Breakout Sessions

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Grand Canyon Food Pantry

Mike Scott fell in love with the Grand Canyon and its people during retirement and eventually relocated in the crossroads of Valle in 2013.  Before moving to Arizona, Mike and a partner, ran a small business in Maine making wooden widgets and renting light manufacturing space.  Before that, he worked for Proctor and Gamble in Sales Management.  Before starting Grand Canyon Food Panty, Mike was a volunteer for Flagstaff Family Food Bank for over three years. 

Executive Director at Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center

Leigh Zydonik is a dedicated leader with over 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector. Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center for the past three years, Leigh has demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing food insecurity in the community. Her extensive background includes roles as an executive director, development officer, and board member in diverse organizations, spanning arts, higher education, social services, museums, and tourism. Beyond her role at the food bank, Leigh actively contributes to community development as a board member of the Carefree-Cave Creek Chamber and the Desert Foothills Leadership Academy. Her collaborative spirit and commitment to positive change make her a dynamic and influential leader in the non-profit sector. 

Site Manager at City Hope Arizona

K.J. Gould, the dedicated Site Manager of City Hope Arizona—a central Phoenix-based pantry offering food, hygiene, and clothing services—brings a wealth of experience to his role. Having spent most of his life in Phoenix, K.J. has been actively involved in serving the unsheltered communities in the greater Phoenix area since high school. Beyond his role as Site Manager, K.J. serves as a pastor at a local church in Phoenix. Together with his wife, Rachel, he actively ministers to the community, embodying a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those around them. With a genuine passion for community service and a strong connection to the local area, K.J. is dedicated to fostering hope and support through City Hope Arizona.

Director of Programs for Empowerment Systems Inc.

Angelina is dedicated to building relationships while working side by side with those she mentors and supports. Angelina is mission-driven with a desire to create safe and healthy communities, remove barriers, and bridge positive relationships for youth where they live. She is a community connector and advocate with an emphasis organizational program planning; utilizing micro and macro principles of development to create quality supports and direct service delivery within marginalized communities for food justice and improving the social determinants of health for those she serves.  She possesses cultural competency and sensitivity for urban and rural underserved communities, immigrant and refugee populations, and victims of violence including human trafficking. Angelina’s personal interest in the arts, culture, and farming supports her creativity and builds personal life experiences that cultivates change while harvesting individual and community wellness.

Supply Chain Manager at St. Mary's Food Bank

Jeralyn Beach is the Supply Chain Manager at St. Mary's Food Bank, where she's been instrumental for nearly four years. Her role involves purchasing food, managing government commodity orders, and overseeing inventory and distribution logistics. With a background in food procurement and management, Jeralyn leads a team of 11 professionals across various departments, ensuring smooth operations and effective execution of the organization's mission. Prior to joining St. Mary's, Jeralyn managed a farmer-owned cooperative and led a gleaning program at another food bank. She holds degrees in Hospitality and Foodservice Management, Culinary Arts, and Food Studies, reflecting her dedication to food-related fields. Driven by a passion for local food systems and improving access to nutritious food, Jeralyn remains committed to making a meaningful impact on the community's well-being.

Agency Services Manager at St. Mary's Food Bank

Agency Services Admin Assistant at St. Mary's Food Bank