In this powerful conversation, Selena shares her journey from struggling single mother to community changemaker, discussing how personal hardship became the catalyst for creating systemic change in Northeast Wisconsin’s food landscape. Founded in June 2023, Rooted In Inc. was born from Selena’s vision to create “a community table where nutritious food is a right, not a privilege”.

**From Personal Struggle to Community Action**

Selena opens up about her experience with food insecurity and how economic downturns and industry changes led her to rely on social services programs. She discusses how these experiences shaped her understanding that access to nutritious food affects not just hunger, but overall wellbeing, energy, and mood.

**The Mission of Rooted In Inc.**

The nonprofit focuses on addressing gaps in the area’s food system and supporting a sustainable local food system. Their mission is to build a “community table” where all people are nourished and uplifted by bringing people together and improving access to fresh and nutritious foods as a tool for transforming health and wellbeing.

**Building Community Partnerships**

Selena emphasizes how establishing partnerships with other community organizations was crucial, including collaborations with Leadership Green Bay for community orchard projects. She discusses the importance of identifying and leveraging diverse skill sets within her teams, from gardening and arborist experience to nonprofit expertise and small business acumen