Helen has worked across sectors to support stronger food systems and more sustainable communities, including over a decade in public service at local, regional, and state levels. While in Lawrence, Kansas, she staffed the Douglas County Food Policy Council and led creation of the state’s first Food System Plan. In Minnesota, she served four years on the Homegrown Minneapolis food council and coordinated statewide work for regional food systems and Farm to School with the MN Department of Agriculture. She currently works as Implementation Strategist for Minnesota’s Long-Range Planning team, supporting action-oriented collaborative efforts to shape the state’s future.