Who we are

At Detroit Food Academy, food is more than a meal — it’s a gateway to learning, leadership, health, and opportunity. Through edible education, mentorship, and industry immersion, we help young people cultivate essential life skills, grow confidence, and build college and career pathways within our food system and beyond.

Mission

Meet the Team

Youth Empowerment Board

  • Diamond Dantzler

    Secretary, Alumni Chair, DFA Alum

  • Neva Celiker

    Member, DFA Alum

  • Rashawn Grayson

    Member, DFA Alum

  • Brandon Johnson

    Adult Advisor, DFA Alum

  • Deshawn Lindsay

    Youth Liaison, DFA Alum

  • Tahmid Rahman

    Member

  • Shyla Rucker

    President, DFA Alum

  • Le'Genevieve Squires

    Adult Advisor

Board of Directors

  • Ederique Goudia headshot

    Ederique Goudia

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Bill Greene headshot

    Bill Greene

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Noam Kimelman headshot

    Noam Kimelman

    BOARD MEMBER, DFA CO-FOUNDER

  • Desiré Levy headshot

    Desiré Vincent Levy

    BOARD CHAIR

  • Anthony Lombardo headshot

    Anthony Lombardo

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Jen Rusciano headshot

    Jen Rusciano

    BOARD MEMBER, DFA CO-FOUNDER

  • Brittany Rhodes

    BOARD MEMBER