Tawnya Plain Eagle

Jamie's Bio

Jamie Gervais Rietveld is a passionate advocate for food literacy and positive societal impact. With a degree in Nutrition and Food Science from the University of Alberta, Jamie focused in nutraceuticals, complimenting earlier studies in dietetics at Southeast Missouri State University.

In response to a corporate takeover, Jamie founded FoodImpact, an initiative that delivered nutrition and food education to Alberta’s elementary schools for 11 years until the 2020 pandemic disrupted operations. During this period, Jamie pursued further education in Marketing at the University of Calgary, gaining experience in product development and social media marketing. This sparked an interest in psychology, leading to studies at Athabasca University in decision-making, behavioral science, and learning psychology.

Currently, Jamie is a graduate student in Transdisciplinary Research and a graduate research assistant at the University of Calgary, where her research bridges marketing, public health, and education to explore decision-making around food choices for youth. To address reduced funding for food education in low socioeconomic status communities, Jamie established the Food Discovery Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to providing food literacy education to children and disabled individuals in need.

Jamie’s enthusiasm for learning, exploration, and creating meaningful change continues to shape her impactful journey.

FOOD IMPACT

Emma's Bio

Emma Cross is a rancher from Tofield, Alberta, about an hour outside of Edmonton, where she raises cattle, sheep, and horses. When not out tending to her animals, Emma is passionate about connecting people with where their food comes from. Emma works in communications for the Public and Stakeholder Engagement program of the Canadian Cattle Association, which focuses on building and maintaining public trust in the way beef cattle are raised in Canada.

Canadian Cattle Association

Tracey's Bio

Tracey combines academic expertise with entrepreneurial experience in agriculture. After two years of graduate research in honey bee biology at the University of Alberta, she founded Beanstalk Honey, running it for over a decade while building strong connections in the farming community. With a background in conservation biology, sustainable agriculture, and industry leadership, Tracey brings a vision for innovation and community engagement to her role at Organic Alberta.

Organic Alberta

Kimberly's Bio

Kimberly Gray (MA) is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, producer, writer, voice actor, educator, entrepreneur and overall creative force.

Gray’s connection to the environment and making a positive impact through story, art, and community is an integral part of her passion.

Her award-winning documentary, The Root of It All, has connected with audiences across Canada (and a little in New York). It’s a powerful story of our relationship with food.

As a sessional instructor at Mount Royal University, Gray inspires her students with practical skills and the confidence to chase their passions, think critically, cultivate connection, and provoke beautiful questions.

Beyond teaching and the creative arts, Gray is a devoted advocate for canine rescue, breed equity and animal welfare. She also finds joy and power in boxing, Muay Thai, yoga, travel and dance.

Gray’s bold approach and fearless curiosity continue to shape her creative journey.