Our Staff
Tasha Powell
Co-Founder, President
Tasha leads the organization as President, guiding AFC’s members, programming, and path. She is a lifelong North Minneapolis resident and has been active in the local food justice movement, advocating for and giving back to her community. Tasha is passionate about food access and knowledge for Northside families.
Michelle Horovitz
Co-Founder, Senior External Relations Officer
Michelle grows networks, opportunities, and advocacy efforts as VP of Innovation. She has worked as a public defender and in the kitchen of an award-winning chef. Michelle’s father’s family is from the Northside, and she has a passion for building racial and social equity in this community.
Princess Titus
Co-Founder, Senior Engagement Officer
Princess builds connections and nurtures relationships as Senior Engagement Officer. She has worked in North Minneapolis as a licensed trainer and educator for more than twenty years. Princess is passionate about working with families to build healthy foundations for lifelong learning.
Darryl Lindsey
Vice President of Social Enterprise
Stephanie Malone
Vice President of Advancement
Stephanie holds a Master’s in Public Health Administration and Policy and brings two decades of service in the nonprofit sector, public health, and civic engagement. She’s led advancement for Twin Cities RISE, established major gifts and planned giving efforts at CaringBridge, fundraised for a capital campaign at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of MN, and overseen annual fund and alumni giving for Augsburg University, and directed institutional giving for Girl Scouts. When not working, she spends time in her garden with her two young children and volunteers in the community. Her favorite produce is brussels sprouts, but also loves a tomato plucked fresh from the vine.
Geoffrey Wilson
Director of Strategic Partnerships & Community Meals Programs
Geoffrey is a Minnesota native who recently returned to Minneapolis after many years living and working in New York City. He has a passion for food and hospitality. His first job was as a barista at Caribou Coffee at age 16 and he has worked in cafés and restaurants ever since. In addition to making great latte art, Geoffrey is a professional musician and composer, performing shows around the Twin Cities.
Antwayn Hunter
General Manager, Social Enterprise
Nicole Powell
Community Cooks Program Manager
Nicole was born and raised in North Minneapolis and is passionate about her community. Nicole studied Human Service at MCTC. Nicole started out as a participant in AFC’s Community Cooks and is now a Program Manager. Nicole’s hard work and devotion helps change the way community members eat, think, and live. Nicole believes in meeting people where they’re at and working with them to help improve the way they eat.
Bethann Kemling
Human Resources Manager
Bethann comes to AFC with over 35 years of experience working at small nonprofit organizations in both accounting and human resources roles. She holds Master’s degrees in both Human Resource Management and Public Administration. She is also a certified yoga teacher and has been a member of the Read More Book Club for 33 years. She loves most vegetables and enjoys trying new vegetarian recipes with her daughter.
Jim Pfeffer
Executive Chef
Jim leads production out of our St. Paul kitchen at Station 81. A Minnesota native (with brief detours on the West Coast and as a cruise ship musician in the Caribbean), he has a deep connection to the land and culture of the Midwest. With over a decade of experience in the restaurant industry, he is committed to local and sustainable agriculture and celebrating the best of our region. Jim’s favorite produce is asparagus, as it only comes into season when winter is really over in MN and there is a full growing season to look forward to.
LaShaun Graves
Chef de Cuisine
LaShaun is the Chef at Breaking Bread. He manages the Community Meals, Catering and Breaking Bread Cafe. He started cooking early in life, being the oldest of his 10 siblings, he was expected to help with the food during any family event. He has worked all over the twin cities since he was 16; Hai Hai, Lat 14, Victory 44, Sea Change, Wise Acre Eatery. He has a passion for cultures and the food within those cultures, so he tries to learn as much as he can. His favorite produce item is the Potato. He considers it the Jack of all trades for vegetables. It can be soup, bread, pasta, desserts, entrees, etc. and that is what he strives to be in the kitchen, a potato.
Laura Gondek
Breaking Bread Catering Sales Manager
Laura was born in Illinois but has since lived in 5 other states before finally settling in Minnesota. She absolutely loves city life in Minneapolis and has called it home for over 9 year. Laura’s first job was as a hostess and she’s been in the service industry up until joining Breaking Bread as Sales Manager. Laura is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Marketing from the University of Minnesota and when she’s not studying or working, she runs a small jewelry business out of her apartment!
Ally Dahlberg
Breaking Bread Catering Sales Manager
Ally Dahlberg is one of two Catering Sales Managers for Breaking Bread Catering. She handles weekly delivery orders to non-profits and other corporate offices and works with clients to plan full-service events like fundraisers, galas, birthdays, weddings, etc. Ally majored in Business & Community Leadership at Metro State University and has nearly 20 years of hospitality experience. She has a strong interest in social justice and community development. Outside of the working world, Ally obsesses over vintage clothing and karaoke. She lives with her son, partner and dog in the West Side of St. Paul. Ally’s favorite produce is lychee!
Nola Thury
Youth Training & Opportunities Program Facilitator
Nola is a facilitator in the Youth Training and Opportunities Program at AFC. Her work on a farm in Washington state sparked her passion for food justice and led her to pursue opportunities to strengthen local food systems, eventually moving back home to Minneapolis. She has a background in youth development and believes that young people will lead the way in creating better food systems for us all. Nola loves to read, walk along the Mississippi River, and find new ways to cook potatoes.
Frank Licari
Urban Agriculture Program Facilitator
Frank is a homegrown Minnesotan with a deep love of food and farming. Alongside the Urban Agriculture team, Frank cultivates urban plots throughout North Minneapolis to grow vibrant, nutritious produce for the community. He brings a myriad of skills to the team, having experience in market gardening, permaculture, wholesale vegetable farming, landscaping, forestry and conservation. Outside of work Frank enjoys playing music, writing, adventuring into the wilderness and roasting winter squash.
LaTaijah Powell
Community Cooks Program Facilitator
LaTaijah is the Community Cooks Program Facilitator. Her job is to make sure each and every one of you have an amazing time while attending one of our cooking workshops. Her job is also to teach you things about the food system while also learning from you all as well. She is a Criminal Justice major who one day hopes to be a Private Investigator.
Haley Larson
Social Enterprise Communications Coordinator
Haley drives engagement and builds connections as the communications coordinator for AFC’s Social Enterprises. Before diving into communications and social media management, Haley traveled around the states as an art apprentice, taught high school art for four years, and built a cake decorating business. She’s passionate about animals, sustainable living, and loves the arts. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find Haley reading a book and finding new ways to bake with bananas.
Steven A. Forns
Operations Manager & Executive Assistant to the President
As the operations manager, Steven brings both structure and warmth to Appetite For Change, with ample experience in academia and the arts prior to joining the team. He is responsible for overseeing the administrative, technology, and general operations of the organziation. He spent most of his life moving across the U.S. before settling in Minneapolis in 2019 and joining the AFC team in 2021. He is passionate about FTO coffee, roleplaying games, and the writings of Wendell Berry. He has a particular fondness for bell peppers.