Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Ng.
Christina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
About seven years ago, I was lucky enough to attend the Berry Good Night Dinner, hosted by The Lerach Family, and was immersed in a world of all things handcrafted and locally grown. The energy and motive behind that evening translated to a non-profit organization rooted in promoting the very same mantra from that one nite, 365 days of the year. I began as a volunteer after that first dinner, sharing my skill set and knowledge at events, and now am able to do that on a grander scale at the Berry Good Food Academy Classes, alongside San Diego’s most thoughtful chefs and farmers. Thanks to Michelle and Bill establishing this core from which farmers, chefs, producers, students can all draw from, I find myself on the path I’ve always wanted to be on.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road occasionally has it’s share of potholes or twists and turns along the way. However, I’ve been lucky to have had the support of great friends like Jack Ford of TAJ Farms, and Sandra Broussard of Be Wise Ranch, who I’ve been able to count on to be with me thru thick and thin. Trusting your tribe and setting aside pride, while accepting help when you need has been the key to overcoming any obstacles in the way.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Berry Good Food Foundation – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
With the Berry Good Food Foundation, I’m thrilled to be able to present and feature the best available produce and protein of the season from San Diego’s most conscious and thoughtful farmers at our Academy classes. Connecting chefs with this amazing product and sharing the story behind it gives the chefs a narrative to translate to their guests, making the meal that much more delicious and memorable. Surrounding these chefs is an impactful group of volunteers, fellow makers, and minds, who share the farmer’s story, thereby giving them a voice in our food community.
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
Given the great impact of instant communication via social media, I’d say put yourself out there and network! Use an instant message as a path to meet and connect in real life. If you cast out your fishing line enough times, you will get a bite, but remember, it’s your job to reel the fish in.
Contact Info:
- Address: 10531 4S Commons Drive #146
San Diego, CA 92127 - Website: Berrygoodfood.org
- Email: info@berrygoodfood.org
- Instagram: BerryGoodFoodFdn
- Facebook: BerryGoodFoodFoundation
Image Credit:
Chris Rov Costa, Christina Ng
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