Celeste Padula

Background

About Celeste Padula

I currently work as the Volunteer and Resource Coordinator at Columbus Early Learning Centers in Columbus, Ohio. I graduated from Occidental College in 2020, majoring in Economics with a focus on Environmental Science. During my four years at Occidental College, my experience was focused on food access and food education. At our campus agriculture program, I worked as a Greenhouse Manager, Student Engagement Coordinator, and eventually Executive Director, where my focus was leading educational workshops to teach students and community members the importance of sustainable agriculture and native biodiversity. I also received a grant to research food insecurity in Los Angeles and create a comprehensive map of areas that lack appropriate food sources. I graduated in May 2020 and moved to Atlanta to become the Paideia School Farm Assistant, where I managed the new grant-funded community centered greenhouse and helped with farm operations, including teaching students about agriculture and sustainability. I also managed our new Sliding Scale CSA, where I worked with local farmers to provide healthy, local food to Paideia families. I have extensive experience with event planning, coordinating fundraisers and volunteer events, and building partnerships with community organizations.