Registration not required. Click o n the YouTube video linked below to stream the program live or watch the r ecording later.
\nAbout our guests :
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Rayven C. Smith is an agricultural apprentice\, culinary pract itioner\, and founder of Chef Rayven\, LLC. She has trained and worked han ds-on across farms throughout the DMV region as a &ldquo\;WWOOFer1&rdquo\; and independent agricultural collaborator\, gaining direct experience in sustainable growing practices\, soil stewardship\, food production\, and l ocal market supply.
\nRooted in land-based learning\, Rayven approac hes food as both nourishment and responsibility. Her work connects soil to table\; exploring how historical movements like the 1940s Victory Gardens inform modern conversations about food resilience\, community stewardship \, and youth leadership in agriculture. Through growing\, cooking\, and te aching\, she is committed to strengthening local food systems from the gro und up.
\nBorn in Baltimore\, Maryland in the early 2000&rsquo\;s\, Rayven&rsquo\;s journey into food began with a deep passion for baking and culinary creativity. After completing two years of high school\, she chos e to pursue formal culinary training\, dedicating herself fully to develop ing her craft. What began as a love for baking evolved into a broader call ing\; one that integrates land stewardship\, culinary expression\, communi ty\, and faith.
\nAs a Christian Black woman and emerging agricultur al practitioner\, Rayven views her work with the land as both a responsibi lity and a blessing. An opportunity bestowed to steward soil\, nourish com munity\, and grow with intention. Her brand\, Chef Rayven\, reflects this unique blend of agricultural discipline\, culinary talent\, and a commitme nt to serving others through food.
\nWith plans to continue expandin g her agricultural knowledge\, certifications\, and community partnerships \, Rayven is building a soil-to-table practice rooted in purpose and long- term vision.
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