Iyeshima Harris-Ouedraogo
Director of Youth & Community Engagement
Iyeshima (eye-she-mah) , originally from Jamaica, joined the food justice movement over a decade ago, finding community in farming. Throughout her journey, Iyeshima has been a dedicated advocate for food justice, campaigning for universal free school lunches, and supporting youth-led organizations. She is passionate about empowering young people and bridging the gap in adult-dominated sectors.She taught food justice, advocated for universal school lunches, designed, implemented and led youth programs. As Green Guerillas' Director of Advocacy & Programs , she implements programs, engages in government relations, and hosts civic engagement. She spent six years with East New York Farms! as a Project Director, and led the Youth Food Justice Network, organizing youth-led events.
In 2019, she co-founded the Youth Empowerment Pipeline at Green Guerillas. Iyeshima also serves on boards and councils, including BK ROT and the Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming. She was recognized in 2022 as one of North American Association for Environmental Education’s EE 30 Under 30. With a background in Political Science, Sociology and Public Administration studies, she aims to highlight the importance of food in everyday life through her work.