Our Team
Meet the leaders behind Food United’s mission to empower communities through food education.
Raja Baptiste
As a food and health advocate, and community engagement and development professional, I am dedicated to building healthier, more equitable communities by expanding access to nutritious food, wellness education, and essential resources. My passion for this work is deeply rooted in my upbringing on Chicago's South Side, where I experienced firsthand the impact of food insecurity and witnessed how access to healthy food influences health, opportunity, and overall community well-being. Those experiences continue to inspire my commitment to advancing food equity, empowering communities, and creating sustainable solutions that improve lives for generations to come.
After an 11-year career in corporate America, I transitioned in 2017 into community-centered work focused on nutrition education, food access, and strengthening local food systems. Since then, I have collaborated with chefs, healthcare professionals, farmers, schools, hospitals, and community organizations throughout Chicago to design and implement programs that empower individuals and families to make healthier food choices, prepare nutritious meals, and build lifelong relationships with healthy eating.
As a Certified Natural Health Professional and Health Coach, I take a holistic approach to wellness by helping individuals understand the connection between nutrition, lifestyle, and long-term health. Through education, coaching, and practical strategies, I empower people to develop sustainable habits while addressing the systemic barriers that often limit access to health and wellness resources.
With more than a decade of experience as a farmers market vendor and manager, I have partnered with local growers, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders to increase access to fresh, affordable produce and strengthen local food systems. I have also developed and facilitated hands-on learning experiences, including hydroponic gardening, cooking demonstrations, nutrition education, and community wellness initiatives that inspire healthier lifestyles and deeper connections to food.
Currently, I manage a statewide nutrition incentive program that expands access to fresh fruits and vegetables through retail partnerships, helping individuals and families participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) purchase healthier food options. This work reinforces my commitment to advancing equitable food systems, reducing barriers to nutritious food, and improving health outcomes for communities across Illinois.
As the Executive Director of Food United, I lead collaborative efforts to address food insecurity through a holistic, community-driven approach that integrates equitable food access, nutrition education, advocacy, and strategic partnerships. My vision is to cultivate resilient communities where every individual and family has the opportunity to thrive through access to healthy food, wellness resources, and economic opportunity. By fostering collaboration, education, and innovation, I am committed to creating a lasting legacy of health, food sovereignty, and community resilience for future generations.
Chef Mona
Chef Mona is a culinary professional, food educator, Health Coach, and Certified Diabetes Educator who is passionate about making nutritious food both accessible and enjoyable. A trained culinary graduate, she specializes in creating flavorful, plant-based meals that support individuals with dietary restrictions and chronic health conditions, including diabetes.
After being diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 35, Chef Mona transformed her personal health journey into a professional mission. Inspired by the power of food as medicine, she began reimagining traditional comfort foods into vibrant, plant-based, low-glycemic dishes that nourish the body without compromising flavor.
Combining her culinary expertise and knowledge, Chef Mona empowers individuals to take control of their health through practical nutrition education, personalized guidance, and sustainable lifestyle changes. Through cooking demonstrations, nutrition education, private consultations, wellness coaching, and catering, she helps individuals and families build confidence in the kitchen while making informed, health-conscious food choices. Her approach emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients, whole foods, mindful eating, and realistic strategies that support long-term wellness.
As a champion for food equity and community wellness, Chef Mona believes that everyone deserves access to meals that are both nutritious and delicious. Whether teaching, coaching, cooking, or serving her community, she is committed to inspiring healthier lifestyles and demonstrating that food can be a powerful tool for healing, prevention, connection, and lasting change.