Geonna’s journey into food systems began with a personal realization. Like many of her peers, she developed irregular eating habits in school. However, her perspective began to shift when she was introduced to the connection between food and mental health. Learning about the influence of what we eat directly impacts how we think and feel.
Through meaningful interactions with other youth, nutritionists, and community leaders, her understanding deepened. She began hosting cooking classes both online and in person, touring restaurants, volunteering at soup kitchens and shelters, and even helping transport food to those in need. These experiences helped her recognize not only the importance of nourishing the body but also the power of a well-fed community.
Mentored by Monique Marez, Geonna gained hands-on knowledge of how locally grown produce can reshape our relationship with food. This mentorship sparked a deeper passion for the food system and inspired her to take on leadership roles, including hosting a youth-focused breakout session at the Colorado Food Summit. There, she brought together chefs, urban farmers, and organizations to engage youth in conversations about sourcing food locally and feeding their communities.
After three years of focusing on youth engagement, Geonna felt called to explore further. She became curious about how farmers’ mental health and locally grown food influence our daily lives. Her studies in Psychology at CSU-Pueblo supported this exploration, helping her understand the science behind eating behaviors and food psychology.
Her work expanded into real-world impact through initiatives like Quarter Acre and a Mule, as well as her presence at the Pueblo Farmers Market, where she helped caregivers understand that providing nutritious food for their families can be both accessible and sustainable.
Over the course of two years, working alongside Perdita, Geonna developed a deep sense of gratitude and connection. Not only to the plants she helped nurture, but also to herself. This relationship became a foundation for growth, reflection, and purpose about her interaction with the Pueblo community.
As a passionate dancer, Geonna also integrates her love for movement with her commitment to nutrition. She encourages her peers to treat their bodies as vessels of art—introducing them to new foods, from fresh radishes to creative dishes like black bean brownies.
Through every space she enters, Geonna continues to use her knowledge, creativity, and lived experience to inspire others, build community, and reimagine the way we connect with food.
