As Director of School Food Advocacy, Abbie conducts data and policy analysis and cultivates partnerships to inform CFA’s school food advocacy. Abbie holds an MPH in Health Promotion from Columbia University and received her undergraduate degree in Linguistics from the University of Edinburgh. She lives in Sullivan County with her husband and two children.

What attracted you to Community Food Advocates?

The name of the organization is made up of three words I care about deeply, so I was immediately drawn to CFA. I loved that CFA is a ‘small but mighty’ organization, which finds collective power in coalition building and partnerships. I was also drawn by the organization’s foundation and leadership. I met Agnes and Kathy briefly over a decade ago and was inspired by their tenacious advocacy.

What inspires you to strive for racial and identity justice?

Witnessing injustice compels me to advocate for and act towards a more just and equitable future.

When you were a kid, what did you want to grow up to be?

I wanted to be an artist. Thinking back at how much making art fulfilled me, it almost feels impossible that I didn’t pursue that path. No regrets on paths I took instead, but perhaps it’s time for me to dust off the sketchbook…

What one word or phrase best describes you?

Sensitive

What one thing about you surprises most people?

I went to college in Scotland and The Netherlands.