Youth artwork from REACH Ashland Youth Center
E14th Eatery + Kitchen
First of all, thank you from all of us at Mandela Partners for an amazing year.
Last year was characterized by creativity and movement building. We saw this play out through innovative approaches that aimed to expand community ownership, with local food systems being the anchor point for strengthening local economies and wealth building.
Our work ebbed and flowed with the changing seasons, but one thing remained constant: our unwavering commitment to community. At each inflection point, we found opportunities to reflect on, grow, and deepen our community initiatives with residents, farmers, entrepreneurs, and partners.
We know that because you’re reading this, you care deeply about our work. We appreciate you being here; thank you for being part of our community.
Check out a few milestones we’re proud of from the past year…
West Oakland Cultural Action Network (WOCAN)
Black Liberation Mural by Andre Jones, BAMP
Oya Organics photo by Fox Nakai
Oya Organics Farm (left) and Maria Catalán (right)
“[Mandela Partners] is one of, if not the only organization that has supported me and my family consistently over the years.”
— Dominga Nunez, Avila Farms
Photos from Flōr Haus and Rafael Ramirez Photography
E14th Eatery + Kitchen vendors
Check, Please! Bay Area “Cecilia Tries It!”
E14th Eatery + Kitchen was featured on KQED’s Check, Please! Bay Area as part of a new show segment, “Cecilia Tries It!” with reporter Cecilia Phillips, putting a spotlight on local food businesses in unincorporated Ashland. If you missed it, you can catch the recorded feature.
Read More
Real Food, Real Stories
Slow Food USA featured Nourished Neighbors in their “Exploring Cultural Exchange” Story Series: When Food and People Come Together – multimedia stories from food connectors across the continent who are exploring cultural exchange every day in their work and life.
Through California’s Workforce Accelerator Fund, we were selected to share the story of ReGen program and the impact this program has in the communities it is supporting. Learn more about our program’s business, labor, public education, economic growth, employment, and training.
California’s Workforce Accelerator
First Presbyterian Church of Oakland
Olewasami Plating Pasta
Our Growing Team
In 2022, we expanded our amazing team at our food hub, Mandela Produce Distribution, and supported upward mobility for existing staff.
Celebrating Promotions
Aliyah Bey (she/her)
Wellness Manager
Works in partnership with organizations to facilitate community health and wellness workshops.
Natasha Nazer (she/her)
Workforce Development Coordinator
Provides culinary support through the ReGen program, and connects participants to internships and employment in the food sector.
Rya O’Rourke (she/they)
Neighborhood Engagement and Communications Coordinator
Connects residents to community programs, and coordinates our external marketing and communication channels.
Onboarding New Team Members
Stephanie Flores (she/her)
Delivery and Operations Associate
Supports warehouse operations, and transports fresh produce to locations throughout the East Bay.
Silvia Guzman (she/her)
Community Outreach Associate
Runs a produce pick-up site for families in East Oakland and supports Wellness Education classes at E14th Eatery + Kitchen.
Samiha Hamdi (she/they)
Farm Partnerships Manager
Manages product sourcing and pricing, and cultivates relationships with our network of sustainable farmers.
