Hello, my name is Alicia Rock. I am a mother of four daughters, a disabled veteran, and currently unemployed. Over the past two years, I have been gaining hands-on horticultural training at Equicenter Farm in Honeoye Falls, NY. I recently began my first year in the Horticulture Certificate Program at Finger Lakes Community College.
Last year, I established a community garden at the Campbell Street Recreation Center (Hope R-Center) in Rochester, NY. The garden is still in its early stages—Taproot Collective mobilized local youth to build and fill our raised beds. Currently, I am the sole caretaker of the garden, which has highlighted the need for greater community involvement and sustainable systems.
Through this leadership development program, I hope to gain the skills and connections necessary to engage my community, share responsibility for the garden's upkeep, and ensure its long-term sustainability. I am eager to learn alongside others who share a passion for growing food and strengthening neighborhoods.