Work with thought leaders and academic experts from North Carolina Central University

Dr. Wanida Lewis is a highly educated and experienced food scientist with a passion for promoting sustainable food systems and improving global food security. She received her Ph.D. in Food Science from North Carolina State University in 2013, where she focused on the development of functional foods using plant-based ingredients. Prior to her Ph.D., she earned her M.S. in Chemistry (Analytical) from North Carolina Central University in 2008 and her B.S. in Chemistry from Saint Augustine's University in 2005. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Dr. Lewis has held various positions in both the private and public sectors, demonstrating her expertise in food science, program management, and international development. She is the Managing Director and Founder of Crescendo Foods, a company that provides food science consulting services to food businesses. She also serves as an Acceleration Services Advisor Consultant at KAIZEN COMPANY START-UP, where she advises start-ups on product development, supply chain management, and marketing strategies. In addition to her work in the private sector, Dr. Lewis has also been involved in various non-profit organizations, including ASASE Foundation and Environment360. She has also worked with the U.S. Department of State as a Foreign Affairs Officer and AAAS Policy Fellow, where she provided scientific advice and support for international food security initiatives. She also served as a Senior Economic Program Advisor for the Secretary's Office of Global Women's Issues at Tuvli LLC, where she focused on promoting economic empowerment for women through sustainable agriculture and food systems. Dr. Lewis's extensive experience in the food industry and her passion for promoting sustainable and equitable food systems make her a highly sought-after expert in her field. She continues to use her knowledge and expertise to drive positive change in the food industry and contribute to global efforts towards achieving food security for all.

Joy Mickle is an accomplished economic development professional with expertise in community engagement, small business development, and project management. With over 12 years of experience as a small business owner and founder of Iveywood Consulting, Joy has become a driving force behind many impactful business growth and community development initiatives. Her firm Iveywood Consulting specializes in leveraging data-driven strategies to expand economic development possibilities for small business and non-profit clients. <br> Joy's commitment to leveraging technology and data for positive change is evident in her track record of spearheading various business development programs and managing complex projects for diverse clientele. Central to her dedication is implementing equitable community engagement strategies in historically marginalized communities and creating more entrepreneurship and leadership opportunities in the communities themselves. She earned a Masters of Public Administration from North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina and a Bachelors of Arts in History and African and Afro American Studies from Washington University in St. Louis. Recently, she completed a Data Analytics Bootcamp at University of California, Berkeley in 2023, further enhancing her analytical skills and expertise in leveraging data for informed decision-making. With her extensive experience, diverse skill set, and deep commitment to community empowerment, Joy continues to make significant contributions to economic development and community empowerment initiatives with current projects with North Shattuck Association in Berkeley, or recent past projects with cultural nonprofits like Bandaloop and Black Cultural Zone in Oakland. Her less recent work with the City of Durham Neighborhood Improvement Services and Office of Economic and Workforce Development won her awards and produced real community change to which she is most proud.