How to Engage Youth for Community-Based Food Systems Transformation
How can young people lead the shift toward plant-centric, community-rooted food systems?
How can intergenerational collaboration can accelerate change?
We will share strategies from Plant Futures, a national network of 100 university chapters equipping the next generation of climate and food leaders, alongside the vision of Barron Creek Farm, a San Diego–based project rooted in community farming and Botanical Community Development Initiatives a local nonprofit nourishing relationships with plants so we may cultivate a more peaceful, just regenerative planet. Together, we’ll highlight how student movements and local farms can work hand in hand to create resilient, justice-centered food systems.
Panelists include:
Bianca Bonilla, mother, farmer, botanist, educator and community organizer. She is the founder and executive director of Botanical Community Development Initiatives whose mission is to nourish our relationships with plants so that we may cultivate a more peaceful, just and regenerative planet.
Eric Sirvinskas is the Community Engagement Manager at Plant Futures, with a Master’s in Sustainable Communities from Northern Arizona University and a Permaculture Design Certificate, who has worked on multiple organic farms and now helps coordinate a network of over 100 university chapters focused on climate, food justice, and ethical leadership.
meg ferrigno is the Executive Director of Barron Creek Farm, a longtime community and school farm builder and food justice advocate, she earned a doctorate in sustainability education and is the Vice-Chair of San Diego Climate Week.
Ethan Pearah is a recent UC Davis Ag School Grad, and Plant Futures Alumni. Originally from Encinitas, he serves as Farm Manager at Barron Creek Farm; he is passionate about connecting people with food production, improving public understanding of healthy food, and in his spare time enjoys making music, photography, surfing, cooking.
Zachary Orlando-Milbauer is Farm Manager at Barron Creek Farm, a graduate of UC Davis Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems, as an undergraduate researcher in soil health and water cycling he presented work through the Lazcano Lab and participated in Soil & Water research in Napa Valley.
Panel and Snacks are free, a suggested donation of $35 will be collected to cover costs of a vegan dinner. Please note on your registration if you would like dinner!
There is free parking on USD campus after 6pm, and you can enter through the front of Knauss School ( and come straight through to the courtyard to room 102.
By registering for this event, you agree to share your registration information with the organizers of San Diego Climate Week and our event platform partner, Climatebase. Your information will not be shared with third parties.