OUR TEAM

Shakira Miracle is a system solution designer, stakeholder collaboration facilitator, and social justice and planet advocate who loves engaging with people, listening to their stories, finding common ground, and building trust. When she’s not spending quality time exploring nature with her husband and two boys, you can find Shakira taste testing her favorite fruits at a local farm stand, farmers market, or straight out of the field when not falling in a ditch of said berry field. Learn more about Shakira’s expertise.

Why I love blackberries: When I lived in British Columbia, Canada, blackberries grew wild everywhere. Every summer while walking the dog or pushing my little ones in the stroller, I would pick them along the path and eat them. As the kids got a little older, they’d pick their own blackberries. They’d have constant blackberry stains on their faces, hands, and shoes. I loved it. They’re also low on the glycemic index and have fiber.

Breanne is a creative intellectual who excels at uncovering truth, solving complex challenges and making a meaningful impact. She loves being the woman behind the curtain—partnering with leadership, shaping organizational strategy, and implementing systems that foster sustainability and success. Breanne spends much of her free time supporting live music in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties where she and her fiancé perform regularly with several local groups. She also enjoys making adventures of every day—whether that’s trying a new restaurant, stopping to smell the flowers or look at a pretty rock, or exploring the world of a good book.

Why I love artichokes: Artichokes look a little different and take a little work, but if you’re willing to put in the effort, you’ll find a delicious reward inside.

Lisa is a systems-minded creative professional with more than 25 years experience in developing marketing and communication strategies for small businesses and nonprofits. When she’s not puzzling on every available surface in the house she shares with her husband and two grown kids, you can find her at the farmers market trying not to spend all of her allowance. Learn more about Lisa’s expertise.

Why I love blueberries: I fell in love with blueberries (and blackberries, raspberries, huckleberries, basically EVERYberries…) when we lived in the Pacific Northwest, where berries can grow to the size of small houses. That was 20 years ago, and I can still eat them until I have a stomach ache from eating too many. Aren’t they a superfood? I can get behind that.

With a formal background in graphic design, Andrew has 20 years experience in brand development, user experience, and communications design, focusing on usability and beauty. Toting his camera everywhere since age 13, he enjoys editorial photography of people and places, usually with an eye toward a larger story. His portraits aim to capture sincere moments, highlighting the ways we are alike as humans, even if our passions differ. When he’s not taste testing cultural foods while globetrotting with his better half, you can find Andrew chatting up and taking photos of whomever he runs into on the street. Learn more about Andrew’s expertise and find him on Instagram.

Why I love rainbow chard: It’s yummy, colorful, and I’m all about LGBTQ+ Pride.

Herschelle Milford brings over 30 years of professional and personal experience in South Africa’s ethnically diverse society. A graduate of the University of the Western Cape, she holds a Higher Education diploma and has worked as a teaching professional in both governmental and non-profit settings. For the last 18 years, Herschelle dedicated her career to leadership in a land justice non-profit, leading transformative processes around race, inclusivity, equity, and diversity.

As the first black director/director of color, Herschelle played a crucial role in guiding workplace transformation. Her personal experience of racial injustice informs her commitment to dismantling exclusion and promoting dignity. Having worked with disadvantaged communities in the post-Apartheid era, she brings valuable insights to her board roles. Herschelle serves on the Social and Ethics Committee of the mothers2mothers South Africa board, is a member of the Thousand Currents Board, and a board member of the Environmental Monitoring Group.

Believing in the power of collectivism and solidarity, Herschelle advocates for establishing and maintaining relationships with community partners, stakeholders, and international alliances.

Owner | Dare 2 Dream Farms

Board Chair, SBC Food Action Network
Vice Chair, Route One Farmer’s Market
Member, Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce

Megan Raff is deeply rooted in the local food system as the owner/operator of Dare 2 Dream Farms in Lompoc with her partner Jeremy. Leveraging her ground-up expertise, she activates business development, recruiting, and communication skills to shape the Food Action Networks strategic plan, foster board leadership, and drive impactful food systems projects. Megan also serves as Vice Chair of the Route 1 Farmer’s Market Board of Directors, a member of the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and a key player in the restoration of the local Grange Hall. Beyond the farm and her community engagement, Megan is a homeschool mother and adventure enthusiast currently converting a bus to take her family road schooling. Her love for carrots isn’t just personal—it stems from the joy of watching her children harvest and snack on this garden favorite. Megan Raff is deeply committed to nourishing communities and fostering sustainable local food ecosystems in which the relationship between farmer and eater is forged.

Board Treasurer, SBC Food Action Network

Food is the through line in Amy’s life, from wanting to be a farmer when she grew up, interning at an apricot orchard in Chico, working in restaurants and catering, to a stint with the SBC Vintners’ Association and transitioning to work in a natural food market.

Most recently she was Veggie Rescue’s founding ED and then the Director of the SYV Community Kitchen at St. Mark’s in Los Olivos, where she gained knowledge and support as a member of SBCFAN’s Community Kitchen Working Group. Some of her favorite activities are reading about food and cooking for and eating with family and friends.

Agriculture Teacher at Pioneer Valley High School

Tyler is a dedicated, hardworking teacher, student and farmer with over 8 years of production and marketing experience of fresh fruits and vegetables. With community service and betterment at the forefront of his values, Tyler strives to make a lasting impression not only with a high quality product to offer, but with the face-to-face relationships he builds with the people he comes into contact with. As an active listener and communicator in the agricultural industry, he is skilled at informing the public on day-to-day agricultural life and practices. Tyler is an efficient collaborator who strives to make positive results happen both academically and professionally.

Erin Krier is the Coordinator and Professor of Agriculture at Allan Hancock College. Erin’s industry background is in field research testing pesticide efficacy, her master’s research was on nutrient control of soilborne plant pathogens, and she has received advanced training in produce safety. She currently teaches plant science, sustainable agriculture, animal science, agribusiness, introduction to agriculture studies & careers, integrated pest management, and soil science. As program coordinator, Erin is responsible for curriculum development, outreach, and management of the on-campus student farm. She chairs the Academic Quality Committee, Sciences & Technologies Success Team, and AHC Agriculture Advisory Committee. She is the faculty advisor for five AHC student clubs: Young Farmers & Ranchers, Rodeo Team, Eco Revive, Hiking, and Rotaract. Erin serves on local high school FFA advisory committees, is a 4-H club and poultry project leader, and is Vocational Chair for the Rotary Club of Santa Maria. Erin has a passion for localizing the food supply in her community and empowering the next generation of agriculturalists to regenerate agroecosystems through shared knowledge, innovation, and hope.

Story behind the hand lens and orange: This hand lens belonged to Erin’s paternal grandfather, Roger W. Allen, who was Deputy Agricultural Commissioner for Santa Barbara County before retiring in 1973. She carries on his love for identifying pests that threaten the health and vitality of cropping systems. The orange represents the work of her maternal grandparents, Harry & Hazel Mayo, as producers of California citrus and avocado nursery stock before they lost their business in the 1940’s due to an outbreak of Quick Decline caused by Citrus Tristeza Virus.