Meet Our CAFF Community

Julieta Muñoz is an urban farmer based in Pomona, CA. Her passion for urban farming germinated out of a love for soil conservation and has become more ardent as she’s learned about the inequities in our current food system. Julieta is a graduate from Cal Poly, Pomona with a B.S. in Plant Science and a minor in Soil Science. Julieta chose to pursue urban farming in Pomona because of the strong sense of community in the city and the active organizations striving to localize the food system. In 2017, after volunteering at Center Street Community Garden for 3 years, she founded Growing Roots. Julieta is currently learning about indigenous growing methods and how to incorporate them in the gardens. When she’s not farming, Julieta enjoys resting, cooking, and catching up with friends.

Mr. Gibbs is a Bison Conservationist. He is the Founder, and the Director of Development for Glimmering Rainbow Bison Ranch Company. In his current role with Glimmering Rainbow Bison Ranch, Mr. Gibbs focuses his energy, expertise and efforts on using what the ranch has to accommodate the needs of local communities. He is a serial entrepreneur, Real Estate Developer and Former Co-owner of the Fresh Lines Barber Shop franchise. Before making a pivot into the agricultural industry, Mr. Gibbs, as a small business owner, used economic development strategies in the Sacramento Promise Zone to accelerate job growth and later became a national Opportunity Fund Manager. Mr. Gibbs has an extensive background in government initiatives and employs his skill sets to create and build effective partnerships with local government entities, small businesses, community and faith-based organizations, future ranchers, and bison enthusiasts. Thomas is a Doctoral Candidate at Capitol Technology University. He is a graduate of the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, where he obtained his Masters in Public Administration. He is also a Morehouse College alumnus where he graduated with a B.A. in African American Studies. Mr. Gibbs is an active member of the National Bison Association and a devoted husband and loving father.

Dawnie Andrak, board chair, is co-owner of Local Roots Food Tours, offering culinary and historical tours in Sacramento and surrounding areas. She graduated in 2017 with a Master of Arts, in the inaugural class of University of the Pacific’s Food Studies program and has taught classes at California State University, Sacramento. Dawnie is also a graduate of our Food Literacy Academy, as well as a graduate of the Center for Land Based Learning’s Farm Academy, a program for beginning farmers. Dawnie also founded and currently serves as Chief Operating Officer for Capitol WebWorks, LLC, an internet consulting firm specializing in campaign finance compliance.