Melonee Lewis is a dedicated professional with a passion for local business development, community engagement, and creative marketing. For the past three and a half years, she has worked with DAP Athens, a trusted local print and signage company known for its high-quality services and strong ties to the Athens community. In this role, Melonee manages sales and marketing projects on behalf of the company.
In addition to her work at DAP, Melonee is an active leader in the Athens business ecosystem. They serve as an Ambassador for the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce and contribute as a committee member for Women Who Work, championing professional growth and collaboration among women across various industries. Her dedication to supporting others is fueled by a deep appreciation for Athens-Clarke County’s vibrant spirit and sense of community.
Crystal Barnes is the founder and sole proprietor of The Taxtique, LLC, an Alpharetta, GA-based business specializing in income tax consulting, preparation, and resolution. With over 17 years of experience in the tax industry, Crystal has become a trusted advisor for individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations seeking guidance through the complexities of the U.S. Tax Code. Crystal’s approach to tax services is built on a family-oriented philosophy, treating each client as a member of her extended tax family. Her expertise and personalized approach have earned her a reputation for providing reliable, thorough, and thoughtful support to those navigating tax challenges. Crystal’s dedication to her clients and her work has made The Taxtique a go-to resource for tax solutions in the Alpharetta area.
Lolita Bryant-Moye is a dedicated Community School Organizer with the Clarke County School District, serving both Howard B. Stroud Elementary and Fowler Drive Elementary. Lolita has led several impactful initiatives, including the creation of the Howard B. Stroud Meal Center in partnership with Mt. Olive Seventh-Day Adventist Church. What began as a bi-monthly service has grown to a weekly offering due to increased community need. In addition to her work in nutrition, Lolita has also spearheaded healthcare certification classes at Howard B. Stroud Elementary in collaboration with Innovative Healthcare, helping parents earn certifications as CNAs, phlebotomists, and CMAs, among other qualifications. Driven by a passion for service, Lolita is committed to making a lasting impact in the lives of others. Her dedication to improving the community reflects her unwavering belief in the power of education and service. Outside of her professional life, Lolita enjoys bowling, singing, and cherishing time with her family.
Myeisha Coggins has been working in nutrition education and anti-hunger initiatives for years, driven by her passion for nutrition science, community health, and sustainable food systems. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition Sciences from Georgia State University in 2018, Myeisha immediately began working in the community health space, supporting food-insecure populations through Fruit and Vegetable Prescription programs and affordable, local food markets. Through her work with organizations such as Georgia Organics, HealthMPowers, Community Farmers Markets, and Share Our Strength, Myeisha has strengthened efforts to ensure communities have access to healthy food and the resources needed for healthy policies, systems and environments. She has promoted nutrition education through workshops, food demonstrations, and resources, empowering individuals to embrace healthier lifestyles. In her current role as Executive Director of The Center for Health Education and Professional Learning (CHEPL), Myeisha leads training and professional development for educators and health professionals in child nutrition, community health, and program implementation. The Center’s mission is to equip professionals with the knowledge and resources needed to foster healthier communities, support local food systems, and create safe and healthy environments that promote the well-being of children and families. When she’s not working, Myeisha is a local foodie at heart and enjoys sourcing farm-fresh produce and meat from local markets or her own garden. She’s also a coffee and tea enthusiast, always eager to connect with others who share her love for good food and drink.
Jennine Labuzan-DeLane is a passionate grassroots leader with a background in Psychology and Education from Howard University. With over 20 years of experience in community education, outreach, and engagement, Jennine is currently the statewide Recruitment Coordinator for the University of Georgia’s SNAP-Ed program. In her role, she fosters strategic partnerships with agencies and community organizations to maximize the reach and impact of SNAP-Ed, ensuring access to health and nutrition education for limited-income adults across the state. Jennine’s international experiences, including her eight years as a resident of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, have shaped her deep understanding of the value of intercultural exchange as a tool for personal growth, healing, and leadership. In addition to her role as Farm to Neighborhood Board Chair, Labuzan-DeLane is also the founding Director of Indigenous Community Solutions, an advocacy organization for Indigenous American human rights, genealogical research, and inherited land restoration. Jennine’s dedication to leaving a sustainable cultural legacy for future generations drives her work and passion for promoting dialogue and understanding within her community. She is also the proud mother of five boys and two girls.
Dr. Caree Jackson Cotwright is a distinguished leader in nutrition, dedicated to advancing food and nutrition security across the U.S. As former Director of Nutrition Security and Health Equity at the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, she led a comprehensive approach to strengthen nutrition security nationwide and advanced the goals of the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. She is also a powerful communicator, having delivered more than 200 keynotes, speeches, podcasts, and webinars.
Currently, Dr. Cotwright serves as an Associate Professor of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Georgia, where her research focuses on building healthy dietary habits in infants and young children, particularly in underserved communities. Using community-based participatory research, she develops sustainable best practices in early childhood education. Known for integrating the arts and media into nutrition education, she has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and secured over $1 million in grants for obesity prevention.
Her career began as an ORISE Research Fellow at the CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, contributing to national initiatives like Let’s Move!. She holds a PhD and MS in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Georgia and a Bachelor’s in Biology from Howard University. Residing in Atlanta with her husband and three daughters, Dr. Cotwright continues to inspire through her lifelong commitment to creating a healthier, more equitable food system.
Marketing and Programs Coordinator Nabiha Rahman is a fourth-year Advertising Student at the University of Georgia who specializes in nonprofit communications and strategic risk and health communications. As a member of the Farm to Neighborhood team and a Public Relations intern at the Georgia Museum of Art, she utilizes strategic communication tools to improve access to physical and intellectual nourishment in the Athens community.
Rashe Malcolm is a dedicated community leader and entrepreneur, passionate about making healthy food accessible to all. As founder of Farm to Neighborhood (F2N), she has built strong networks with local and minority farmers to provide fresh produce and nutrition-based programs for low-income families, adults, and seniors in Athens-Clarke County. In the past year alone, F2N distributed over 5,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables and launched the HEALTHYouth program, empowering youth through gardening, cooking, and mental health education.
Beyond F2N, Rashe co-founded Rashe’s Cuisine, a beloved Jamaican restaurant, and later established the Culinary Kitchen of Athens (CKA), a shared space for local food vendors. With support from a COVID-recovery grant, she expanded F2N to include USDA-approved mobile meals, bringing fresh, locally sourced food to underserved areas year-round.
Her leadership and vision have earned community-wide recognition, including a 2021 Nonprofit of the Year award nomination. Through her efforts, Rashe continues to build an equitable food system and inspire long-lasting, positive change.
