Mikhaela is a seventh-generation farmer and comes to Village Exchange Center with over a decade of experience working on organic farms, on food access and justice initiatives, and community-based program management. Mikhaela has been involved in a number of food access policy initiatives in the Denver area, including Food Justice North West Aurora, Denver Food Vision Plan and Closing the SNAP Gap. As the Food Access Senior Manager, Mikhaela oversees the day-to-day operations of the Village Farm, including the Urban Farm Immersion training program and the Village Pantry programs. Mikhaela holds a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Environmental Studies from the University of Nebraska and a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Colorado. She’s eager to bring her passion for regenerative agriculture and increasing access to culturally relevant produce through collective action to VEC. In her spare time, Mikhaela organizes outdoor experiences for the LGBTQ+ community and can often be found exploring the mountains with her dog Peach, testing new recipes, and enjoying time with family and friends.