Farm Team

FARM MANAGER

Ali grew up in the vibrant city of Minneapolis, the food cooperative capital of the United States, so she learned about healthy and local foods early on. She found her love for food while working at the Eastside Food Cooperative and utilized the Worldwide Opportunity on Organic Farms Organization to volunteer on over a dozen farms across the U.S.

Landing in Texas in 2014, she started her career on a diversified vegetable farm outside of Austin and has been farming ever since. She co-founded the Central Texas Mycological Society, is an avid supporter of the Central Texas Farmers' Cooperative, loves paddling the river, exploring the woods, and playing rugby with the Austin Valkyries.

PRODUCTION MANAGER

With a passion for delicious nutrient-dense food, an undying love affair with all things flora, and the heart of a teacher, Frankie is a long-time grower and organizer in Texas organic agriculture. She was a founding member and served for many years as the President of the Central Texas Farmers Co-op, was the Operations Manager for the Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, and has worked with her hands in the dirt at nurseries and small farms around Hays and Caldwell County since 2013.

When not farming, Frankie loves playing sports with her two sons, traveling to new places, and swimming in the beautiful Central Texas spring-fed rivers and creeks.

CONSULTANT, SPECIAL PROJECTS

Lea moved to Austin in 2014 and worked as Farm Director for Urban Roots for 5 years.  Her farming career has centered on food access and community building through cooperatives, educational farms and community gardens.

Lea believes in a systemic approach to caring for land with a focus on building soil and ecosystem health.

CONSULTANT, ORCHARD MANAGER

Homegrown in Austin, TX, Ross successfully ignores his Music Business degree while he manages the Orchard/Herb Garden at Hope Full Farm.  When not day-dreaming about growing his favorite crops or designing beautiful garden spaces, he is also the tallest human on the farm.

Ross is a graduate of Farmshare’s Cultivator Program and met his future wife, Lea Scott, while interning at Urban Roots.

FARM HAND

Jake spent summers on his grandparents' farm in Michigan during his youth. After pursuing a career in business, he recently came back to farming. He enjoys growing delicious food at Hope Full Farm and cultivating his own Very Harry Farm.

Jake is a graduate of Farmshare Austin's Farmer Starter program. When he's not farming, he loves spending time with his three kids and two dogs.

FARM ASSISTANT

Relatively new to Austin, Nia Howze has always had a deep passion for food, community, and the outdoors. This curiosity has led them on a journey of diverse experiences, from exploring permaculture in Costa Rica to working as a line cook at Odd Duck, and studying food justice and community gardening during their time at Rice University. Nia earned a degree in ecology and anthropology, where they further developed their belief that disconnection from our food systems perpetuates a wider disconnect from the natural world and from one another. Nia views sustainable agriculture as the key to healing this divide, nourishing and sustaining both our communities and the Earth.

Outside of work, Nia enjoys creative pursuits like dance and film, sharing meals with friends, and spending time outside.

MARKETING MANAGER

A creative at heart with a background in natural sciences, Mary is passionate about raising awareness in creative ways. While studying Marine Science and Geology at The University of Alabama and in her subsequent work at the US Geological Survey, her interest in climate change and sustainability was sparked.

Mary has spent much of her time actively volunteering in local community initiatives and continues that work as a member of the Junior League of Austin.

BOARD MEMBER

Helen Hollyman is a food systems entrepreneur, journalist, editor, podcast host, author, and brand strategist. She’s the founding Editor-in-Chief of MUNCHIES, and host and writer of the Ambie-nominated Best True Crime Podcast, The Paddlefish Caviar Heist, from Imperative Entertainment and Vespucci.

Helen has received two certifications in the Circular Economy from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and UC Berkeley, and launched a circular food company based in regenerative design. She writes for a variety of publications, including VICE, GQ, and Mold Magazine. She is currently a fellow in the Climate Base Fellowship.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & BOARD MEMBER

Christine’s corporate career has been focused in marketing, sponsorship, corporate philanthropy and event management with Fortune 100 companies. She eventually moved into the non-profit sector as Director of Resource Development for a Houston arts group and served on multiple boards dedicated to children’s causes.

Christine believes all children should have equal access to basic needs and education, leading to opportunities for fulfilling and successful lives.

BOARD MEMBER

A veteran concert promoter for over 50 years, Louis is CEO of Messina Touring Group (MTG). Over his legendary career, Louis has promoted several superstar acts including his current roster of Taylor Swift, George Strait, Ed Sheeran, Kenny Chesney and The Lumineers.

He is a long time advocate for a number of children’s causes and believes in providing opportunities for those who are underserved and often overlooked.