“We know that all it takes is a seed that is planted into their hearts! We are the future, and it's time we all worked together to make sure that future is good!"
I'm a passionate Palestinian American farmer, mother, and life student, who embodies the same curiosity for the world today that I held as a child planting my first seeds. This curiosity led me to follow my calling and desire to serve my community through urban agriculture. As Farm and Program Director of Montclair Community Farms, I work with youth, introducing them to the wonders of nature while instilling work readiness training and the entrepreneurial possibilities in agriculture.
Though farming has been a part of my family for generations, my career began as a self-taught garden educator within the comfort of my own homestead. My grandparents were once young farmers, who migrated to the United States in the early 60s. They arrived in America with little in their pocket, and bartered off their connection to the land in pursuit of the “American dream.” My parents were first-generation Americans and opted for a life of convenience.
Through my work in agriculture, I have the honor of connecting with my ancestral roots and the chance to work closely with the land. I currently manage two production urban farm sites, an apiary, chickens, and my own homestead. My work at the farm ties in with a mission to provide affordable food access to food-insecure and low-income senior citizens in Essex County, NJ through her youth programs and a mobile farm stand.
I have maintained a strong love and connection with the land that has fostered an ever-lasting fascination with the complexities and interconnectedness of this planet and society. I love sharing what I know and I'm always looking to gain knowledge from others! I truly believe it's imperative that we help people maintain that curiosity and connection to our planet and food, especially if we want to lead healthy lives.
