Michelle Farrow is a Program Coordinator in San Diego, where she was born and raised. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Art and Studio Practice in Ceramics, with a minor in Environmental Science, from San Jose State University. After returning home to San Diego, Michelle earned her Master’s Degree in Engineering Sustainability and Health from the University of San Diego, where she focused on creating more sustainable and equitable food systems.

While pursuing her master’s degree, Michelle researched the benefits and barriers of community gardens and their potential to improve access to fresh produce and create spaces for community connection. This work led her to volunteer with a local nonprofit developing a community garden, where her passion for food justice, gardening, and community building grew.

Throughout her career, Michelle has worked with nonprofits focused on food sovereignty, environmental education, and increasing access to community food-growing spaces. She is grateful for the opportunity to use her experience and passion to connect with her local community and improve access to fresh produce in her home town through this role.

When she isn’t in the garden or observing a beautiful bug, Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband, learning about and trying foods from different cultures, making ceramics, and hanging out with her cat, Leo, and dog, Bodhi.

Michelle’s favorite Brighter Bites’ recipe is Calabacitas.