Orchard Park, NY – Providence Farm Collective (PFC) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Zelalem Gemmeda and Laura Hunt as Co-Presidents of the Board of Directors. This historic leadership transition underscores PFC’s commitment to a grassroots shared leadership model, empowering those who best understand the needs and aspirations of the farming community.

Zelalem Gemmeda, a prominent figure in the refugee community and a visionary entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. As the owner and founder of Abyssinia Ethiopian Cuisine at the Downtown Bazaar and a founding member of the Be Emnet Ethiopian Farmer Group at PFC, Zelalem has been instrumental in building bridges between refugees and the broader Western New York community. “As a farmer at PFC, I am eager to contribute my knowledge and experiences to help shape the future of our organization,” Zelalem expressed. “I envision a future where we explore the possibilities around expanding our land, integrating livestock, and creating a community where farmers thrive in and contribute to the local agricultural economy.”

Laura Hunt joins Zelalem with a deep passion for addressing food insecurity and promoting local, healthy, and affordable produce. As Vice President and Chief Fiduciary Officer at Barrantys, LLC, Laura brings over a decade of experience in financial planning and fiduciary administration. Her commitment to community service is evident through her involvement with several local nonprofits, including PFC. “The values of PFC resonate deeply with me,” Laura shared. “I am excited to collaborate with Zelalem and the farming community to honor our interconnectedness with nature and one another, and ensure families have access to nutritious food.”