WHO WE ARE

Javier works to move beyond listening to and representing community members by building long-term relationships, developing community leaders, and creating space for community-led policy and advocacy. He facilitates and supports the Jefferson County Food Policy Council’s advocacy coalitions and workgroups while growing and developing the Council to it's fullest potentials. Javier was drawn to community-led efforts and organizing after seeing community members come together during the 2006 and 2012 ICE raids at Greeley JBS, providing food for protesters and opening their homes to neighbors whose family members had been deported. These examples of community care became core organizing values that continue to guide his work. Since then, Javier has worked on issues including environmental justice, access to resources for Latine communities and BIPOC women, abortion access, voting rights, and youth power. Javier is a film enthusiast and enjoys traveling and cooking.

Anemone (aka Nemo) supports community-led food systems change through coalition building, youth leadership, and food justice advocacy. Grounded in Afro-Indigenous values and a deep connection to people, animals, and land, they bring experience in community organizing, urban land stewardship, youth leadership, and equitable food systems work. At the Jefferson County Food Policy Council, Nemo stewards Youth for Food Justice and member-led coalitions and workgroups, creating opportunities for community members and young people to build leadership skills and deepen relationships across the food system. In 2020, Nemo founded Potted Peace Project, a mutual aid initiative that gifted plants, seeds, and land-based education to people of color to support mental health, reconnection, and community care for over 5 years. As a parent, Nemo is devoted to building a better world for all youth and children. Outside of work, they enjoy spending time with their family, competing in puzzle competitions, upcycling clothes, and fostering animals.