Thomas W. Edison, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Spanish in the Department of Classical and Modern Languages at the University of Louisville. This two-time Fulbright Scholar and Afro-Caribbeanist is a multifaceted talent. Dr. Edison published his first book titled, "Ashe-Caribbean Literary Aesthetic in the Cuban, Colombian, Costa Rican, and Panamanian Novel of Resistance," in 2020 with Lexington Books. In 2021 he served as the interim president of the Louisville Community Grocery Store Project. He is a member of the Black Farmers Alliance (BFA), The Organic Association of Kentucky (OAK), and The Community Farm Alliance (CFA).

Kai Aiyetoro is a native of Kansas City, MO and holds a degree in Arts and Humanities from Laney College, Oakland, CA. She is a certified organizing professional from QC Design School, Silver Spring, MD and recently acquired Accounting and Bookkeeping Specialist Certification from Towson University. She is a graphic artist that likes to dabble in ceramics and sculpture. She has two sons and ten grandchildren and practices Science of Mind philosophy. She worked as a licensed practical nurse for 20 years and later became owner of a retail shop specializing in herbs, spices, and natural body products.

Joel Díaz, a native of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, is a dedicated Spanish teacher and an accomplished researcher specializing in Latin American Literature. With a deep passion for education and culture, Díaz brings his expertise to the classroom as an adjunct instructor at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky. Beyond teaching, he finds joy in nurturing plants and creating lush, green spaces, and he has a profound love for animals, giving much of his free time to their care and well-being. His many passions reflect his commitment to growth, creativity, and the harmonious connection between people, literature, and the natural world.

Zack W. Hatton is a real estate agent who enjoys getting to know people and addressing their needs. He strives to find positive solutions for all parties. Zack was educated in two different Indiana river towns. He earned his undergraduate degree at Hanover College, earning a BA in American History. He completed his graduate education at Indiana State University earning an MA in Labor and Social Movements History. In his spare time, he enjoys antiques, dogs, and learning new things. He has served on multiple boards at various levels, ranging from community relation projects to serving as president of the board of realtors. Zack values giving back to communities. He finds inspiration can always be found in vulnerability because it allows people to come together to improve the communities within which they live.

Douglas Hays has spent the majority of his life working in the grocery industry in both HR and management. Since covid he has taken action to work less and now works part time in banking, giving him more time to work within his community. He grew up in Indiana where he received his associates in business administration at Ivy Tech. He enjoys games, movies, and antiquing with his partner. His years of grocery experience coupled with his experiences growing up in poverty have given him a unique perspective into food deserts and the importance of food availability in underrepresented communities.

Tina Bowser is a retired professional who spent her career at PNC Bank, where she worked as a teller, providing exceptional service to her community. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Gerontology from Wichita State University, reflecting her passion for understanding and supporting the aging population. Now enjoying retirement, Tina dedicates her time to the activities she loves most: tending to her beautiful garden filled with vibrant flowers and spending cherished moments with her family. She is a proud grandmother to her beloved grandsons and a devoted great-grandmother to her precious great-granddaughter, who bring endless joy and meaning to her life.

Carl Gilbert, a proud native of Indianapolis, Indiana, brings his passion for urban farming to life as a Farm Fellow with Project Kilimo through the Louisville Urban League. Dedicated to uplifting and empowering the Black community, Carl teaches the principles of farming, inspires others to connect with the land, and fosters a shared vision of sustainability. With a heartfelt mission to revive the art of farming, he actively engages churches and individuals, encouraging them to embrace urban agriculture as a means of growth, nourishment, and unity.