Amber Valbrun (she/her) joined The Urban Farming Institute of Boston (UFI) in 2021 and now serves as the President & CEO of the organization. She has played an integral role in advancing the organization's mission, strengthening operations, expanding community engagement, and building the foundation for long-term growth and sustainability. She is a mission-driven Boston native, proud of her Afro-Indigenous roots, with a deep commitment to and appreciation for land, culture, and community. Growing up in Dorchester, she witnessed firsthand the inequities in access to fresh, healthy food that affect many of our neighborhoods. She celebrates the localization of food systems, returning the power of choice, connection, and access back to these same, predominantly Black, communities. She has a passion for fortifying city spaces committed to challenging food injustice and is enthusiastic about programs and training that promote equal access to culturally relevant foods, and that teach the importance of living a healthier, balanced lifestyle with dignity and autonomy. Prior to joining the team at UFI, she worked with Boston Public Schools, Partners In Health, and Action for Boston Community Development. She completed her B.A. at Wellesley College and went on to pursue a Master of Public Administration at Suffolk University. She is also an active member of Northeastern University's Community Advisory Board.