VertiFarms builds and operates aquaponic and hydroponic farms that sustainably grow greens onsite for grocers, schools, and restaurants. Their goal is to grow a large percentage of all salad greens consumed by New Orleanians.

As CEO and founder of VertiFarms, Doug is responsible for designing systems, developing partnerships, and raising capital. He has been an aquaponic and hydroponic enthusiast for over ten years constructing and testing his own systems. Born in Miami Beach, Doug grew up with an appreciation for plants and nature. His interest in aquaponics began during a trip to Disney World as a child and re-emerged during his studies in Complex Emergency Management. He is the primary consultant behind the Rouses ‘Roots on the Rooftop’ Project.

Kevin holds a degree in Sociology and Social Policy and Planning. He has studied urban agriculture, urban planning, architectural design, rural sociology and New Orleans urban geography. His past work with non-profits, alternative energy companies and a local farmers cooperative led him to implement aquaponics and other soilless farming technology to the urban landscape of New Orleans.

The Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana tackles deficiencies in the post-conviction phase of the criminal justice system while creating a supportive collaborative space for attorneys and advocates.

After graduating from Loyola University College of Law, Ameca began dedicating her legal career to defending the human rights of oppressed people. She has worked on a wide variety of issues ranging from Death Penalty Appeals, Juvenile Justice, Access to courts and justice, criminal defense, public housing, first amendment violations and education reform in Post Katrina New Orleans. She has worked closely with the Loyola Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild as a legal observer.

Adrienne Wheeler received a Masters degree from New York University, where she focused on suspension of municipal law as a method of policing social movements, and a J.D. from Loyola College of Law, New Orleans. She has been an active advocate for justice, monitoring police activities during protests and conducting surveys on homeowner consent issues after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

The Healthy School Food Collaborative is a consulting company that specializes in knowledge of National School Lunch Program meal pattern requirements, providing schools and organizations with services including: food vendor management, State and Federal regulation compliance support, procurement, and assistance to become school food authorities (SFA). These services relieve schools from administrative and compliance burdens related to standards and regulations of the USDA and ultimately aim to decrease obesity rates through the provision of healthier foods options.

James Graham serves as the Executive Director of the Healthy School Food Collaborative, where he acts as an expert interface between schools to negotiate and solve contractual and business related issues related to food service. James received his J.D. from Loyola University of Law, and an MBA and M.Ed. from the University of New Orleans.