Our Team

Founder, Director

Lisa is an Indigenous Agriculturist, entrepreneur, and the founder and Director of the Southeast Minnesota Food Rescue and Redistribution Program (SEMNFRR). She is a food sovereignty activist and teaches ethnobotany, Indigenous farming practices, ecosystem restoration, traditional plant uses, and the cultivation of culturally relevant food crops. She has developed a culturally relevant, and socially equitable product organic food line.

The focus of her current work includes developing equitable opportunities and prosperity for MN Indigenous and Black emerging farmers while creating sustainable food systems that prevent food waste and increase food security in Minnesota’s marginalized communities. Foundational in her work is the cultivation of the next generation of farmers and ecosystem ambassadors by expanding emerging AG ethnobotany crops, and economic opportunities in the regenerative farming arena.

Ruth was an assistant manager for the Rochester Farmers Market Association. Her role within the organization was management of the Online Farmers Market, allowing the public to purchase products from the farmers in a safe and easy manner. Her experience and expert knowledge of emerging distribution models and serving FI populations will contribute and further ensure a more robust and accessible food system to serve both growers and FI individuals.

Ruth started in the food service industry, and after college moved into small business management. This led her to farming, which she grew up with. After managing several small farms, she transitioned to the Rochester Farmers Market, where she could use all of the skills she has gathered over the last decade.

Scott has a background in logistics, and currently works in technology. He will be an excellent resource for moving produce and processed goods throughout our system and community.

Nine years as Operations Manager for software company.

IT operations and application support

10 year Air Force veteran of the Air Force

Solomon Koang Dak is a 21 y/o serial entrepreneur and software engineer. Solomon has a decorated background which includes:

Solomon's technical background, and expert knowledge will ensure the project's technical aspects are sound as well as innovative. He will provide a high-level technical plan that discusses which technologies will be used, what needs to be built, cost of technologies and cost of hiring developers onto the project.

Dr. Doug Bibus founded Lipid Technologies in 1995, a spin off from his academic laboratory at the University of Minnesota. Dr Bibus is also a community faculty member at The Center for Spirituality and Healing at the University of Minnesota and a researcher in the area of fatty acid biochemistry and nutrition. He owns and operates a small apple orchard in southern MN.  The orchard produces about 2000 bushels of apples per year (~70,000 pounds).  Doug's expertise both in food science and farming, and his willingness to participate in the pilot program will enhance and further ensure proof of concept.