Who We Are – World Farmers

THE TEAM

Henrietta Isaboke, Executive Director, World Farmers

Henrietta Isaboke comes to World Farmers with extensive experience in marketing and sales of specialty cultural crops and possesses a deep understanding of the immigrant farmer experience. Prior to becoming Executive Director, Henrietta worked at her family’s farming business for over 10 years where she was responsible for production and marketing of produce. She has been featured by international news outlets for her innovative marketing success here in the United States. Henrietta has over 10 years of experience working in the nonprofit health care field. She graduated from The University of Massachusetts- Lowell in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and graduated with her Masters Degree in Public Health from Southern New Hampshire University in 2021. Henrietta has a passion for food sovereignty in Massachusetts and in educating the next generation of farmers on how to get into farming and run successful farming enterprises. Henrietta’s passion in farming stems from her upbringing in an agrarian society in Kenya where she migrated from with her family in 2001.

Jessy Gill, Program and Policy Director

Jessy is responsible for program management and development, coordinating organizational and strategic partnerships, and any advocacy efforts. Jessy works closely with the farmers at Flats Mentor Farm to develop and refine all programs and services to fit individual needs, ensuring each Flats Mentor farmer is fully supported in their farming goals. Prior to joining World Farmers Jessy worked with a local NGO in the Marsabit region of Kenya, lived and worked on a farm in the Green Mountains, and worked in community outreach and led federal, state, and local policy efforts for the Community Food and Justice Coalition in Oakland, CA.

Amie Avila, Finance and HR Director

Amie has been with World Farmers for two years and has a degree in business administration from Southern NH University. Prior to joining the team she started and ran her own non-emergency medical transportation company for 18 years where she served families in need of transportation to and from medical facilities in southern NH. Amie’s favorite part about working with World Farmers is getting the opportunity to interact with farmers and assisting them with business plans so they too can enjoy the fruits of having their own business. Outside of her role with World Farmers she loves spending time with her husband, Chuck, and two daughters, Aaliyah and Mariah.

Joy Majwega, Project Coordinator

Joy is a dynamic professional with a tapestry of experience in healthcare, technology, and education. Holding an MBA and a Bachelor's in Business Management, she showcases adaptability and a growth-focused mindset. Her hands-on experience, particularly in nonprofit work, highlights dedication and versatility. As an experienced consultant, Joy evaluates and addresses project needs, translating into impactful proposals. Beyond work, her vibrant character emerges through a curiosity-driven passion for road trips, travel, dance, various cuisines, and an adventurous spirit for trying new things.

Kurt Schuffels, Land and Conservation Manager

Kurt joins the World Farmers team, he first started out as a Merchant Marine for 18yrs travelling the world on ships, after leaving the Merchant Marines he began farming in Lancaster, Massachusetts [where he grew up] as a beginning farmer rehabilitating 200 acres of farmland over the course of 11yrs that had been neglected since the late 1980's and making it a fully functional hay operation producing quality blends of grasses for equine/cattle consumption. After some life changes he began working as an agricultural salesman at a local equipment dealer for 9yrs selling all types of agricultural equipment throughout Ma. and NH.to all the local farms, building lasting and trusting relationships with the farmers of our local communities.

Brian Mariano, Production Coordinator

It has been a winding path that has led Brian to World Farmers. Beginning with cutting grass in high school, winding onto production sets for television soap operas, studios creating visual effects for movies and commercials, and most recently completing a 6-year chapter working in urban agriculture at Mill City Grows, a Lowell, MA based non-profit. Each phase of his journey has clarified the calling to support farmers from different cultural backgrounds but sharing mutual dedication to steward land and communities. Continuing his journey with World Farmers, he is excited to deepen his engagement and connection with more farmers and farms through the local food system. Off farm, Brian loves gardening, running, mending, sewing, dancing and singing.

Christine Samuel, Program Manager of Strategy & Operations

Christine has over 14 years of experience working and learning with migrants and refugees. She has worked in the government and non-profit sectors in the United States and in the Middle East. She's learned much from the East African refugees she served and worked alongside in Cairo, Egypt, first as Legal Director then as Country Director of a refugee agency. Christine has taught Peace and Conflict Studies at a local college, but enjoys learning much more than teaching. In addition to her law degree, Christine holds a Master's degree in International Affairs, and is currently pursuing a Master's in Climate Change and Development. Outside of World Farmers, Christine loves reading, being outdoors, and reading outdoors!

Morgan Healey, Design Coordinator

Morgan has double major in computer graphic design and web design. While getting her degree, she designed and developed a brochure for the Ethnic Crops program with UMass Amherst’s Agriculture Department. Prior to joining World Farmers, Morgan was employed for 5 years at the Holden Landmark Corporation, later expanding as Worcester Magazine’s Graphic Online Designer. Morgan also has experience as a freelance designer. Additional expertise includes developing campaign materials for local city councilor, logo design and company branding for CrossFIT EXP and volunteering her time at a local school to raise money for a local animal shelter. At World Farmers, the materials she produces focus on small business marketing, branding, and identity design.

Maressa Nascimento, CSA Coordinator

Maressa is from Brazil and comes from a family that farms in Brazil. Although she moved here very young, she fully appreciates all the hard work from all farmers and will make sure that our farmers get all the assistance they need to succeed. She has been with us for the past two years part-time working on a portion of our CSA program but now joins us full-time to oversee our CSA program. Maressa previously worked in retail and has over 10 years of experience with customer service.

Brad Millar, Project Support Specialist

Brad enters the World Farmers team with a long background in community based agriculture. Through implementing school and neighborhood gardens he educated people about the importance of being a food producer. Graduating from Clark University in 2022, he studied Community Development and Environmental Science and spent a lot of time at the Clark Community Gardens. Afterwards he entered at Community Harvest Project where he led teams of volunteers and interns in daily farm work, where all produce was donated to support local hunger relief in Massachusetts. To Brad, being a part of World Farmers means making a difference in people's lives. Supporting local agriculture and growing thriving communities is why he loves being here.

Itayi Nyarota, Delivery Specialist

Bio coming soon!

OUR BOARD

Maria Moreira, Board President

Maria has been mentoring beginning farmers since 1984. She has created several businesses, her first at age 23. She is a former dairy farmer who developed and operated a value added cheese making business to sustain her family’s dairy operation during its twenty-five year existence. She directed the marketing for the Ethnic Crops Program and the Beginning Farmer program at UMass Amherst from 2002 to 2012, and was instrumental in accessing USDA’s “Know Your Farmer Know Your Food” high tunnel pilot program for socially disadvantaged farmers in Massachusetts. Maria served as FSA County Committee Advisor for nine years, has been a member of the USDA Beginning Farmer & Rancher Advisory Committee, a Board Member of National Immigrant Farming Initiative, a 4-H Sponsor, and a member of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau since 1985. Currently, Maria is acting Executive Director of World Farmers, a Board Member of Rural Coalition, a Board Member of the Worcester Regional Food Hub, and a Steering Committee member for the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative. Maria has worked with local farmers to access new ethnic markets resulting in over five million dollars of ethnic produce sold over the past 12 years. Maria works tirelessly to prioritize and uplift the voice of the farmer.

Georgia S. Good - Board Member of World Farmers and Executive Director of the Rural Advancement Fund of the National Sharecroppers Fund (RAF)- Vice President

Ms. Georgia Good has assisted low-income rural South Carolina communities for over forty years. Born and raised on a farm, she would leave school every year from August to November to plant and pick cotton. In 1970, Ms. Good helped found the now Family Health Center; she also organized the Orangeburg County Consumer Health Council for poor families. Through RAF, and as Vice President of the Board for the DC-based Rural Coalition, Ms. Good assisted in passing a key program, called 2501, for small farm groups in the 1990 Farm Bill. She also worked to secure more than 30 sections of policy in the 2008 Farm Bill. Ms. Good promoted the settlement of the Pigford Claims, under which thousands of African-American farmers received settlements for being closed out of USDA programs for many years. In 2012, Ms. Good was selected by President Obama to participate in the White House Policy and Action Leadership Conference, and she has also served on committees under President Jimmy Carter addressing migrants and seasonal farm workers. Ms. Good received her education from Claflin University, UC Berkley, New York Training Institute, New York City College, and the MIT Fellowship. Ms. Good is a life member of the NAACP, attends Mount Pisgah Baptist Church in Orangeburg and is a proud mother and grandmother. She resides in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

John Peter Pacheco Jr. - Board Member of World Farmers and VP - Business and Branch Manager for Fidelity Co-Operative Bank - Treasurer

Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, John is a Massachusetts’ native and resides in Lancaster. During the day, John is Vice President for Fidelity Bank, a Community-based bank rooted in North Central Massachusetts; he has been with the organization since January 2018. John has worked in the financial sector his entire adult life. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a dual degree in Biology and Criminal Justice, John grew up running a family business and naturally developed a sense of community where he resides in North Worcester County. He is heavily involved in the community through the Montachusett Area Rotary Club and volunteers at Mansfield High School teaching students in the color guard program. John has been teaching students since he was in college and continues to work and volunteer in the community where he lives.

Ruby Vargas - Board Member of World Farmers and VP - VP Branch & Business Development Manager for Fidelity Co-Operative Bank - Assistant Treasurer

Ruby Vargas is originally from Colombia and has been in the U.S. for 32 years. She lives in Leominster and began her career in banking in 1997, making her own way in the industry by taking management classes and studying for her certification tests in her free time. Ruby has worked in the banking industry for over 20 years where has extensive experience in financial and banking relationships and management. She currently works at Fidelity bank. Ruby is the mother of two boys and the grandmother to two grandchildren. In addition to serving as a board member for World Farmers, she is an active member of Leominster Rotary and the Board Director for the Spanish-American Center. She enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, and staying active where she is a licensed yoga instructor.

Lorette Picciano - Board Member of World Farmers and Executive Director of the Rural
Coalition - Director

Since 1992, Lorette has led Rural Coalition, a Washington, DC-based alliance of more than 60 culturally diverse community based organizations representing small producers and farmworkers in the US and Mexico. She works with RC’s diverse aBoard and members to promote just and sustainable development in rural areas, particularly in civil rights in agriculture. She is now leading efforts in her 8th Farm Bill Debate where in the past she has coordinated unified efforts to assure equal access to USDA programs for farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers helping to secure more than 35 sections of new Farm Bill Policies. Her education includes a BS in Agriculture and Life Sciences from Cornell University, and an M. Ed. from the University of Hawaii, where she was a participant in the Food Institute of the East-West Center and did fieldwork in the rural Philippines. She has worked on the farm crisis of the late 1980’s, on equity in food and farm policy, and on food security and fair trade issues. She helped secure farm credit borrowers’ rights and programs for historically underserved farmers in the 1987 Agriculture Credit Act and Section 2501 of the 1990 Farm Bill. She has long served on the Steering Committee for the USDA National Small Farmers Conference and also serves on the Boards of Directors of Agriculture Missions, Inc., and the Solidarity Economy Network.

Oliver A. Kia - Board Member of World Farmers, and Farmer- Director

Native to Cameroon, Oliver farms at Flats Mentor Farm between working as an Electrical Engineer and raising three children, ages 6, 9, and 12. He balances work, family, and farming, often taking his children to the farm to assist. Having lived in Cameroon’s countryside with his grandparents, where he developed farming skills, he grows most of the crops at the Flats that he grew there, including bitter leaf, garden huckleberry (Solanum scabrum), amaranth, taioba, tomatoes, pumpkin leaves, kale, okra, peppers, and more. He sells commercially, including through the World Farmers’ CSA and at various community gatherings. Oliver enjoys the cooperation between farmers that exists at the Flats, and he helps others in the farming he knows. He has received valuable information, including pointers on using social media in marketing and sales, encouragement from Maria Moreira, and explanation of farming techniques from Sangiwa Eliamani. He also improves his farming by attending training and technical assistance programs on the Flats. He also noted the biggest difference between farming in New England and farming in Cameroon is the spacing of crops and planting in rows, a practice he now employs, making weeding much easier. Oliver works in Maine, resides in Lowell, and farms at the Flats, enthusiastically bringing his experiences to the workings of the Board of Directors.

Fabiola Nizigiyimana - Board Member of World Farmers - Clerk

Fabiola Nizigiyimana, a White House Champion of Change, is a farmer in her 10th year of operation, running Fab Farms located in Lancaster, Massachusetts. Fabiola was a founding member of the Immigrant Farmer Marketing Cooperative–a USDA-Rural Development project established in 2013 which supports socially disadvantaged farmers. Since coming to the US in 2007, Ms. Nizigiyimana continues to be a leader with the Flats Mentor Farm’s immigrant community and beyond; born in Rwanda, Fabiola identifies as a Burundian refugee who fled to Tanzania from the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Driven to expand the impact of her operation in collaboration with their community, Fabiola has scaled her vegetable production over several acres. In addition to feeding her family, Fab Farms cultivates crops to serve diverse Cultural needs, selling to a wide variety of customers and markets. Fabiola is a great mentor to new and existing farmers at the FMF program. Not only does Fabiola have a passion for growing, she also has passion in educating new farmers with production and how to run successful farming enterprises.

OUR 2023 Seasonal Staff and Interns

World Farmers' Internship program offers paid summer positions to students and young farmers who want to learn more about local agriculture, nonprofits, and ethnic foods. Interns work on Flats Mentor Farm and in the office, assist farmers at markets, and help coordinate our summer CSA program. They bring a strong work ethic, a knack for problem-solving, and an unflagging vitality. Their work has proved invaluable in supporting the organization's staff and farmers.

Grace Jackson, Markets Support Operator

With three years of vegetable growing experience in Central Mass, Gracie is grateful to join the team as the Market Support Operator. After studying Community Development in school (M.A. ‘21), she further appreciated the team-oriented mindset associated with farming. She is excited to join World Farmers and expand her understanding of food access.

Marvin Chege ,Production Support Operator

Marvin was born in Kenya where he spent the school vacations at his grandparents' house. There he used to take care of the farm animals like cows and goats, and this is where his passion for farm life was born. After coming to America, he met Henrietta Isaboke through college, and in turn was introduced to the Flats in Lancaster and WorldFarmers, where he joined this season.

Barack Onchiri, Intern

Barack, a student at Leominster High School, was born in Kenya and came to the United States in 2014. Growing up, he was immersed in an agricultural background, as both his parents are dedicated farmers at FMF. His connection to the FMF runs deep, as he fondly recalls spending the majority of his childhood summers assisting his parents in farming. Alongside his academic pursuits, Barack has a strong passion for sports and actively participates in football, wrestling, and basketball for leisure and enjoyment.

Rael Onyiego, Intern

Coming Soon!

OUR 2022 Seasonal Staff and Interns

TJ Bryan, Intern

TJ is a rising senior at Dartmouth College where he is majoring in Environmental Science. He was born and raised in the Hudson Valley region of NY. He has a passion for sustainability and it’s application in agriculture. At Dartmouth he works on a research team that studies agroforestry systems and sustainable agriculture practices. He is excited to support the World Famers community and learn about the work that goes on behind the scenes to bring fresh produce to our shelves.

Endy Brevetten, Intern

Endy Brevette is an upcoming junior and an Honors Electronics student at Leominster High School. Born raised in Massachusetts by Haitian immigrated parents. He speaks English and understands Haitian Creole. Endy’s parents are long-term Farmers at the farm too. He has heard about the internship through his parents and wanted to learn more about the business part of the farm. When Endy is out of work and school, He either is touching up on his PC, building keyboards or drawing on his spare time!

OUR 2021 Seasonal Staff and Interns

Nyatichi Nivia Nyabuti, Seasonal Staff
Nyatichi Nivia Nyabuti is originally from Kenya where she grew up helping her parents on their farm. She is 20 years old and a Junior at Salem State University where she is studying Political Science. After graduation, Nivia hopes to pursue her Masters in Public Policy and then work in the government to help combat systemic injustices and disparities in her immigrant community. Her position at World Farmers is helping her learn about non-profit organizations and how best to support local farmers.

Duke Ogeto, Seasonal Staff
Duke Ogeto is a recent graduate of Umass Lowell, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in Graphic Design. He was born in Kenya and moved to the United States in 2007. He speaks Swahili and understands his home village language, Kisii, in addition to English. He is a child to farmers at Flats Mentor Farm. In this position, he has learned the importance of how the farming business plays a crucial role in bringing communities together. Ultimately, it's all about making sure the farmers and customers are happy and satisfied. He enjoys helping with CSA including sourcing or developing the weekly recipes.

Mercyline Muma, Intern
Mercyline Muma is an upcoming Junior at Fitchburg State University planning to study Business Management. She graduated high school this year from Gateway to College program with her associates degree and diploma. She was born in Kenya and migrated to the United States when she was four months old. Her family are farmers at Flats Mentor Farm and Mercy has been helping them farm since a young age. She speaks Swahili and understands Kisii fluently in addition to English. She is adaptive to anything she puts her hand on and loves to try and explore new things, which is why she also took this internship to learn more about markets, business and agriculture.

Thereza Ndayiragije, Intern
Thereza Ndayiragije will be a sophomore at North High School in Worcester Massachusetts in the fall of 2021. Since her freshman year she has been in the Naval Junior ROTC, and is currently teaching herself Korean, Japanese and Spanish, while fluent in English and Kirundi. Thereza is the daughter of a long-term farmer, Fabiola Nizigiyimana, at Flats Mentor Farm. Thereza has grown up working at the farm helping her mother whenever she is needed. She enjoys produce aggregation which is the step by step process of harvesting, washing, and packaging the vegetables for the businesses, schools, and non-profit organizations that order them. Collard greens and bok choi are her favorite to eat, other than cucumbers, tomatoes and spicy peppers. Her personal playlist includes K-Pop, early 2000s hip hop and RnB and gospel with some Kirundi pop thrown in.

Maya Williams, Intern
Maya Williams is a junior at South Lancaster Academy, where she is the incoming Student Association president. Outside of school, Maya enjoys listening to music, weightlifting, and playing multiple musical instruments. Her grandfather, Farmer Al, has been farming for many years and spread his love of farming to Maya. As a young child, she often spent her time in the fields with her grandfather; planting, picking blueberries, and watching the bees. At World Farmers, Maya loves learning more about agriculture and the cultures of the FMF farmers. She also enjoys packing CSA boxes and is grateful for the opportunity to have an internship with World Farmers this summer.

OUR 2020 INTERNS

World Farmers' Internship Program began in 2016 as a partnership with Nashoba Regional High School. In 2019 we broadened our recruitment pool to include farmers' kids from other high schools and colleges in the region. The program offers paid summer positions to students who want to learn more about local agriculture, nonprofits, and ethnic foods. Interns work on Flats Mentor Farm and in the office, assist farmers at markets, and help coordinate our summer CSA program. They bring a strong work ethic, a knack for problem-solving, and an unflagging vitality. Their work has proved invaluable in supporting the organization's staff and farmers.

Grace Fiori, Intern
Grace is a recent graduate of Nashoba Regional High School. She will be attending the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the fall of 2020, where she plans to study Journalism. Interning at World Farmers has given her the opportunity to learn about sustainable agriculture and the importance of land access within our community. She enjoys assisting with the CSA and Food Box program, introducing community members to cultural crops and bringing it to their dinner table.

Hellen Muma, Intern
Hellen is a sophomore at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is studying Public Health on a pre-med track with a minor in African American Studies, and a certificate in Swahili. She plans on becoming a medical doctor in hopes to eliminate health disparities among the black community. She is a child to farmers at the flats. Interning at World Farmers, Hellen has learned the importance of land and food access in and around her community. She also enjoys participating in the Food Box Program that helps introduce fresh organic produce to communities in need around the state.

Angele Noel, Intern
Angele is a sophomore at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is studying political science with hopes of one day becoming an international human rights lawyer. She plans on utilizing her resources to advocate for the unalienable, God given rights for those at home and abroad. She is also a daughter of a Flats Mentor farmer. Interning at world farmers has allowed Angele to understand the intricacies of the food system and the important role that farmers play within this system. She enjoys making positive changes within her community and thus enjoys assisting with the Food Box Program.

Evelyne Mochere, Intern
Evelyne is a graduate of Leominster High School where she is president of the Black Heritage Club and an active member of her school community. She will be attending Worcester State university in the fall under a Public Health Major and Psychology Minor. In her free time she tends to her own garden and helps her family with their own plot. During her internship she enjoys learning about all the work it takes to produce crops and all the management and work that goes into making sure that farmers are satisfied.