Culinary Connections

There are moments in this work that remind me why we do what we do, and the Women Who Nourish event at UC Merced was one of them.

This event idea began with a simple connection. I came across an article by Nancy Matsumoto highlighting Koda Rice Farms here in Merced County a couple of years ago. Her storytelling captured something deeper than agriculture, it honored legacy, resilience, and the people behind our food system and it stuck with me that she might make a great addition to our Food for Thought Speaker Series. That connection led to me sending an email to her to see if she might be interested in visiting UC Merced and eventually, be a part of our Food for Thought speaker series. Once she agreed to visit, I started reaching out to women I know and admire in agriculture, many with deep Central Valley roots and connections to our campus, because I knew they would bring authenticity, experience, and stories that would truly ground the conversation. It’s also been incredible to see the momentum of this series continue. Nancy marked our second James Beard Award winner to visit campus in just five months, speaking to the level of talent and storytelling we’re able to share with our community.

We were also fortunate to host this event during a meaningful moment. In recognition of the growing global conversation around women in agriculture, with 2026 being named the International Year of the Woman Farmer by the United Nations General Assembly, it felt especially fitting to honor that designation through this event.

This event marked our third annual Women in History Month program in partnership with UC Merced’s Division of Equity, Justice, and Inclusive Excellence. Each year, this collaboration continues to grow in purpose and impact, allowing us to highlight powerful voices and stories that might not otherwise be heard on our campus. I’m especially grateful to EJIE for their continued sponsorship and belief in this work. Their support makes it possible for us to create meaningful, community-centered experiences like Women Who Nourish.

A Panel Rooted in Experience

What made this evening special was not just the conversation, but the voices.

• Nancy Matsumoto – sharing stories that connect culture, agriculture, and identity
• Rizpah Bellard – stepping in as moderator and grounding the discussion in lived experience
• Brenae Royal – offering perspective through both craft and storytelling
• Benina Burroughs – reminding us of the importance of soil, stewardship, and sustainability
• Mukethe Kawinzi – sharing powerful perspectives on community, culture, and connection to land

Each brought a different lens, but together they told a shared story—one of care, resilience, and responsibility to the land.

More Than a Panel

We opened the evening with a land acknowledgment from a UC Merced student, setting the tone for reflection and respect.

From there, the experience extended beyond conversation.

Guests enjoyed:

• Guests enjoyed a thoughtful conversation and engaging learning experience alongside our amazing guest speakers.
• Farm-fresh eggs from Benina Burroughs to take home with them.
• A reception menu inspired by the philosophies of Alice Waters and Edna Lewis

For me, this is where food does its best work, not just as nourishment, but as a connector. A way to bring people together, to tell stories, and to create a shared experience. There’s something powerful about breaking bread, it brings people together in a way conversation alone cannot.

There was also a moment behind the scenes that made the day even more memorable. The morning of the event, we received a call at 10:30 a.m. that our planned moderator was seriously ill and unable to attend. Like many moments in this work, it required a quick pivot. My first call was to Rizpah Bellard, one of our panelists, who graciously stepped in to take on moderating duties. She truly saved the day. Rizpah did an incredible job guiding the conversation. You would have never known she was asked to step in at the last minute.

Learn More & Support These Incredible Women

If you were inspired by the stories shared during Women Who Nourish, I encourage you to continue the connection beyond this event.

Take a moment to explore their work, learn more about their journeys, and if they offer products, consider supporting them directly. Every purchase, every follow, and every shared story helps strengthen a more equitable and resilient food system.

• Nancy Matsumoto– Author and storyteller highlighting culture, agriculture, and identity through food
• Brenae Royal – Wine, Violet’s Paradise, Napa Valley, Wine – Founder of Violet’s Paradise, crafting wines rooted in purpose and place
• Benina Burroughs Burroughs Family Farms – Steward of Burroughs Family Farms, championing regenerative farming practices
• Rizpah Bellard About — Nova Farming – Rancher and advocate for sustainable agriculture and community connection
• Mukethe Kawinzi –Grazer at TomKat Ranch, supporting regenerative grazing practices and land stewardship

Supporting these women means supporting the land, the stories, and the future of our food system.

Carrying the Story Forward

One of the most meaningful parts of the evening was ensuring the conversation didn’t end when the event did.

Copies of Reaping What She Sows were shared with attendees and donated to local libraries, helping extend access to these stories across our community.

Because that’s really the goal of this series.

Not just to host events, but to build connections. To highlight voices that deserve to be heard. And to remind our students and community that the food system is not just about what we eat, it’s about who we support, who we listen to, and how we move forward together.