Staff

Valerie D: Land Access Coordinator

Valerie is a talented farmer who helps the Village connect to multi-generations of new Americans living in the Rochester Area. She has become a land access navigator with the intention of helping farmers transition their land to farmers in our network. You will also find her navigating our new high tunnel, learning all about it and teaching others how to use this tool.

Kim Sin, Local Food Coordinator

As co-founder of the Village, Kim has always been a strong advocate for community integration and good food. A talented chef, musician, IT professional, Kim gives his all to making the world a better place.

After migrating to Rochester from Cambodia when he was a young child. Kim experienced first hand how lack of land access impacts a family. His mother knew how to garden, but their landlord did not want her to mess up their lawn. There were many days where they only had rice to eat, when they could have had fresh vegetables directly from their living space.

Full of grace and compassion, Kim moves our mission forward with a clear understanding of the needs of our community, and a knack for connecting across cultures for the greater good.

Amanda Nigon-Crowley, Executive Director

Born on a century farm on the west side of Rochester, Amanda understands the value of an abundant and local food supply. A former mental health practicioner, she's passionate about merging the benefits of sustainable agriculture into the urban setting. As a co-founder of the Village, her passion for community building and generous spirit continue to strive to grow the organization and serve the community by creating opportunities for land access in and around Rochester.

Amanda's farm network is largely responsible for the early success of the Village, and we're grateful to her friends and family members who have brought their tractors, tillers, trailers, and knowledge to our farms to get us up and running every season.

Tiberious Mose, Community Liaison

Tiberious believes in farming as a means to healthy living. A research professional by day, he loves spending time with community, exercising outdoors, and growing and sharing food. Hired under contract with Mayo Clinic, Tiberious is an advocate for cancer prevention through healthy eating and skin care. As a member of Rochester's Kenyan community, he brings community together by being an advocate for healthy living.

Marvin Jackson, Community Liaison

Through a partnership with Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Marvin is contracted to bring new people into our farm at Rochester Covenant Church to learn about growing their own vegetables and how eating healthy can prevent cancer.

Edinah Misati, Food Hub Manager

Edinah Misati brings leadership and managerial experience in the field of food production, food logistics, food storage and preservation, food sustainability and economic opportunities to her role as a Food Hub Manager at The Village Agricultural Cooperative. She joined the organization after having worked in Mayo clinic and HeadStart of Families first of Minnesota

At Headstart, she was a policy maker council, who formed part of the decision making process on upgrading the program in various areas of planning, general administration, personnel administration, budget allocations and approval, and grant application process. She also served as an office administrator in Tropical promoters limited, an advertising company, where she was majorly involved in purchasing of organizations equipment, sourcing for reliable suppliers, evaluation, and ensuring delivery of quality service to customers. She serves as the Head of the International Ministries in her local church.

Edinah`s experience enhances an expertise in working with individuals and organizations to realize their potential through self-empowerment, leadership, capacity building, networking and education. She has skillfully guided businesses and organizations as they work together to build strategies and programs to better serve various respective communities. Edinah is naturally a community engagement ambassador and she is excited to bring her passion and expertise in the community engagements to The Village Agricultural Cooperative (VAC).

Edinah holds a Bachelor of Finance from University of Nairobi, A Procurement and Supply Chain (CIPS) Certification from Britain, and two other managerial Associate degrees in management and clinical research basics.

During her free time, she enjoys playing with her children, dancing and singing.

Jose Jimenez, Farm Maintenance Manager

Jose is talented not as a farmer, but also as a builder, painter, packing station constructor, high tunnel erector, and all things handy. He keeps our farms looking good and always has a smile to brighten your day.