At the core of my work is a deep commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI). I believe that everyone deserves access to sustainable agricultural practices, wellness, and community empowerment. My journey, which began in my grandmother's herb garden, has shaped my dedication to fostering connections between people, land, and culture.

I am passionate about advocating for food sovereignty and the integration of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) into modern practices, ensuring that these values are accessible to all communities. I strive to create spaces where everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and heal through meaningful connections to the land.

With over a decade of experience in farming, community development, and program leadership, I am committed to building inclusive spaces where diverse voices are heard, respected, and empowered. My ongoing journey is focused on deepening my learning, healing, and commitment to creating equitable opportunities for all to thrive within sustainable food systems and resilient communities.

At First Mother Farms, our work centers on creating spaces where:

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) voices are amplified.
Communities thrive through food sovereignty, cultural restoration, and sustainable land stewardship.
Generational healing is nurtured through ancestral knowledge (TEK) and community action.

But words are not enough. We are committed to taking action:
🌱 Supporting BIPOC farmers through mentorship and collaboration.
🌿 Hosting workshops and events that amplify the voices of BlPOC leaders in agriculture and environmental justice.
🌟 Advocating for policies and practices that restore land and resources to historically excluded communities.

We call on our community to join us in this fight for justice—not just in moments of crisis but every day. Together, we can grow a future rooted in equity, sustainability, and liberation for all.

In solidarity,
Rubie Simonsen
Founder, First Mother Farms

Additional Resources

1. National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC)

2. Food Justice Network

3. The Land Institute

4. Center for Food Safety

5. The Black Farmers’ Network

6. Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN)

7. Just Food

8. Green America

9. National Black Food and Justice Alliance (NBFJA)

10. Farmworker Justice