Rainbow: a Panel on 2SLGBTQ+ Nutrition Access
Kelley Blair, M.S. LPC-S (they/them), is Two-Spirit (transgender non-conforming). They are enrolled in the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and tribal affiliated with the Cherokee and Seminole Nations. They specialize in therapeutic treatment of gender and sex minorities. Kelley is the founder and CEO of the Diversity Center of Oklahoma Inc. (DCO), a National non-profit community resource center for gender diverse and 2-S-LGBTQ+ populations. They have extensive history within social justice, community organizations, and non-profits. Kelley currently volunteers on the International Two-Spirit Council, public health committees, university research, and advisory boards promoting best practices of gender and sexual minorities.
10:00a
Room 2D
Working with Municipal Government Around Healthy Community Design
10:00a
Room 2G
Advancing Your Advocacy: A Guide to New and Seasoned Advocates
11:20a
Room 2E
Shifting Perspectives with Lived Experience
As the director of advocacy and public policy at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, Lauren has focused on grassroots advocacy, particularly the Regional Food Bank’s neighbor engagement work. Her work has included the development and implementation of Magnify Oklahoma, a nine-month training program aimed at empowering neighbors with lived experience to elevate their voices. Brockman is a Master of Legal Studies candidate at the University of Oklahoma, College of Law. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources from Oklahoma State University.
10:00a
Room 3G
The Youth and Future of Ag: Young people that are being entrepreneurial in food systems
Dr. Courtney Brown, from Memphis, Tennessee, holds a B.S. in Agriculture Science, an M.S. in Agricultural Communications, and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Education from Oklahoma State University. As an Assistant Professor and State Extension Specialist of Agricultural Leadership, she develops leadership programs focused on vision crafting, core values, and team building. Dr. Brown enhances agricultural engagement in underserved communities, particularly among African American populations, through youth development and community outreach, with initiatives in community development, social entrepreneurship, and agricultural career exploration.
10:00a
Room 3G
The Youth and Future of Ag: Young people that are being entrepreneurial in food systems
Drew Brown, the CEO of Juice Crew Media, is an innovative business owner based in Oklahoma City. With a Bachelor’s degree from Langston University and a Master’s from Oklahoma State University, Drew’s expertise spans marketing, design, and IT. Over five years, he has cultivated a reputation as a sharp-minded entrepreneur, published author, and engaging public speaker. Off the books, he is an active basketball player, a devoted husband, and a steadfast father. Guided by the principle that necessity breeds invention, Drew continues to lead with conviction and clarity.
11:20a
Room 1C
SNAP Partner Gathering: Round Table Discussions, Collaborations, and Lessons Learned
Edith Brown is the benefits outreach manager for the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. She joined the organization as a SNAP outreach specialist in 2018 and manages a team of four specialists. Edith’s one word to define herself is service and serving others impacts her daily goals. An active community leader, Edith is a mother of four and grandmother to seven. She enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as cooking and reading.
11:20a
Room 3B
Food is Medicine in Frontier and Rural Communities: Lessons Learned from Kansas
Elizabeth E. Burger, PhD, MBA, EMT, is Senior Vice President of Programs & Strategy at Sunflower Foundation, a statewide health foundation. Elizabeth leads an extensive portfolio including food access, nutrition security, and Food is Medicine; access to nature and public trails; integration of behavioral health/primary care; public health infrastructure; nonprofit capacity building; and education through Sunflower’s Nonprofit Center. Outside of work, Burger is a certified firefighter/EMT and volunteers for her rural fire district and multiple other community projects, including work to create a public nature preserve on her family’s rural property.
3:40p
Legacy Ballroom Pre-function
Eat healthy and watch your health improve
Chef Jason Champagne, MPH, is a member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa (MN), and owner of Native Chef LLC. He is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts School. He has a bachelor’s degree in Community Nutrition from the University of North Dakota, and a Master’s degree in Public Health Nutrition from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. Through his business, his goal is to help others understand that food can be a powerful, positive medicine, and learning the basic concepts of cooking is the key to making it healthy, affordable, and delicious.
10:00a
Room 3B
Using Publicly Available Data to Drive Decision-Making
Gia joined Hunger Free Oklahoma in January of 2018. In her current role, Gia is a Salesforce administrator and data analyst, overseeing data processes, data visualization, and translating complex information into easily understandable formats. Gia has a BA in Economics, BA in Sociology from the University of California Santa Barbara, and an MPA from the University of Oklahoma with a concentration in nonprofit management. With a personal interest in programming, Gia is also a graduate of OK Coders 2022 cohort. In her free time, Gia enjoys running, baking, and taking care of her plants.
9:00a
Legacy Ballroom
Learning from the Past to Improve Our Future through Food Security
Clark is a descendant of the 1921 Race Massacre. He has a B.A. Degree in Theatre from the University of Washington (Seattle), a M.F.A. Degree in Film from Howard University (Washington, D.C.) He also holds an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from Oklahoma State University (Stillwater). Clark is a farmer and rancher who raises his own food. He has written ten plays in his series entitled “Telling Our Stories (Based on the Events of the 1921 Race Riot.” He is a Teacher for Tulsa Public Schools and an Adjunct Professor for the University of Tulsa.
10:00a
Room 1C
Building Bridges in Child Nutrition: Roundtable Discussions, Collaborations, and Learnings
Heather Collins is the Woods/Woodward County Coordinator for Sooner Success. In her role at Sooner Success, she collaborates with both public and private sectors to promote a comprehensive, coordinated system of health, social and educational services for Oklahoma children and youth with special needs. With a bachelor’s degree in nursing, Heather combines her healthcare expertise with a passion for educational equity. In addition to her role at Sooner Success, she has served on the Cherokee Public Schools Board of Education for two years, further enhancing her impact on local educational initiatives.
2:40p
Room 3G
Addressing Nutrition Insecurity in Oklahoma through Medicaid Managed Care
Richard Comeau joined Hunger Free Oklahoma in November of 2016. Richard is a native Texan who now calls Tulsa home. He brings an extensive background in food policy having worked in Congress on agricultural and food policy and as a Fellow at the American Frozen Food Institute studying food science and regulatory issues. Most recently, Richard served as the Regional Director of the Texas Hunger Initiative’s Fort Worth Office where he translated his technical background in food production to issues of food access. As the Regional Director, Richard led operations in a 25 county region including convening and leading multiple successful coalitions, affecting city and county wide legislative reform, and administering multiple programs aimed at increasing access to food for our most vulnerable populations.
Richard holds a BS in Agriculture from Texas A&M University and a MPA from the Bush School of Government and Public Service.
10:00a
Room 3A
Coalitions that Get Results
Janis Cravatt has been in public health since 2011. During quarantine for COVID-19, she served as secretary for 3 coalitions experiencing the barriers of keeping the coalition connected and functioning. During that time, she worked with coalitions and organizations to gather community needs through focus groups, key informant interviews and town halls, facilitating consensus around community goals and priorities. Additionally, her current work in providing consultation for community groups around community health needs assessments and strategic planning provides her the insight to how groups and coalitions at all levels can increase their capacity to “get results” toward healthier communities.
2:40p
Room 2E
Authentic Youth Engagement: Learnings from Hunger Free Oklahoma’s Youth Action Council and Collaboration with Tulsa Changemakers
Hali is an 18-year-old community organizer, public speaker, and advocate operating within the state of Oklahoma. She is dedicated to helping others and building a better, brighter tomorrow. Her major focuses are on food policy, racial inequality, student rights, and class struggle. She is presenting as a member of Hunger Free Oklahoma’s Youth Action Council. Hali’s mission is to help pass legislation to mandate the creation of free universal school lunch for the students of Oklahoma.
11:20a
Room 3E
If There’s Not a Seat at the Table, Bring a Folding Chair: A Panel on Making and Leveraging Your Space to Build Up Your Community
Dr. Tiffany T. Crutcher, thrust into international spotlight following the death of her twin brother, Terence Crutcher, who was shot by a police officer in Tulsa, is the Founder and Executive Director of the Terence Crutcher Foundation, Demanding A Just Tulsa Coalition, The Tulsa Black Mental Health Alliance, and the Tulsa Community Remembrance Coalition (founded in 2018 with Bryan Stevenson and the Equal Justice Initiative). The TCRC will lead a mass effort to empower citizens to confront issues of racism and overcome racial inequality through building the City of Tulsa’s first comprehensive memorial and the coalition’s community remembrance work.
11:20a
Room 1C
SNAP Partner Gathering: Round Table Discussions, Collaborations, and Lessons Learned
Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Joe Cusick moved to Tulsa in July of 2019, hoping for an opportunity to make an impact. He has been with Tulsa Responds for 4 years and loves the work that he does. Joe is passionate about serving the underserved, personal development, and being surrounded by great people. If you would like to connect, send Joe an email at jcusick@tulsaresponds.org
2:40p
Room 2C
Adopting a Trauma-Informed Approach to Community Services
Colby D’Onofrio is a Senior Program Coordinator at Leah’s Pantry, a leader in trauma-informed nutrition. She grew up on the coast of California, playing on farms and her passion for sustainable food practices grew into a career in food security. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences with a Nutrition concentration from Ithaca College, and has a background in nutrition science and education. When she isn’t facilitating trainings or working on presentations, Colby can be found baking cakes at home with her fiancé and their cat, Purrsia.
11:20a
Room 3a
Tried and Tested Models of Hunger Free Communities
Minerva Delgado is Director of Coalitions & Advocacy at the Alliance to End Hunger in Washington, DC. Ms. Delgado has over thirty years of experience working to end hunger and poverty. As an experienced policy analyst, organizer and program manager, she has held senior positions in government, civil rights and anti-poverty organizations. Ms. Delgado holds degrees from The New School and Cornell University.
10:00a
Room 2G
Advancing Your Advocacy: A Guide to New and Seasoned Advocates
11:20a
Room 2E
Shifting Perspectives with Lived Experience
Jessica Dietrich serves as the Director of Government Relations & Public Policy at HFO. She is a proud lifelong Oklahoman dedicated to making her home state better through advocacy. She brings a diverse background in the areas of food insecurity, healthcare, business, and taxation. Jessica holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Oklahoma City University. In her free time, you can find Jessica spending time with her Little through Big Brothers Big Sisters, serving as a violinist and board president for Oklahoma Chamber Symphony, and enjoying her home in OKC with her spouse and small fleet of pets.
2:40p
Room 2D
Pawnee Seed Preservation Society: Bringing seed savers together to solve food system constraints
Deb Echo-Hawk presently serves as the Executive Director of the Pawnee Seeds Preservation Society. Her background includes Teaching and Coordinating the Indian Education Programs for Denver Public Schools; managing the Education & Training Department and later the food programs for Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma; growing ancestral crops and forming Nebraska homeland ties to assure that our non-hybrid corn will never be on the verge of extinction, but flourish to provide nutritional food for the future.
2:40p
Room 2C
Adopting a Trauma-Informed Approach to Community Services
Nicole is a graduate of the Lindsey House program and has a passion for helping women who are in a place she knows all too well. Her tireless energy keeps everything running smoothly in the home. She joined the staff of Lindsey House in 2016. Nicole dedicates her life to her two daughters and to making the world a better place.
2:40p
Room 2B
Pawnee Seed Preservation Society: Bringing seed savers together to solve food system constraints
J. Sunny Evans is Agricultural Land Management and Outreach Coordinator for the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma, Division of Agriculture. Her role is to support the food sovereignty of the Pawnee Nation through increasing opportunities for animal and plant production for food, habitat, and cultural purposes, and help identify and manage land issues. Some of the agricultural activities occurring at the Pawnee Nation include beef cattle production, greenhouse hydroponic crops, native plant production and promotion, and tribal trust land restoration.
11:20a
Room 2G
Feeding Rainbow: a Panel on 2SLGBTQ+ Nutrition Access
Grace Fallon (she/they) serves as Board President for the Gender Umbrella Assistance Collective, a grassroots organization providing direct aid to 2STGNCI people struggling financially in the state of Oklahoma. Grace also serves on the Board of Directors for Oklahomans for Equality as Pride Chair and is a founding member of the Trans Advocacy Coalition of Oklahoma. Grace has lived experience with food and housing insecurity, and since moving to Tulsa has also supported friends struggling to access food and housing resources in the city.
2:40p
Room 2G
Reimagining a Summer Without Hunger: Debriefing Summer Meals 2024 and Strategizing for Summer 2025
Kyle Garrison is a 2023 graduate of the University of Tulsa and the primary coordinator for Summer Feeding at the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. He first worked for the Food Bank as a summer associate in 2022 and began working full-time in 2023. As a full-time employee, Kyle initially worked with miscellaneous back-to-school events and smaller programs while assisting with federal Food for Kids programs. During the Summer Feeding program in 2024, he led FBEO’s team to successfully meeting their goal of distributing 200,000 meals and coordinated the CACFP At-Risk program during the school year.
10:00a
Room 1C
Building Bridges in Child Nutrition: Roundtable Discussions, Collaborations, and Learnings
Mackenzie Garst serves as the CEO for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Ottawa County, overseeing programs across five locations. With extensive experience in youth development and community nutrition, Mackenzie leads efforts to provide over 5,000 meals monthly through the Club’s CACFP feeding program. Her work focuses on ensuring food security for at-risk youth, particularly in rural and Native communities. As a passionate advocate for equitable access to nutritious meals, Mackenzie has successfully expanded feeding programs and partnerships, making a significant impact on the health and well-being of local children and families.
2:40p
Room 2E
Authentic Youth Engagement: Learnings from Hunger Free Oklahoma’s Youth Action Council and Collaboration with Tulsa Changemakers
Maddy joins Hungry for Action and the Hunger Free Oklahoma Youth Action Council (YAC) to discuss the challenges that many youth face registering food insecurity at home and more specifically, in school. She wants to stress the importance of universal school meals, breakfast after the bell, and summer meal programs. She speaks on behalf of those who haven’t received the opportunity to create an environment where youth voices are always heard.
11:20a
Room 2E
Shifting Perspectives with Lived Experience
Bruce is an alumnus of Edison High School and a graduate of Conception Seminary College, Missouri. He pursued graduate theological studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome.
Bruce was a seminarian for the Diocese of Tulsa, and briefly a Benedictine monk. Ultimately leaving religious life behind, he established a career in real estate.
Bruce has served as director and officer of numerous boards and foundations, recently becoming the client representative on the Board of TulsaCares.
Like many, Bruce’s life has had highs and lows in his broad experience. He is here today to share a part of his personal story.
10:00a
Room 2D
Working with Municipal Government Around Healthy Community Design
Rian Harkins joined the City of Shawnee team in January 2022 as Community Development Director. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Community and Regional Planning from Iowa State University, and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He is a member of the American Planning Association and American Institute of Certified Planners.
11:20a
Room 1C
SNAP Partner Gathering: Round Table Discussions, Collaborations, and Lessons Learned
Allycia joined the Hunger Free Oklahoma team in September 2020. A native Oklahoman, born and raised in the Tulsa surrounding area, Allycia brings over 15 years of dedicated customer experience. As the SNAP Hotline Program Manager, she leverages her expertise in management and administration to ensure high-quality program implementation, compliance, and exceptional customer service.
Outside of work, Allycia enjoys spending time with her children and is passionate about helping others improve their well-being and quality of life through better nutrition and lifestyle choices.
2:40p
Room 3G
Addressing Nutrition Insecurity in Oklahoma through Medicaid Managed Care
Terrainia Harris, MPH, is the Health Equity Director of Aetna Better Health of Oklahoma. Graduating from both Langston University and the University of Oklahoma, she earned her Master’s in Public Health with a focus on Epidemiology. Her commitment to public health and health equity extends over 20 years across various prevention education, epidemiological, and supervisory roles. Terrainia has served as a member of the Oklahoma Public Health Association, HIV/AIDS Community Awareness Project Coalition, and the ‘A Cinderella Story’ Prom Dress Giveaway. Presently, she serves on the board of directors for CASA of Oklahoma County and AIDS Walk of Oklahoma City.
11:20a
Room 3B
Food is Medicine in Frontier and Rural Communities: Lessons Learned from Kansas
Susan Harvey is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health, Sport, and Exercise Sciences at the University of Kansas. Her research centers around work with underserved communities focused on improving built environments conducive to healthy eating and physical activity behaviors. Dr. Harvey has experience in conducting formative, process, and impact evaluations on school- and community-based interventions. She currently has funding from two USDA grants to evaluate the impact of food security and produce prescription programming on nutrition security and overall health, as well as funding from Sunflower Foundation to evaluate Food is Medicine programming in six FQHC’s across Kansas.
11:20a
Room 2C
Tribal Nation Food Sovereignty: Osage Nation’s approach to taking control of their own food system
10:00a
Room 3D
Double Up Oklahoma (DUO) for Health
Madison is a Master’s in Public Health candidate at OU Health Science Center in Tulsa. She recently graduated with a B.S in Biological Science from the University of Tulsa. Her focused line of work is around research into food insecurities in Tulsa, including working as a research assistant for Double Up Oklahoma projects (DUO4Health and PROVIDE). In her free time, she is a fellow for a non-profit consulting group out of the University of Oklahoma.
10:00a
Room 2G
Advancing Your Advocacy: A Guide to New and Seasoned Advocates
Mikayla Higginbotham serves as the Director of Partner Services at the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, leveraging her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Oklahoma to drive impactful change. As a social worker and devoted follower of Jesus, Mikayla is committed to the ethical principle of pursuing social change on behalf of vulnerable people. She puts her beliefs into practice as evidenced by her recent advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. to promote a robust Farm Bill. Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, Mikayla finds joy in spending quality time with her husband and family.
2:40p
Room 2C
Adopting a Trauma-Informed Approach to Community Services
Maggie Hoey is the President and CEO of Lindsey House, bringing more than 15 years of experience in Tulsa-area nonprofits. She has worked in resource development, marketing and community development through previous positions at the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, Tulsa Habitat for Humanity, Iron Gate, Tulsa Regional Chamber and the City of Tulsa. She has a Bachelor of Science from Oklahoma State University and a Master of Public Administration from OU-Tulsa.
10:00a
Room 2A
The American Dream Experience
Jackie Howell is an Inclusion Specialist in the City of Oklahoma City’s Office of Equity. In this role, Jackie project manages Inclusion and Diversity programs for the improved experience of employees of the City. Jackie began as an Inclusion and Diversity practitioner with the University of Oklahoma Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion where she developed and supported University belonging programs and initiatives. Jackie received a Master of Human Relations and several graduate certificates from the University of Oklahoma. Recently, Jackie was nominated and awarded the 2023 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award from the Oklahoma Human Resource State Council.
2:40p
Room 2E
Authentic Youth Engagement: Learnings from Hunger Free Oklahoma’s Youth Action Council and Collaboration with Tulsa Changemakers
Rachel Humphrey was a classroom educator for 10 years before joining the Tulsa Changemakers team. Originally from Poughkeepsie, NY, she moved to Tulsa to attend the University of Tulsa, where she was a member of the women’s rowing team. After graduating she began teaching. In her classroom, Rachel prioritized student voice, building community, and collaboration. She is grateful to continue doing so in her current role. She is passionate about empowering young people to find and use their voices to impact their communities. Rachel and her husband Brian are proud parents of Evelyn, Violet, and Bennett.
10:00a
Room 3G
The Youth and Future of Ag: Young people that are being entrepreneurial in food systems
Born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Daviona Jackson is a dedicated mother of one with a fervent passion for agriculture, sustainability, and homesteading. Driven by a commitment to environmental stewardship and community education, she seeks to acquire and share knowledge with underserved and uninformed individuals. Through hands-on experience and continuous learning, Daviona aims to inspire others to embrace sustainable practices and contribute to a more informed and eco-conscious society.
2:40p
Room 2G
Reimagining a Summer Without Hunger: Debriefing Summer Meals 2024 and Strategizing for Summer 2025
Rayni Lane, Director of Childhood Hunger Programs, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Oklahoma in 2013 and worked as a Registered Nurse in hospital, education and Public Health for over 10 years. As a Public Health nurse, Rayni gained experience with outreach, program management and working in non-profit. Rayni is passionate about helping those in need and offering support to programs with this common goal.
11:20a
Room 3E
If There’s Not a Seat at the Table, Bring a Folding Chair: A Panel on Making and Leveraging Your Space to Build Up Your Community
10:00a
Room 3A
Coalitions that Get Results
Lauran Larson has over 11 years of public service in social services and public health. She recently joined Hunger Free Oklahoma as Senior Manager of Food and Health, focusing on “Food is Medicine” and nutritious food access. Lauran holds a Master of Prevention Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Oklahoma and is pursuing a Doctor of Public Health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She’s also a Bloomberg American Health Initiative fellow. Outside of work, she enjoys jogging, volunteering with Girl Scouts, swimming, and spending time with her family.
2:40p
Room 1C
Maximize Impact with Strategic Communication: The Power of PR: Building Brands and Bridges
Jessica Lowe-Betts is a Vice President at Schnake Turnbo Frank’s Tulsa office. With 15+ years of experience in government affairs, communications, marketing, leadership coaching and diversity, equity and inclusion consulting, she plays an integral role on Schnake’s I&D Consortium team, supports clients in community engagement and public relations work, and serves as a leadership coach. She was a Senior Diversity & Inclusion Consultant for ONEOK where she developed and expanded employee resource groups and provided coaching/counsel. Jessica spent more than 10 years at the Tulsa Regional Chamber, culminating as Vice President of Marketing and Branding for Tulsa Regional Tourism.
2:40p
Room 1C
Maximizing Impact with Strategic Communication: Smart Social Media
Melissa Marshall joined Hunger Free Oklahoma in November 2021. Melissa’s favorite things are dogs, hikes among the trees, and a good cup of coffee. She has a background in communications, marketing, and nonprofit management. Melissa enjoys leveraging her creative skills to further the goals of Hunger Free Oklahoma by reaching new audiences, building awareness, and reducing the stigma associated with food security programs. Melissa has a diverse educational background in journalism photography, veterinary technology, and canine behavior and training. She shares her life with her husband and their 85-pound Great Pyrenees mix, Skye.
11:20a
Room 2B
Regenerative Farming for Health: Your Food is Only as Good as Your Soil
Erin Martin began her service journey at fifteen, assisting older adults. With a master’s in Gerontology from USC, she has extensive experience in long-term care. In 2021, Erin founded FreshRx Oklahoma, a pioneering produce prescription program sourcing from local, regenerative farmers. She consults nationally and internationally on food as medicine, emphasizing the soil-human health connection. Certified in Regenerative Soil Advocacy, Erin champions soil health’s impact on well-being. As President of the Tulsa Urban Ag Coalition, Director of FreshRx Oklahoma, and co-lead of Oklahoma’s Food is Medicine Policy Coalition, she is dedicated to advancing health equity.
2:40p
Room 1C
Maximizing Impact with Strategic Communication: Working with the Press
Doug McDurham has spent his professional career and volunteer work addressing access to education, healthcare, and food. With degrees in English and social work, he values the ways that language supports the missions of our organizations.
9:00a
Legacy Ballroom
Janaya is of the Katcvlke clan, lives in Eufaula, OK, and is a member of the West Eufaula Indian Baptist church, where she finds solace and community.
She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in speech-language pathology at Northeastern State University’s Muskogee campus, driven by a deep passion to make a difference in the lives of those around her within and outside the Mvskoke community.
This year, she aims to create opportunities for meaningful intergenerational relationships where the wisdom and experiences of our elders can be shared and celebrated, and the energy and enthusiasm of the younger generation can be harnessed to drive positive change.
Her goal as Miss Muscogee (Creek) Nation is to cultivate a stronger sense of community and unity among our people, recognizing the power of intergenerational connections to foster a more resilient and vibrant future.
11:20a
Room 3E
If There’s Not a Seat at the Table, Bring a Folding Chair: A Panel on Making and Leveraging Your Space to Build Up Your Community
Tim is the Tulsa Dream Center’s third executive director since its inception more than 20 years ago. He started in 2008 as Programs Director following five years in international missions and five years in civil engineering. He has a master’s degree in divinity from Oral Roberts University and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Georgia Tech. Tim oversees an organization that touches more than 85,000 lives each year, a $4 million+ annual operating budget, and serves as the organization’s lead minister and spokesman. Tim has a huge heart for at-risk youth, community development and entrepreneurship.
11:20a
Room 3E
If There’s Not a Seat at the Table, Bring a Folding Chair: A Panel on Making and Leveraging Your Space to Build Up Your Community
2:40p
Room 3E
Hungry by Design: How Urban Design Contributes to Food Insecurity
11:20a
Room 2E
Shifting Perspectives with Lived Experience
Greg Norbert Adotevi Owondot is a Magnify Oklahoma Neighbor who contributes his lived experience to build collective power with his colleagues to benefit a more equitable Oklahoma.
2:40p
Room 3G
Addressing Nutrition Insecurity in Oklahoma through Medicaid Managed Care
Douglas Olivo is the Director of Community Engagement (SDOH), Tribal and Rural Health at Oklahoma Complete Health, a subsidiary of Centene. With a decade and a half of experience in healthcare, he leads a team specializing in identifying and addressing non-medical barriers resulting in inequitable health outcomes. He believes that everyone should have access to high quality healthcare, regardless of their zip code or demographic.
Doug holds a BS in International Business from the University of Akron and an MBA from Louisiana State University Shreveport. He also served as a Counterintelligence Agent and Psychological Operations Commander in the US Army.
11:20a
Room 3C
First and Last Mile Distribution: The Missing Link
Katie Plohocky is co-founder and Executive Director of RG Foods, Inc., a non-profit enhancing the nutritional and economic health of underserved communities by overcoming barriers to healthy food access. She has dedicated 16 years to creating equitable access to locally produced food by empowering local food systems through a teaching farm Tulsa Farm Lab, mobile and micro store models, food hub and youth development program the Fresh Food Academy.
11:20a
Room 2G
Feeding Rainbow: A Panel on 2SLGBTQ+ Nutrition Access
11:20a
Room 2G
Feeding Rainbow: A Panel on 2SLGBTQ+ Nutrition Access
Jake Reavis currently serves as a TLP manager at Pivot. In this role, he acts as a mentor for thirty young adults experiencing housing insecurity. He and his team are responsible for making sure our clients have their basic life skills met while also connecting them to a team of counselors and case managers that help them build their future. Prior to my work with Pivot, I have worked as a support coordinator for six years with the Women’s Research Center and BGLTQ+ Student Center at the University of Central Oklahoma.
2:40p
Room 3E
Hungry by Design: How Urban Design Contributes to Food Insecurity
Halley Reeves is a community health strategist and faculty member at OU’s Hudson College of Public Health. Halley brings public health and economic development expertise to her work, offering data analysis, planning, and various approaches to community health improvement efforts. Halley served as the Chief Public Health Strategist for the Oklahoma City-County Health Department and the Vice President for Community Health Impact for OU Health. Before her return to Oklahoma in 2018, Halley worked in Massachusetts where she focused on incorporating the social determinants of health into healthcare policy and developing innovative investment strategies supporting healthy communities.
10:00a
Room 3G
The Youth and Future of Ag: Young people that are being entrepreneurial in food systems
Joshua Ringer, PhD, is an agricultural consultant for Indigdev, an Oklahoma Indigenous agribusiness consulting company. Previously he was an Assistant Professor of Agronomy at Langston University and a Research Assistant Professor in the Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Department at Oklahoma State University. His U.S. based consulting and research answer questions relevant to Sovereign Tribal Nation Food Systems, regenerative agriculture, and small holder farmers. He has experience in conducting on-farm testing, building farmer extension networks, and managing agricultural learning farms. He has a PhD in Agricultural Education and Extension and an MSS in Soil Science.
11:20a
Room 1C
SNAP Partner Gathering: Round Table Discussions, Collaborations, and Lessons Learned
Beth Rogers, Master of Social Work and Deaf Interpreter, works as the Social Services Director and Interpreter for Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Providing services to employees and students which include SNAP and Sooner Care applications, childcare assistance, transportation assistance, Summer Meals 4 Kids, and food, hygiene products and clothing pantry. Partners with Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, Khan Ohana, Wings Special Needs Community, TCPP and the recipient for the Oklahoma Hunger- Free Campus Grant.
2:40p
Room 2G
Reimagining a Summer Without Hunger: Debriefing Summer Meals 2024 and Strategizing for Summer 2025
Devin Schroeder joined Hunger Free Oklahoma in 2017 and works as the Sr. Manager of Programs, helping lead a dynamic team that works to improve food security for all Oklahomans. Devin earned a BA in English from University of Dallas and a MA in Nonprofit Leadership from Oklahoma City University. Passionate about improving health and academic outcomes for children and teens, Devin fosters partnerships with school districts, state agencies, nonprofits, and other organizations to ensure that youth across the state have access to three meals a day to grow, learn, and thrive.
12:20p
Legacy Ballroom
Nourishing Oklahoma: The Power of Collaboration
Sakeenah Shabazz is a Biden-Harris Appointee serving as a Senior Policy Advisor at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). Her portfolio includes the historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health and implementing USDA actions put forth in the corresponding National Strategy. Sakeenah also works on FNS program and policy engagement with U.S. territories, local and regional food systems, and inter-agency engagement focused on veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and foster youth. Prior to joining USDA, Sakeenah was the Policy Director at Berkeley Food Institute. She earned a Master of Public Policy (MPP) from the Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Georgetown University. She is originally from San Diego, CA and resides in Washington, D.C.
2:40p
Room 3C
Not All Heros Wear Capes: Where to start if fighting hunger isn’t your everyday job
Treba Shyers has worked in non-profit for over twenty years and worked with Hunger Free Oklahoma for over six years, focusing on increasing SNAP participation. She has managed the SNAP Hotline and is currently the Interim Tulsa Regional Manager.
As a leader at HFO, Treba has worked diligently to increase participation and remove barriers to SNAP. She earned a Master’s in Human Relations at the University of Oklahoma and a Bachelor’s in Education at Northeastern State University.
Treba lives in Sand Springs. When she’s not working hard at HFO, Treba can be found chatting and laughing with family and friends.
11:20a
Room 2E
Shifting Perspectives with Lived Experience
2:40p
Room 2E
Authentic Youth Engagement: Learnings from Hunger Free Oklahoma’s Youth Action Council and Collaboration with Tulsa Changemakers
Sarah Smith-Moore is a Senior Hunger Outreach Program Specialist for Hunger Free Oklahoma. In this role, she coordinates the Youth Action Council and Lived Experience programs in addition to other community engagement opportunities. Sarah brings over a decade of experience working alongside families to provide more resources to reduce harm and organizing grassroots efforts focused on collective liberation. Sarah was born and raised in New York and currently lives in Tulsa with her husband and two children.
2:40p
Room 3E
Hungry by Design: How Urban Design Contributes to Food Insecurity
Alissa Snider joined Hunger Free Oklahoma in 2022. Building connections in local communities and increasing access to basic human services is her passion. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Community and Public Health and her Master of Public Administration degree with a focus on Urban Management from the University of Central Oklahoma. She believes that making the healthy choice should be the easy choice, and one way to accomplish that is to have the built environment reflect that priority.
10:00a
Room 3G
The Youth and Future of Ag: Young people that are being entrepreneurial in food systems
James grew up between Tulsa and Carbondale, Colorado. Attending high school in Colorado, he spent many hours observing natural eco-systems and was immersed in the dynamics of sustainable communities. Being particularly interested in sustainable food production, James attended the agro-ecology program at Prescott College in Arizona. He continued on to Aprovecho Institute in Oregon where he received his certificate in Permaculture Design from Abel Kloster and Tao Orion. James operates Green Country Permaculture, an agrarian consultancy and Tulsa Farmer Incubator, a training program for new and beginning farmers, both located in the Tulsa area.
10:00a
Room 3B
Using Publicly Available Data to Drive Decision-Making
Abby Stainer joined Hunger Free Oklahoma in March of 2021. A Tulsa native, she returns home after 21 years to put her passion for training and development to work. Abby’s career and talents span many industries, all requiring high levels of organization, facilitation, customer service, attention to detail, and knowledge sharing. She is excited to implement these skills in a new arena, helping Oklahomans. Abby has a BA in English from Tufts University and an MA in Interior Design from Savannah College of Art and Design.
10:00a
Room 1C
Building Bridges in Child Nutrition: Roundtable Discussions, Collaborations, and Learnings
2:40p
Room 2G
Reimagining a Summer Without Hunger: Debriefing Summer Meals 2024 and Strategizing for Summer 2025
Treasure Standeford is a native Oklahoman and joined the Hunger Free Oklahoma team in 2019. Treasure brings support, advocacy and education to life for child nutrition programs. She has three beautiful girls, two amazing grandsons, and a huge heart for rural Oklahoma! With a passion to serve others, she looks forward to empowering communities and expanding access to programs to help eliminate hunger. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services Counseling from East Central University.
11:20a
Room 2C
Tribal Nation Food Sovereignty: Osage Nation’s approach to taking control of their own food system
2:40p
Room 3B
Using Digital Advocacy as a Tool for Transformational Change
David Street has nearly 15 years of experience working with non-profit organizations at the national and local level. David received his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from North Carolina A&T State University and holds a Master’s in Theology from Wesley Theological Seminary. David serves as director of community engagement at Feeding America. Previously he was Deputy Director of Grassroots Organizing at Bread for the World.
10:00a
Room 2G
Advancing Your Advocacy: A Guide to New and Seasoned Advocates
Tiffany Tagbo is passionate about ending poverty because she has been impoverished. As a result, she developed a deep empathy for those who are facing economic hardships, a belief in social justice, and a desire to help create a more equitable and compassionate world in her lifetime.
10:00a
Room 2B
SNAP 101: The Basics, the Facts, the Starting Points
11:20a
Room 1C
SNAP Partner Gathering: Round Table Discussions, Collaborations, and Lessons Learned
Dezavia Taylor joined Hunger Free Oklahoma in February 2024. Dezavia was born in Houston, Texas, raised in OKC and comes from a background of higher education. With a passion for fostering inclusive environments, Dezavia boasts a diverse experience in recruitment and diversity and inclusion initiatives. Dezavia holds a Bachelor of University Studies with double minor in Philosophy & Africana Studies from Oklahoma State University. She received a Master’s of Education in Adult and Higher Education from the University of Oklahoma. She believes that food is a right, not a privilege. She is eager to help end hunger in Oklahoma.
10:00a
Room 1C
Building Bridges in Child Nutrition: Roundtable Discussions, Collaborations, and Learnings
Aisosa Udoh joined Hunger Free Oklahoma in 2023 as a SNAP Outreach Coordinator. Born in Nigeria and raised between Nigeria and Texas, she brings a rich cultural perspective to her work. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Community/Public Health from the University of Central Oklahoma and is pursuing a Master’s in Public Health (MPH). With eight years served in the Army, Aisosa exemplifies dedication, teamwork, and resilience. She sought employment with HFO to address the impacts of food insecurity with meaningful change. Her blend of education, military service, and passion makes her an asset in the fight against hunger.
11:20a
Room 2E
Shifting Perspectives with Lived Experience
Lindsey Vandeventer, LCSW is a multiply disabled and multiply neurodivergent single mother who has experienced hunger and homelessness. She is currently a liberation therapist & licensed clinical social worker with 21 years of combined experience in both clinical and non-clinical social work practice. She specializes in the treatment of Complex PTSD / trauma & dissociation in individuals across the lifespan who also experience co-occurring neurodivergence. She takes a mind-body-spirit approach to healing, viewing the person in the context of the collective environment. She is LGBTQAI2S affirming, anti-racist, class conscious, earth-medicine informed, and certified in EMDR therapy which she utilizes routinely.
12:20p
Legacy Ballroom
Nourishing Oklahoma: The Power of Collaboration
Amy Warne is a lifelong resident of Oklahoma. She is Muscogee, Seminole, and Tiger Clan. Amy holds higher education degrees in Health Care Management, Nutritional Sciences and has an MBA. She is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian with a diverse nutrition background in non-profit, food sovereignty, and consulting. Amy is the Manager of Nutrition and Health Programs for Partnership for a Healthier America, a national non-profit that seeks to transform the food landscape through health equity and food security. Amy has a strong background in public speaking. She has publications in The Digest, a Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, The Curbside Chronicle, and Oklahoma Women’s Journal.
Civic engagement is important to Amy. She is the current Oklahoma County Democratic Party Chair and served as the secretary for the League of Women Voters, Oklahoma County. Amy is a member of Matriarch, an advocacy group that empowers Native women, 2 Spirit, and non-binary people through community building. Amy is a Director of the Board for Sunny Dayz Mural Festival. Amy works to build a better community for future generations. For fun, Amy gardens and grows ancestral foods, plays soccer, does yoga, and supports the local arts community.
12:20p
Legacy Ballroom
Nourishing Oklahoma: The Power of Collaboration
Bryan Warner was reelected in 2023 as the Deputy Principal Chief after previously being elected in 2019. Before becoming Deputy Chief, he represented District 6 on the Council of the Cherokee Nation. In his current role as Deputy Chief, he has been a strong advocate for cultural and language preservation, workforce training and personal and family wellness. A former educator, Deputy Chief Warner has helped secure more educational opportunities for Cherokees across the country, including higher education scholarships, public school support, STEM access and early childhood development. He is actively involved in the tribe’s rural economic development efforts and serves as co-chair of the Tribal Advisory Committee for the Center for Disease Control, where he has championed increasing programs and services related to behavioral health and addiction services.
Bryan Warner resides in Sallisaw with his wife Maco and their three sons.
For more information and updates, you can follow Bryan Warner on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DeputyChiefWarner
10:00a
Room 2B
SNAP 101: The Basics, the Facts, the Starting Points
LaCrinthia Watts is a native Oklahoman with a degree in organizational leadership and business management. Having benefited from free school meals as a child, she deeply understands the importance of ensuring all children have access to quality food and the relief federal nutrition programs provide to families. As a SNAP outreach coordinator, her mission is to ensure everyone has access to food. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, cooking, and having game or movie nights with family and friends. LaCrinthia is excited to bring her passion of fighting hunger to her daily work.
10:00a
Room 3D
Double Up Oklahoma (DUO) for Health
Marianna Wetherill, PhD, MPH, RDN/LD is an Associate Professor, Henry Zarrow Presidential Professor, and the George Kaiser Family Foundation Chair in Population Healthcare at the University of Oklahoma Tulsa Schusterman Center. She is jointly appointed in the Departments Health Promotion Sciences and Family and Community Medicine. Dr. Wetherill’s research involves community-based collaborations with food banks, social service organizations, medical clinics, and tribal communities to develop and implement “food is medicine” interventions for diverse populations affected by nutrition inequities. Her work also involves providing evaluation support for the Double Up Oklahoma (DUO) and DUO for Health programs in collaboration with HFO.
11:20a
Room 3E
If There’s Not a Seat at the Table, Bring a Folding Chair: A Panel on Making and Leveraging Your Space to Build Up Your Community
11:20a
Room 3D
Using Evidence to Inform Action: Double Up Oklahoma’s Rapid Cycle Evaluation
Dr. Mary Williams is an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Oklahoma Hudson College of Public Health with a joint appointment in the OU-TU School of Community Medicine. She specializes in developing research and evaluation methods through community engagement using a CBPR framework to ensure methods are feasible and findings are relevant and actionable. Her interest areas are nutritional epidemiology, infectious and chronic diseases, and the intersection of these among populations with limited access to optimal nutrition, healthcare, and health-related services. She currently serves as the Lead Evaluator of the Double-Up Oklahoma project, implemented by Hunger Free Oklahoma.
11:20a
Room 2C
Tribal Nation Food Sovereignty: Osage Nation’s approach to taking control of their own food system
11:20a
Room 2G
Feeding Rainbow: a Panel on 2SLGBTQ+ Nutrition Access
Houa Xiong (he/him) is Hmong, gay, and has experienced several generations of food insecurity. He presented on a panel the topics of 2SLGBTQ+ Food Insecurity, Outreach, and Advocacy at the National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference 2024 in DC to raise the awareness and stake for building community relations and centering 2SLGBTQ+ people in programs, services, process, and policies that often exclude them. He moderated HFO’s first 2SLGBTQ+ Food Insecurity panel at HFA 2023 in OKC with the focus on resources and re-missioning for programs and service providers. He brings great insight and expertise to moderate this panel.
11:20a
Room 3D
Using Evidence to Inform Action: Double Up Oklahoma’s Rapid Cycle Evaluation
Leslie Young is the Senior Program Manager at Hunger Free Oklahoma and manages the Double Up Oklahoma program. She has spent her marketing career in Oklahoma, Texas, and Colorado, working for well-known food and beverage companies, managing their consumer promotions. Leslie joined HFO in November 2021, and she and her team are successfully expanding the Double Up program into more grocery stores and farmers markets so that more SNAP households have access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Born and raised in Oklahoma, Leslie graduated from OSU with a B.S. in Business Administration, with a major in Marketing.