Bay Area

LPS-Richmond Seniors Network with Adult Professionals at Inaugural Event

Leadership Public Schools in Richmond (LPS-Richmond) recently took a new step to prepare its students for adult life by holding its inaugural Senior Networking Brunch, during which seniors networked with more than 30 professionals and LPS Richmond alumni at the school.

Published

3 years ago

May 12, 2023

Oakland Post

All photos courtesy of LPS Richmond.

The Richmond Standard

The event was held at the campus at 880 Bissell Ave. Friday, April 21, at the culmination of College and Career Week, when seniors participate in a week of community service throughout Richmond, along with interactive adulting workshops and college campus tours.

At the Senior Networking Brunch, LPS seniors participated in group discussions and rotations in which they were encouraged to meet different adults in the room and ask questions about their career, education, life after high school, etc., according to LaTonya Pye, LPS career and community leadership coordinator.

Afterward, students transitioned into smaller panels in classrooms, where professionals were grouped together based on having similar fields and backgrounds. Students opted in to the specific space that piqued their interest, such as education, law or business/technology, said Pye.

The adult professionals who participated were impressed by the young people, who were professional, mature, and curious, added Pye.

“We are very proud of our seniors for taking advantage of the opportunity and really taking the time to engage with so many new people,” she said, adding, “We are so proud of our soon to be graduates and their commitment to bringing their best selves to our event.”

Pye said she hopes the event will become a tradition at LPS Richmond.

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Oakland Post: Week of July 22 – 28, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of July 22 – 28, 2026

Published

18 hours ago

July 27, 2026

Oakland Post

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Agricultural Engineer Effie Gant Plans Bay Area Farmers Market Initiative

Published

1 week ago

July 18, 2026

bpusa-syndication

Agricultural Engineer Effie Gant displays watermelons from her Sacramento farm at the Temescal Festival in Oakland. Photo by Carla Thomas.

In her 80s and still actively working as an agricultural engineer, Effie Gant continues to break barriers in urban farming and community leadership.

The certified USDA grower and respected urban farmer, based in South Sacramento, was recently spotted vending at the Freedom Farmers’ Market by the Temescal Street Fair on Saturday, July 11, where she proudly displayed dozens of sweet, juicy watermelons.

Festivalgoers gathered not only to purchase her produce but also to enjoy activities like the popular watermelon-eating contest. Yet beyond the festive atmosphere, Gant has a larger vision.

Gant is now setting her sights on the Bay Area, where she plans to launch a farmers’ market to increase access to fresh, locally grown food.

Known for her leadership in sustainable agriculture and food justice, she brings decades of hands-on experience and community advocacy to regions where food access remains inconsistent.

She has built a strong reputation through her work with Meadowview Urban Farm and the Yisrael Family Urban Farm, cultivating crops such as watermelons, honeydew melons, and collard greens. Her approach emphasizes sustainability, education, and empowering residents to grow their own food, even in small urban spaces.

As a USDA-certified grower, Gant blends technical expertise with grassroots engagement to combat food insecurity.

Beyond farming, Gant serves as CEO and President of Highways to Hedges, a nonprofit focused on environmental justice and community development. She is also president of the Hampton Station Neighborhood Association and board chairman for HHCORE, where she advocates for safety, equity, and economic opportunity.

Her proposed farmers market will connect small-scale farmers with urban communities while elevating Black farmers and other underrepresented growers.

“I want to teach the next generation about farming and how lucrative it can be,” Gant said. “You don’t need hundreds of acres. You can start with one acre or even your backyard.”Gant also noted her involvement in a collective of farmers who supply produce through government-supported programs.

“We operate as a team, and we all benefit,” she said.

Through workshops, speaking engagements, and hands-on training, Gant and her organization continue to educate communities about agriculture and food justice. Her market initiative will emphasize affordability, cultural relevance, and nutrition education.

Her broader work includes creating edible forests in partnership with Soil Born Farms, planting fruit trees directly in neighborhoods to expand food access. As a mentor with the Center of Expertise on Food Justice and Health Equity, Gant remains a leading voice in building sustainable and resilient food systems.

Gant says she welcomes the community to join her in creating a new farmer’s market.

“Farming is essential to life,” she said. “I want to train as many people as I can to use food and farming as a tool for empowerment, health, and long-term change.”