Artist Conversation: November 15th, 6:30-8pm
Featuring Linda Appel Lipsius, Roberto Meza, and ArtLab Interns
Using a format developed by PlatteForum, this talk will allow youth to interview Eileen along with activists and experts who will bring cross-sector topics to the forefront such as environmentalism, racial equity, and mental health. The event will hold space for youth, artists, activists, and experts to have engaging and formative conversations about the present and futures of our communities and our world.
Joining Eileen for her Artist Conversation will be Linda Appel Lipsius, Executive Director of Denver Urban Gardens and Roberto Meza, Co-Founder and CEO of East Denver Food Hub.
Roberto Meza (he/him) is a first-generation farmer, food systems entrepreneur, and educator. Born in Mexico, he co-founded Emerald Gardens, a year-round greenhouse operation in Bennett, CO, and serves as CEO of East Denver Food Hub, a leading local food supplier. Roberto innovates food production and distribution models, prioritizing sustainability and community impact. His work not only transforms food sourcing for institutions and foodservice, but also educates on equitable and regenerative food practices.
Believing in collective change, Roberto co-founded the Ag & Food Lab, a nonprofit that empowers farmers and food businesses to build resilient, regenerative food ecosystems. He is passionate about advancing regeneration through food systems and policy work. Roberto serves as Board President of the National Young Farmers Coalition and is a Governor-appointed member of the Colorado Agricultural Commission. He is also a keynote speaker on farming, food systems, and social entrepreneurship.
Linda Appel Lipsius is an evangelist for using businesses of all types as a force for good.
Currently Executive of Denver Urban Gardens (DUG), where they are amplifying the robust role that community gardens and food forests play as critical infrastructure for thriving cities.
She is a Co-Founder of Teatulia Organic Teas, a Benefit Corporation. Teatulia produces innovative, award-winning garden-direct hot teas, iced teas & canned teas that are sold throughout the US in grocery, mass, foodservice, online and as an ingredient. Thrilled and honored to have built a universally-respected brand.
In 2012, she started the mama 'hood, a shop & studio for new & expecting moms & their families. Previously, she was VP International with Orange Glo International (OGI) - makers of OxiClean, Kaboom, Orange Glo and Orange Clean, and Account Manager at Young & Rubicam.
She is a public speaker on topics ranging from entrepreneurship and storytelling to sustainable business practices, the food & beverage industry, regenerative agriculture and permaculture. A Denver Native, she earned my BA from Columbia University in New York City and MBA in Finance and Organizational Management from New York University before moving to Washington, DC, London, Los Angeles then back to Denver. She currently serves on the board of Colorado Public Radio. In her spare time, she hangs with her family, escape to the mountains, devour movies & books and run, cycle and practice yoga to keep her head & heart clear.