Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Volunteer Experience
Key Achievements and Impact
Timeline
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Sunny Welch

Cloverdale,USA

Summary

Versatile nonprofit founder, seasoned strategist, and advocate for veteran and community empowerment with 14+ years of experience creating sustainable, impactful programs. Known for a unique blend of philanthropy, mentorship, and executive leadership, Sunny Welch has a proven ability to transform complex challenges into actionable, strategic opportunities that drive social change.

As founder of Joint 4ces, Sunny developed a holistic model that empowers veterans through sustainable agriculture, personal development, and mental health support, creating lasting pathways to stability and self-sufficiency. Sunny's work in policy advocacy includes supporting California’s SB34 legislation, which expanded access to cannabis donations for veterans and low-income individuals, paving the way for equitable healthcare options.

Sunny’s expertise extends to trauma-informed coaching, strategic planning, compliance consulting, and sustainable agricultural practices. Sunny combines a deep understanding of operational needs with a passion for creating inclusive, resilient communities, making her a trusted leader in public health and veteran advocacy.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Ranch Manager

Cherry Creek Organix
02.2024 - Current
  • Revitalized 84-acre farm, cultivating biodynamic grape vineyards and reclaiming overgrown orchards
  • Designed and installed new vegetable garden, donating 200+ pounds of produce to local food banks through partnerships with nonprofits

Founder

Joint4ces
08.2020 - Current
  • Launched nonprofit dedicated to veteran empowerment through sustainable farming, mental health support, and career development
  • Secured $250K to sustain small veteran-owned farms, providing coaching on company restructuring, product launches, and market expansion

Chief Growth Officer

Helmand Valley Growers Company
08.2022 - 01.2024
  • Led growth strategy for veteran-focused cannabis company, establishing partnerships that increased brand visibility across California
  • Established community wellness events, donating over $750K in health products to veteran patients across California

Director of Growth and Civic Engagement

FOLI Media
11.2019 - 04.2020
  • Developed civic engagement strategies, expanding audience reach by 50% in six months through targeted media campaigns and partnerships

Regional Sales Director

Henry's Original
05.2019 - 11.2019
  • Increased regional revenue by 20% through a targeted sales strategy, building partnerships to strengthen market presence and customer loyalty

Compliance Consultant

TrinityCan
01.2016 - 08.2019
  • Provided compliance consulting to cannabis startups, enhancing regulatory adherence and operational efficiency in a highly regulated industry

Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer

Emerald Triangle Cultivators
01.2011 - 12.2018
  • Co-founded licensed cannabis production company, pioneering sustainable cultivation practices and setting industry standards for organic production

Creative Director - Events

The Glass House Studios
01.2011 - 12.2015
  • Directed immersive art events, managing all aspects from design to execution and fostering community engagement through large-scale experiential installations

Pastry Chef

Hale's Ales
01.2010 - 12.2011
  • Established new department within restaurant
  • Created and executed original dessert menu that complemented Hale's craft beer offerings, incorporating seasonal ingredients and unique flavor profiles

Education

Trauma-Informed Coach Certification -

The Center For Healing
New Zealand
01-2024

Executive Education in Food and Health -

Stanford University
California
01-2024

EFT-Tapping Practitioner -

The Sophia School of Living Arts
Texas
01-2020

Associate of Science - General Studies

Foothill College
California
01-2015

Associate of Arts and Sciences - Culinary Science

Cape Fear Community College
North Carolina
01-2010

Skills

  • Nonprofit Leadership
  • Social Impact Strategy
  • Sustainable Agriculture
  • Community Development
  • Coalition Building
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Crisis Negotiation
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Trauma-Informed Coaching
  • Mental Health Advocacy
  • Program Development
  • Operations Management
  • Veteran Community Engagement

Volunteer Experience

  • Crisis Counselor, Crisis Text Hotline, 988 Suicide Hotline, 01/01/24, Present, Provides mental health support in active suicide crises, using trauma-informed communication to de-escalate and develop safety plans.
  • Community Liaison, Veteran Community Garden, Windsor Community Gardens, 01/01/24, Present, Leads a veteran-focused initiative connecting participants with sustainable farming, organizing food-sharing events and providing mentorship.
  • Chairwoman, Product Competition, Women’s Canna Awards, 01/01/23, 12/31/23, Raised over $6,000 for the Saving Sophie Pediatric Cancer Foundation and coached female entrepreneurs in pitch training and sales strategies.
  • Program Coordinator, Honduran Medical Brigade, Global Brigades, 01/01/15, 12/31/16, Led procurement and coordination of medical supplies, providing essential healthcare to remote communities in Honduras.

Key Achievements and Impact

  • Expanded Veteran Healthcare Access: Played a pivotal role in the advocacy and successful passage of California’s SB34, a landmark bill that expanded healthcare options by facilitating cannabis donations to veterans and low-income individuals, ensuring critical support for underserved populations.


  • Secured Essential Funding for Veteran Initiatives: Successfully raised $250,000 to save a veteran-owned farm from closure, enabling continued agricultural training and entrepreneurship programs that create sustainable income and skills for veterans reentering civilian life.


  • Enhanced Crisis Intervention and Mental Health Support: As a trauma-informed crisis counselor, provided immediate, compassionate mental health support for individuals in acute distress, strengthening community wellness initiatives and reducing barriers to essential crisis intervention services.

Timeline

Ranch Manager

Cherry Creek Organix
02.2024 - Current

Chief Growth Officer

Helmand Valley Growers Company
08.2022 - 01.2024

Founder

Joint4ces
08.2020 - Current

Director of Growth and Civic Engagement

FOLI Media
11.2019 - 04.2020

Regional Sales Director

Henry's Original
05.2019 - 11.2019

Compliance Consultant

TrinityCan
01.2016 - 08.2019

Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer

Emerald Triangle Cultivators
01.2011 - 12.2018

Creative Director - Events

The Glass House Studios
01.2011 - 12.2015

Pastry Chef

Hale's Ales
01.2010 - 12.2011

Trauma-Informed Coach Certification -

The Center For Healing

Executive Education in Food and Health -

Stanford University

EFT-Tapping Practitioner -

The Sophia School of Living Arts

Associate of Science - General Studies

Foothill College

Associate of Arts and Sciences - Culinary Science

Cape Fear Community College
Sunny Welch