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Connect. Collaborate. Contribute.™
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with
Joi Chevalier The Cooks Nook Charles Dykes Botany AI Rick Whitted US Hunger Marc Oshima Aerofarms 6:00-6:15pm Log In 6:15-7:30pm Presentation 7:30-8:00pm Q&A |
Vertical Divider
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Quality food is crucial for survival, health, and happiness, but our systems for producing and distributing food, safely and securely, have not changed much in our lifetimes. However, many technologies are now poised to revolutionize food production, distribution, and security. Gene editing with CRISPR, IoT-enabled vertical hydroponic farms, autonomous vehicle and drone deliver systems, blockchain-ensure quality control, and more are promising radical enhances in quantity, quality, availability, and safety of nutritious food. Join us as Joi Chevalier and others share and discuss the tech revolution in food--and how you may be able to play a part in it.
We welcome your participation! Please email us with your questions, answers and prognostications in advance.
Admission to the Austin Forum is always free. The Austin Forum accepts donations of used smart phones and tablets at all our events. All devices will have a factory reset and be set up as new by the team at Austin Pathways’ nationally-recognized “Unlocking the Connection” initiative, which will connect every public housing resident with a digital device, digital literacy, and a free or very low-cost internet connection. Your donated phone can change lives and help close Austin’s digital divide, thanks to Austin Pathways. |
speaker
Joi Chevalier
The Cooks Nook |
A veteran of corporate America, turned chef and entrepreneur, Joi Chevalier combines her technology background with culinary arts as the CEO of The Cook’s Nook. The Cook’s Nook is a culinary incubator that provides kitchen production space, co-working, business and entrepreneur development, corporate services, food service, and channel and capital access for food entrepreneurs in the food+tech space.
Joi is a vocal advocate for women and African Americans in technology and also through food entrepreneurship. She regularly partners with corporate brands on developing entrepreneurial processes within corporate environments. She often speaks to audiences about entrepreneurship, food+tech; product management; data, personalization, and customization. |
Charles Dykes
Botany AI |
Charles Dykes founded Botany AI in 2019 with a mission of creating environmental sustainability in the food supply. Charles is a serial entrepreneur who has spent the last 10 years at the intersection of business and breakthrough applications of artificial intelligence, having previously built and exited a machine learning startup that developed AI to predict human behavior. He holds a certification from MIT in Artificial Intelligence and its implications for business strategy.
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Rick Whitted
US Hunger |
Rick Whitted is the President & Chief Executive Officer for U.S. Hunger ( formerly Feeding Children Everywhere), a global nonprofit feeding families today and uniting them for a healthier tomorrow. In total, U.S. Hunger (SH) has provided over 150 million meals to families and seniors in need. Before his appointment as CEO in March 2020, Rick served on USH’s board of directors, as Board Chair.
Rick has overseen the launch of several of the organization’s programs, including America’s Virtual Food Bank, Full Cart. This program provides a platform for collaboration for members of USH’s Virtual Food Pantry Network. Rick is a graduate of Steston University and Nova Southern University where he received a BA in Political Sciences/American Studies, and a MBA, Business Administration and Management, respectively. He has been married 24 years to his loving wife, Lavisca, and together they have raised three children in Central Florida. |
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Marc Oshima co-founded AeroFarms, the world leader for indoor vertical farming. Recognized multiple years by Fast Company as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies and World Changing Ideas, AeroFarms is a mission-driven company and certified B-Corporation focused on growing the best plants possible for the betterment of humanity. Dedicated to improving our food systems, Marc has been recognized by Produce News for their 2020 Vanguard Awards for the Top 35 Innovators Ever Who have Shaped the Produce Industry and by Eating Well magazine as one of their 2018 American Food Heroes. Marc is also on the Board of Directors for the Produce Marketing Association, CEA Food Safety Coalition, and Chefs Collaborative. He has a B.A. and M.B.A from Columbia University.
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