Food as a Connecting Force: Cheyenne Pritchard's Journey Beyond Internship
We take immense pride in the accomplishments of our alumni, and Cheyenne Pritchard stands as a shining example of the impact our internship program has on shaping future leaders in the sustainability sector.
After participating in the Plant Futures Challenge Lab, Cheyenne embarked on a journey that has seen her contribute significantly to the advancement of a sustainable food system.
What was your Challenge Lab experience like?
The Challenge introduced me to students across the UC campus that I never would have known otherwise. It was a truly cross-disciplinary experience.
Having the opportunity to implement my learnings with a Plant Futures business partner was such a fruitful experience.
The challenge emphasizes system thinking and encourages students to truly think across the food system to make change. It allowed me to explore how a public health student could make an impact in the private world.
Please tell us about your post-Challenge Lab employment experiences.
After the Challenge Lab, I completed my public health practicum with IdeaGarden, helping to develop a grant philanthropic strategy for a fortune 500 company that focused on a flourishing and sustainable food system. I also continued to work as a consultant for a few months with my Challenge Lab partner company!
Not to mention, I now work for Climate Finance Solutions (CFS) as the Partnership Lead. I met my boss through the Plant Futures Challenge Lab.
The Plant Futures Challenge Lab was one of the most impactful courses I took at UC Berkeley. It influenced my capstone project, a framing analysis on the topic of "eating less meat" in the news, and showed me that I had a role to play in the climate sector.
My vision of a food system was largely shaped by my father. He was a big gardener, cook, and an advocate for local farmers.
I spent many summer days as a kid running around the garden and sneaking snap peas when he wasn't looking. Every Friday was pizza Friday, a tradition I try to continue today. It taught me that food is deeply personal and powerful.
What does the food system of your dreams look like?
The food system of my dreams is one that nourishes our planet and our bodies, one that prioritizes equitable farmland ownership and consumer health, one that not only protects all farm workers but cherishes them, one that subsidizes delicious and local produce, one centered on the belief that food is a basic right. The food system of my dreams is one built on the understanding of food as a connecting force, a reminder of our families, our cultures, and our own self empowerment.
