Desiree (Anakoniwa) Vargas (she/her) is community-oriented woman, a Higuayagua Taino tribal councilwoman, a former Food Sovereignty Director of Presente, a mother and auntie, a racial justice advocate, a DEIA educator and consultant, and a business owner. Her love for the earth, herbalism, gardening, art, cultural preservation, programmatic strategic planning, community building, and organizing all weave together uniquely for the Food and Land Program. Desiree’s life experiences, cultural background (Cape Verdean, Boricua-Taino, and Portuguese), values, education, and skillset all support her ability to create, design, plant, craft, alchemize, and build sustainable pathways for the current and next generation to heal and grow. In her spare time, Desiree loves to spend time with family, do outdoor activities, spend time in her garden, make medicines and foods for people, and volunteer her time in the community. “Our ancestors were extraordinarily creative weavers, healers, artists, navigators of the water, and cultivators of the land. We too can carry on their legacy as we weave our way into history, plant our seeds of healing and resilience for the next generations.” - Desiree (Anakoniwa) Vargas