As a food justice advocate and community engagement and development professional, I am committed to building healthier, more equitable communities by expanding access to nutritious food, wellness education, and essential resources. My passion for this work is rooted in my upbringing in a food-insecure neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side, where I witnessed firsthand how access to healthy food shapes health, opportunity, and overall community well-being. Those experiences continue to fuel my commitment to advancing food equity, empowering communities, and creating sustainable solutions that improve lives for generations to come.
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After 11 years 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 develop programs that empower residents to make healthier choices, prepare nutritious meals, and build stronger relationships with food.
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With more than a decade of experience as a farmers market vendor and manager, I have partnered with local growers and community organizations to increase access to fresh, affordable produce and create welcoming spaces that connect communities with local food resources. I have developed and facilitated hands-on learning experiences, including hydroponic gardening, food demonstrations, and nutrition education initiatives that promote healthy living and community wellness.
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Currently, I work with a statewide nutrition incentive program in the retail space, helping expand access to fresh produce and healthy food options for individuals and families participating in nutrition assistance programs. This work continues to strengthen my commitment to advancing equitable food systems that improve health outcomes and support community resilience.
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As the Executive Director of Food United, I lead efforts to address food insecurity through a holistic, community-driven approach that integrates equitable food access, education, advocacy, and strategic partnerships. My vision is to help build resilient communities where every individual and family has the resources and opportunities to thrive and create a lasting legacy of health, wellness, and connection.
Raja Baptiste,
Chef Mona is a culinary professional, food educator, and advocate for healthy living 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.
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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.
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Through cooking demonstrations, nutrition education, private consultations, and catering, Chef Mona empowers individuals and families to build confidence in the kitchen and make sustainable, health-conscious food choices. Her approach combines culinary expertise with practical wellness strategies, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients, whole foods, and mindful eating.
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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, cooking, or serving her community, she is committed to inspiring healthier lifestyles and showing that food can be a powerful tool for healing, connection, and lasting change.