Meet The Board

Lorenzo Jones is a veteran organizer in Connecticut. In 2022, Lorenzo began chicken keeping; purchased farm land; started Chicks Ahoy LLC; acquired a CT Farm Tax Number Certificate; and began the USDA process to become a Connecticut-based US Farmer by 2026. Lorenzo founded Chicks Ahoy Farm with a team of business owners, farmers, and landowners to start Black owned farms as a way to increase participation in agriculture, sustainability and business development. Lorenzo is also the Co-Founder and Co-President alongside gabriel sayegh at the Katal Center for Equity, Health, and Justice.

Diana is the parent of a student at Middletown High School; the Associate Director of the Jewett Center for Community Partnerships at Wesleyan University; Founder of Cultivating Justice; and Owner of Dee's Crafty Bees. She uses her wide range of partnerships to bring innovative programs to Middletown families, organizations, and residents. Since graduating from Wesleyan in 2007, Diana has worked at the Jewett Center to build on Wesleyan's connection to residents, the business community, and community-based organizations. Her decade of work has opened Wesleyan to substantive partnerships with people in Middletown's North End and other neighborhoods.

Richard Hayles works at the Hartford Courant and is directly impacted by the criminal justice system. He is a parent, and lifelong resident of Hartford. In 2022, Richard helped to start chicken keeping with Lorenzo Jones in Bloomfield at Chicks Ahoy LLC. In 2023, Richard helped found Chicks Ahoy Farm Inc; and began composting and growing at his home in Hartford. This year, Richard was granted a pardon and he is working to increase business development support for others working to become farmers. Richard is a descendant of Jamaican immigrants. His family has a deep history of farming and sustainability. He guides Chicks Ahoy Farm’s work in identifying people directly impacted by Connecticut's carceral system and assist them with building farm businesses.

Karin Williams is a high school student with a passion for learning and making a positive impact in her community. With a 4.2 GPA, Karin strives for academic excellence and enjoys challenging herself in all areas of her education.

In addition to her studies, Karin is the proud owner of Tiki's All-Naturals LLC, where she grows a variety of plants and flowers. Karin also has a small flock of five laying hens, who she loves dearly.

In 2023, Karin was voted to be the Secretary for Chicks Ahoy Farm Inc.'s Board of Directors. She is an active member of FLOC, a program of CAF's which is dedicated to helping BILPOC individuals across Connecticut start their journey of farming and sustainability. She is also a member of Cultivating Justice, a group that advocates for social justice and equality in our communities.

Elizabeth Williams is the proud mother of a high-achieving high school student who never ceases to impress; and the co-owner of Tiki’s All-Natural with her daughter, Karin Williams. She is a founding member of Chicks Ahoy Farm Inc. and coordinates Chicks Ahoy Farm’s work with our Farmers & Leaders of Color, FLOC, across New Haven County. The New Haven FLOC includes high school and college students, BILPOC Farmers, and parents looking for innovative ways to practice farming at home for therapeutic, health, and nutritional benefits. Elizabeth is compiling new public education materials that BILPOC farmers and other local families are using to start chicken keeping, growing, planting, and composting. She is also a member of Cultivating Justice. As a community connector, she is dedicated to bringing people together, fostering meaningful relationships, and creating positive change.

Chiedza Rodriguez, Esq, Chiedza is a Human Rights Attorney for the CT Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities and is CEO of her consulting firm GARO Consulting LLC. Chiedza holds a Bachelors degree in Social Work from the University of Puerto Rico; a Master’s in Human Services from Springfield College; and a Juris Doctorate with a focus on Public Interest Law and Gender and Sexuality Law from Western New England University School of Law. Chiedza’s interests revolve around combating oppression and injustice wherever it rears its ugly head, with a special focus on its impact on our most vulnerable communities and youth. After some time volunteering at Chicks Ahoy LLC and Chicks Ahoy Farm Inc, Chiedza joined the board this year.

Sasha Allen-Walton is the Editor-in-Chief at the Northend Agent’s Newspaper, the second oldest Black owned community newspaper in the country. Sasha grew up the daughter of the Founder of the Northend Agent’s and assumed leadership of the paper over a decade ago. She is the visionary leader who shapes the narrative of the publication, engages with the audience, and ensures the business’s overall success in this dynamic and competitive media landscape. Sasha has been a member of Cultivating Justice, and advises on communications strategy at Chicks Ahoy Farm. She is working with Chicks Ahoy Farm to develop the personal voices and business communications with BILPOC and women working to start an agri-business in Connecticut.