Jacqui Lopez
San Francisco,CA
Summary
Passionate and visionary leader renowned for fostering vibrant community engagement in urban agriculture, dedicated to advancing sustainable food systems and bolstering community resilience. Demonstrated success in strategic planning, program development, fundraising, and stakeholder collaboration. Founder of SF Urban Ag Committee, committed to uniting diverse stakeholders and celebrating the richness of local agriculture. Civic Urban Farming certificate holder with a robust background in farming and driving impactful food justice initiatives.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
23
23
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Founder
SF Urban Agriculture Committee
04.2024 - Current
- Established a volunteer committee focused on addressing regulatory challenges and promoting urban farming initiatives.
- Advocated for policy changes and supported local agriculture through community engagement and education.
Founding Member
San Francisco Farm Bureau
4 2023 - Current
- Spearheaded initiatives to bridge urban agriculture communities and resources, shaping organizational strategies for sustainable growth and community impact.
Chairman of the Board
Advance Ag
12.2023 - Current
- Oversee the implementation of financial management systems to ensure operational efficiency, compliance, and long-term sustainability
- Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to the board of directors and executive team of a technology-driven agricultural startup.
Legislative Advocate
San Francisco Unified School District
03.2024 - 06.2024
- Advocated for the continuation of universal meals in California schools, promoting cultural food inclusion and farm-to-school initiatives
- Leveraged network and community engagement efforts to support sustainable food initiatives and bridge partnerships within SFUSD.
Food Recovery Coordinator
San Francisco Unified School District
10.2023 - 06.2024
- Developed and spearheaded the SB 1383 Edible Food Recovery Program across 200 school sites, securing approximately $400k in funding
- Led initiatives to recover surplus meals and distribute them to students and families, focusing on nutritious and culturally diverse options
- Established partnerships with local nonprofits and wellness centers to ensure safe storage and distribution of recovered food items.
Community Partner
San Francisco Unified School District
08.2023 - 06.2024
- Collaborated with SFUSD to develop and implement projects aligning with food systems goals, securing funding for edible food recovery to address food insecurity in the community
- Collaborated with community members, businesses, nonprofits, and municipal departments to support SFUSD's mission and initiatives
- Leveraged extensive farming and food supply chain experience to enhance food programs and sustainability efforts within SFUSD
- Engaged stakeholders to develop partnerships, secure resources, and drive positive outcomes for students and families
- Acted as a liaison between SFUSD and external partners, facilitating communication and collaboration to address community needs and priorities.
Farm Advisor
San Francisco Unified School District
08.2023 - 06.2024
- Working directly with the executive chef of SFUSD at Sota High School to develop a 1-acre farm, transforming it into a space for student learning and food production
- Implementing sustainable farming practices to produce food for school meals and creating opportunities for student involvement in farm-to-table experiences
- Facilitating the integration of farm to table, promoting healthy eating habits and environmental stewardship within the school community.
Founder & CEO
Advance Ag
11.2019 - 12.2023
- Built venture partnerships and collaboration
- Advanced new technology for sustainability through r&d
- Forged systemic designs that model headway traction for the current and future development of technological discoveries alongside with organizational growth.
Education
Master of Arts - International Relations
Harvard Extension
05.2001 - Current
Bachelor of Science in Business Management - undefined
University of San Francisco
Certificate in Civic Urban Farming - undefined
UC Extension, UCANR
OSHA 10-Hour - undefined
United States Department of Labor
Skills
Fundraising
Advocacy
Community Building and Engagement
Staff Management and Development
QuickBooks
Budget Management
Program Development
Cultural adaptability
Knowledge of Social Justice Issues and Policy Advocacy in Agriculture and Food Systems
Timeline
Founder
SF Urban Agriculture Committee
04.2024 - Current
Legislative Advocate
San Francisco Unified School District
03.2024 - 06.2024
Chairman of the Board
Advance Ag
12.2023 - Current
Food Recovery Coordinator
San Francisco Unified School District
10.2023 - 06.2024
Farm Advisor
San Francisco Unified School District
08.2023 - 06.2024
Community Partner
San Francisco Unified School District
08.2023 - 06.2024
Founder & CEO
Advance Ag
11.2019 - 12.2023
Master of Arts - International Relations
Harvard Extension
05.2001 - Current
Founding Member
San Francisco Farm Bureau
4 2023 - Current
Bachelor of Science in Business Management - undefined
University of San Francisco
Certificate in Civic Urban Farming - undefined
UC Extension, UCANR
OSHA 10-Hour - undefined
United States Department of Labor