The dedicated team of individuals who drive the mission and vision of the People, Food and Land Foundation

John is deeply committed to regenerating landscapes, communities, and economies — especially in ways that are circular, integrated, and community-rooted. With a vision that is not just about solving environmental problems, but healing systems — bringing life, dignity, and agency back to people and the land, he operates from a place of care and clarity, balancing the visionary with the practical.

Kaarisa is a systems thinker and heart-centered strategist devoted to restoring the relationships between people, land, and life itself. With decades of experience across finance, legal systems, Indigenous health, and circular economies, she brings a rare blend of precision and soul. Kaarisa is not just designing policies or managing operations — she is cultivating coherence across complex systems, aligning vision with action to ensure change is not only possible, but lasting.

Stephanie has experience in developing comprehensive, multi-stakeholder projects that benefit communities. She holds a Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning, with an emphasis on climate action and sustainable food systems. At PFL, Stephanie currently supports our Bioresource Development project, which supports compost planning and development as it intersects with California’s SB 1383 organics recycling mandate. Her work is helping shape policy recommendations and local implementation pathways that prioritize community-driven compost solutions and healthy soils.