Speakers for Spring 2024

Elder Wisdom Panel

Community elders share experience in a free-flowing dialogue style panel.

• Bill Bilodeau, Urban Ag Elder

• Koreen Brennan, Grow Permaculture

• Sharon Joy Kleitsch, Meta-Networker

• Jungle Jay Hardman, Beacon Food Forest

• Cristy Abbott, Permaculture Elder

Food Systems Panel

Discussion of food security and local food systems with public, non-profit, and permaculture representatives.

• Monica Petrella, Homegrown Hillsborough

• Harrison Soberanis, Dream Builders Mission

• Albert Risemberg, Moon Landing Garden & Apiary

• Jon Butts, EcoFarm

• Erica Hall, Florida Food Policy Council

• Joe Dalessio, Meacham Urban Farm

Land and Water Use Panel

Discussion of issues involving land, water and climate in the Tampa Bay area, with permaculture, ecology, and policy change experts.

• Ken Benway, Florida Coalition for Peace and Justice

• Susan Glickman, CLEO Institute / Policy Advocate

• Diane Willis, Wetland Scientist and Rainwater Harvesting Expert

Regenerative Business

Local entrepreneurs discuss navigating business with a focus on life.

• Laura Oldanie, Rich and Resilient Living
• Caroline Chomanics, IDEASForUs / Chomanics Consulting
• Kendrick Henry, Grow Moringa
• Desiree’ Sims, Peas and Love Edible Landscapes
• Tara Hubbard, TakeMAR / Wonderfield Farm & Retreat

Idea Hour (7 min talks)

1. Calli Marshall - Eckerd College Farm

2. Laura Oldanie - Decentralized Intentional Communities

3. Fatima & Alex - 813 Hood Garden and Tampa Heights Junior Civic Association

4. Koreen Brennan - We Regenerate: Solutions Hub for Florida

5. Kayla Caselli, City of Tampa Sustainability Coordinator - City of Tampa’s Sustainability Progress

6. Dahveed Montané - Sociocracy

7. Rick Scolaro - Regeneration and Star Trek: A Vision for the Future

8. Lev Pasikhov - Florida Fruit Coop