What is your preferred first name (full name or nickname)?

My name is L’Oreal Hawkes-Willams.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Detroit.

Where did you attend undergrad and what was your major?

I did my undergrad at U of M where my studies centered around Ecology and African American Studies.

How did you become interested in food systems?

I became interested in food systems when I read about a spinach recall that affected 11 or so states. I was mortified at the idea of so many places sourcing their produce from one place and how one incident could affect so many people.

What does transforming the food system mean to you?

To me, transforming the food system means empowering communities with the knowledge to restore their environments while providing themselves with organic, nutrient dense foods; all while supporting local economies and community learning.

What do you do in your free time?

In my spare time I like to garden, make films and cook.

What University of Michigan program are you in?

SEAS

Awards:

CEW+ Mary Lucille Randolph and Lea King Dean Memorial Scholarship Scholarship
Marshall Weinberg Internship