Ray is excited about connecting with VYCC’s board after participating in the Food and Farm Program as a Project Lead in 2021. They are self-described as a forever student of the land and of people and a lover of food as a way of connection to both. They found their passion for growing food while studying Environmental Science at Colby-Sawyer College, through exploring and working in the school’s permaculture garden. After graduating, they served with SCA’s Massachusetts Americorps program, learning about building intentional community and leadership through teaching environmental education and trail conservation crews. Wanting to get back into farming and service work in a new environment, Ray dove into Peace Corps Ghana in the agriculture sector for three months before COVID-19 brought them home. They have since worked on multiple farms and trail crews to connect with the land and people through hard work and hard play. They are currently living, working, and playing in Portland, ME, farming vegetables, flowers, and mushrooms. Rayla gets jazzed about roller skating, taking long walks, drawing beets, reading sci fi, and admiring the clouds.

Pronouns: they/them