Bruno joined Urban Tilth in early 2016 and had the opportunity to experience all the growth within every program and site. Having been raised in Richmond and observing all the positive contributions made to the community, it motivated him to continue working with his community and give back. Witnessing the transformation of areas he was cautioned to avoid as a kid, now turned into parks and growing spaces for fruits and vegetables, served as inspiration for Bruno to strive for a better environment for future generations and the existing community. He now holds the position of Orchard for All manager, with the aim of providing people in the community the chance to access and cultivate different varieties of fruits and vegetables, while also contributing to the ongoing improvement of Richmond. Additionally, Bruno has been a source of inspiration for youth and others, encouraging them to take initiative in enhancing their community, much like Urban Tilth did for him.

Latifah Abdullah, originally from Champaign, Illinois, now resides as a homeowner in unincorporated North Richmond. Within Urban Tilth, she plays a vital role in facilitating the North Richmond Farm Community Advisory Committee and serves as the editor of Restoring Tilth – The North Richmond Farm magazine.

Latifah actively engages with the community, participating in events like the fruit tree giveaway, the free farmer’s market with the Black Neighborhood, and supporting Verde Elementary’s Black Student Union. As a North Richmond resident, she actively participates in community initiatives and maintains open communication with community-based organizations, regulatory bodies, and elected officials regarding land use, hazardous materials, and sustainability.

Her aim is to unlock the full potential of the community – its people, land, and shoreline. Latifah prioritizes amplifying the voice of the community to enhance the quality of life for residents. She also spoke at the Green and Greener conference, emphasizing residents as stakeholders and advocating for comprehensive visioning, including funding to realize the vision.

With a corporate background in legal, compliance, and corporate governance, Latifah has worked across various industries, including benefits consulting, law, mortgage, and real estate. She previously utilized her business expertise to support women, small business owners, corporate executives, and nonprofits.

The #NoShade campaign drew Latifah to the North Richmond Farm. Additionally, she champions mental well-being and has created the course “Journey to Your Authentic Self.” She is also a co-author of Breaking the Silence: Unleashing the Power of Your Voice.

Latifah, of Choctaw and African descent, finds solace in spending time with her family and enjoys returning to Champaign to unwind and recharge.

My name is Daniela, I joined Urban Tilth this year, as the Rudy Lozito Fellowship manager where we teach 6 adults of mixed ages and experience Land based skills. My journey reconnecting back with the land began through herbalism, and wanting to preserve the inter-generational wisdom that surrounded plant medicine and my lineage. My passion lies in bridging the access to resources to my community, be it knowledge, space or opportunity, I strongly believe that our Black and Brown communities should be at the forefront of access to these things. I love how Urban Tilth centers so much of their work around community engagement and truly feel like I’ve gotten a step closer to my purposeful work with working at UT. Aside from being a lover of the land, I also find my creative expression through painting, writing and dancing. Overall I love creating room for joy and child-like excitement in everything I do.

Maria Hernandez was born on a ranch in a small town in Oaxaca, Mexico. She came to the United States with her family in the year 2000. Maria has known about farming, ranches, growing food, and harvesting just to name a few things since she was a little girl. She has learned these things by working alongside her parents and grandparents, all of whom tended to the land. She remembers growing and harvesting corn, squash, and beans throughout the majority of her childhood. She started working at Urban Tilth in 2013 with the help of Tania Pulido, who she is so thankful for because this job is what she loves to do most. Knowing a single seed can grow and feed many others makes the job so rewarding.