March is Women’s History Month, and we want to take this opportunity to recognize the women in our Big Green community! We’re thrilled to introduce our two newly elected DAO Committee members: Falon Tabares and Derravia Rich.
Falon Tabares | The Healthy Earth Org
As a leader in the DAO, what inspired you to step into this role, and what impact do you hope to make?
I stepped into this DAO leadership role driven by a commitment to ensure all voices within the DAO are heard, to support personal and professional growth, and to extend my passion for increasing fresh food access from my community to the entire nation. My goal is to advocate for the needs of our entire DAO community, promote transparency and inclusivity in our decision-making processes, and help set our organizations on a path toward self-sufficiency.
Who are the women that inspire you in your work, and why?
The women who inspire me in my work are my grandmother, Maria, and my mother, Janeth. They instilled in me the importance of community and how sharing a meal can bring people together and nourish the soul. I have integrated many of the values and practices they taught me into my work.
Derravia Rich | Black Seeds Urban Farms
As a leader in the DAO, what inspired you to step into this role, and what impact do you hope to make?
Growing up in an underserved community, I witnessed firsthand the challenges of accessing quality resources—fresh food being at the top of that list. Limited access to nutritious food has long been a barrier to health and economic stability in neighborhoods like mine, and I knew early on that I wanted to be part of the solution. Stepping into this role within the DAO allows me to expand my efforts beyond my local work with Black Seeds Urban Farms and help shape a model that can be replicated in other disadvantaged communities. I hope to make an impact by creating sustainable food systems and empowering communities to take control of their food security, ultimately building a framework that other cities and counties can adapt to address their own food justice challenges.
Who are the women that inspire you in your work, and why?
I am deeply inspired by the strong female community leaders in Memphis who have been at the forefront of change for decades. These women—activists, educators, and grassroots organizers—have tirelessly worked to uplift our city, ensuring that underserved communities have access to resources, opportunities, and a voice in decision-making spaces. Their resilience, passion, and commitment to equity remind me that impactful change happens when we show up consistently for our people. They have paved the way for leaders like myself, and I carry their lessons with me as I work to build a healthier, more sustainable future for my community.
