Meet the Team
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Pertula George-Redd
Founder and Executive Director. Pertula is a seasoned non-profit professional who has worked on the frontlines of social justice for over fifteen years. She draws from her diverse work experiences and networks to advance equity and wealth building through Acres4Change. She leads with passion, determination, and an ability to bring diverse people together. Pertula is the former Executive Director of Common Good City Farm and has worked with nationally recognized organizations such as The Food Project and DC Central Kitchen. Pertula holds a Masters’ Degree in Sustainable International Development from Brandeis University and is a certified vinyasa flow and prenatal yoga instructor. She enjoys yoga, traveling, reading, hiking, and cooking. Pertula lives in Maryland with her family.
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Myeasha Taylor
Urban Agriculture Consultant. Myeasha is an educator, farmer, and health activist who prioritizes building equitable and resilient communities through food, community participation and economic development. Since 2011, she has strengthened her skills in agriculture, education and leadership by training various ages in urban agriculture production and managing several community gardens and organic urban farms under seven acres along the MidAtlantic seaboard with various nonprofit and for profit entities. Myeasha oversees A4C’s Stewardship Program and is committed to building an equitable food system that builds economic development and sufficiency in communities combating food apartheid.
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David Becker
Mushroom Grow Facility Consultant. Dave has been both growing at home and foraging for mushrooms in the wild for over three years and has continued to grow his knowledge and skills during this time. He has always had a strong drive to help educate others and during his time as both a volunteer Firefighter and a Chef he has always taken every opportunity to educate others whenever he’s been given the chance to do so. Since starting to grow at home Dave has been looking for the opportunity to build a sustainable and successful business that provides not only high-quality mushrooms for consumption but tinctures and other healthy products for direct-to-consumer use as well. He is also very interested in exploring the use of mycelium for mitigation of oils and other hazardous materials from nature and how it can help clean and protect our waterways and natural resources. The mycoculture consultants provide workshops and technical assistance to our Stewards over the course of the program.
Markiesha E. Wilson, Board Member. Markiesha Wilson is a management consultant, leadership coach, speaker, and author. She is passionate about equipping and encouraging leaders to lead their teams authentically and pursue joy in their careers. She is the author of In the Climb: Eight Audacious Actions to Overcome Life and Climb the Corporate Ladder with Joy. Markiesha is a human capital professional and an expert level facilitator and designer of highly rated interactive leadership and interpersonal communications courses for adult learners in educational and government institutions, and private sector entities, throughout the United States and the Caribbean. She has enjoyed a successful career in various leadership roles with companies including Booz Allen Hamilton, Fannie Mae, First Bank Virgin Islands, Accenture and Deloitte Consulting. Markiesha received her Master of Arts degree in Human and Intercultural Communications at Howard University and her Leadership Coaching Certification at Georgetown University. She is ACC certified by the International Coaching Federation.
Dr. Ugo Amanyeiwe, Board Member. Ugo is an accomplished Global Health Professional with over 20 years of experience designing, implementing and managing programs and grants in the field of HIV/AIDS and public health. Ugo has worked in collaboration with leading multilateral development agencies and renowned international organizations. Her core skills include Strategic Program Development, Management, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation; Strategic Planning, Training, Capacity Building and Health Systems Strengthening support. Ugo is a Maxillofacial Surgeon by training and loves to support medical missions whenever and wherever possible around the globe. Her favorite job however is being the mom of an exuberant 8 year old little girl.
Kristen Walsh, Board Member. Kristen Walsh, Board Member. Kristen is a recent graduate of Cornell University’s Public Health Program with a focus on food sovereignty and health. Kristen is a New York City native, and currently is based out of Brooklyn. During her coursework she focused largely on sustainable agriculture and incorporating local knowledge into modern agricultural practices, and she hopes to bring that into her future career. She has done a lot of work in the veterinary field and intends on pursuing a veterinary career in food safety in the future. Kristen is currently dedicated to beginning her career as a public health professional. She is passionate about food safety, urban farming, food sovereignty, and community development. In her free time, Kristen enjoys hiking, walking dogs, and spending time with family and friends.
Marc Glascoe, Board Member. Marc, a proud native of Baltimore, MD, boasts over 35 years of invaluable customer service expertise across diverse sectors. Driven by a deep-seated commitment to service and ongoing learning, he channels his fervor into empowering youth and supporting underserved communities. A graduate of Coppin State University, holding a degree in Business Management, Marc channels his passion into facilitating the realization of others' goals, dreams, and aspirations by connecting them with vital resources. Beyond his professional endeavors, Marc is deeply involved in community enrichment efforts. For over 15 years, he has dedicated himself to prison ministry through his church and has engaged in transformative foreign missions work in India. Since 1990, Marc has been a stalwart supporter of his fraternity's social action initiatives, contributing to initiatives focused on education and fostering entrepreneurship. An embodiment of philanthropy, Marc's commitment to serving others through his fraternity includes a partnership with the Maryland Food Bank since 2021. Spearheading monthly food giveaways in the Waverly and neighboring communities, Marc exemplifies the spirit of compassion and communal support.
Michael Holcomb, Board Member. Michael stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of human resilience and the transformative power of visionary entrepreneurship. As a cancer survivor and a subject of extensive medical studies at Johns Hopkins, Michael has faced challenges that would have halted many in their tracks. Yet, through three major shoulder surgeries, including a complex reverse shoulder replacement, he has not just survived; he has thrived, channeling his experiences into a force for positive change and innovation. In 2018, Michael founded Complete Climate Services, LLC, laying the foundation for what would become Maryland's top-recommended HVAC company. Renowned for its stellar customer service and operational excellence, the company was thriving well before the global upheaval of 2020. However, it was during the onset of the pandemic that Michael's entrepreneurial spirit truly showcased its breadth and resilience. Amidst uncertainty and global challenges, he launched BaltiSpore and Cultivated Creations, ventures that not only reflect his commitment to sustainability and community engagement but also his ability to identify and seize opportunities for growth and impact. BaltiSpore emerged as a pioneering mushroom cultivation business with a focus on sustainable practices, community education, and the promotion of medicinal mushrooms' health benefits. Meanwhile, Cultivated Creations has grown into a beloved plant shop in Baltimore, fostering a community around the joys of plant care and the importance of green spaces in urban environments. Both ventures were born out of Michael's passion for the environment and his belief in the power of business to drive societal change. Beyond his business achievements, Michael's dedication to community service and environmental stewardship is evident in his personal initiatives, such as local trash pickup efforts and holistic health advocacy. His commitment to mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs and sharing knowledge reflects a deep-seated belief that success is not measured solely by personal gain but by the positive impact one has on others and the world. Michael's journey is a compelling narrative of overcoming adversity, embracing innovation, and cultivating a legacy of change. His life and work serve as an inspiring reminder that challenges can be transformed into opportunities for growth, leadership, and the betterment of society. As a visionary entrepreneur, resilient changemaker, and compassionate community leader, Michael Holcomb redefines what it means to be successful, emphasizing that true achievement lies in the ability to change the world for the better, one day and one dream at a time.
Afia Fosua Agyekum, Board Member. Afia currently serves as a technical advisor for agriculture and livelihoods at ADRA International supporting several emergency and development projects around the World. Her role entails proposal design and writing, implementation support and documentation of learning. Afia has supported projects funded by several donors, both governmental and private cooperative bodies, ensuring all donor requirements are met and key outcomes of focus achieved. Her career in the humanitarian sector began with her internship with USAID FEWS Net, where she analyzed the World Food Program (WFP) food distribution data to map out countries receiving the most aid. With several years of experience in the non-profit sector, Afia supports the fight against poverty and hunger through livelihoods strengthening and diversification. As an astute strategic thinker and problem solver, her work focuses on developing innovative ideas that help support the livelihoods of vulnerable individuals using an inclusive, resilient and sustainable approach. She is a native of Ghana and currently holds a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness and enjoys gardening during her free time.
Christopher Morris-King, Board Member. Chris is currently a Senior Ad Specialist at X/Formerly Twitter. He founded the Zipped Out Project in 2018, a web-documentary that examines regional public health inequities. A lifetime of volunteering with groups that support public health and sustainability inspired him to join the team at Acres 4 Change. Chris was the Creative Director of Liberty Mutual’s “Give With Liberty” Campaign and a recipient of the Allstate Foundation’s Helping Hands Award. He brings a wealth of fundraising experience from non-profit marketing platforms like Feather and Classy. Grounded in his community, he aims to educate, inspire, and create agricultural opportunities for members of the African Diaspora in West Baltimore.
Kysha Merritt, Board Member. Kysha’s specialties lie in all aspects of marketing, strategic partnerships and branding with significant experience in real estate marketing, brand development, and public relations. Having well over 20+ years of experience, she has developed strategic marketing partnerships with some of the most recognizable brands including: Sony Music, the NFL, Interscope Records, Keller Williams Realty, Habitat For Humanity and Rush Communications. Before launching her real estate team, Kysha served as the Chief Marketing Officer for Keller Williams Preferred Properties. In this capacity, she oversaw client engagement, strategic communications & partnerships as well as the redevelopment of the company’s brand identity. As a licensed REALTOR in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, along with her extensive experience in marketing, she has become a creative curator in real estate marketing and branding. Prior to her career in real estate, Kysha led Unruly Marketing, Inc as the Vice President of Marketing & Operations. There she spearheaded music promotions, marketing research and product placement projects for national brands, brand management and urban lifestyle marketing consulting. Kysha began her career in the music industry as the Music Marketing Director for DTLR – one of the country’s most successful lifestyle retailers (with 250+ locations across the country). While at DTLR she was instrumental in creating innovative marketing campaigns and strategic partnerships for major music distribution companies and multiple apparel & footwear brands – which resulted in significant incremental revenue, and brand loyalty. She also curated several retail marketing promotions & activations for various recording artists including: Kanye West, Ludacris, Ciara, Russell Simmons & more. Just before taking the dive into the world of entertainment, she led as a Senior Project Manager at The CAMMAY Group, a Marketing & Advertising Firm where she was responsible for a diverse roster of clients including: The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Prince George’s County, The County Executive of Prince George’s County, The Prince George’s County Police Department, WHUR (Howard University Radio), CBS Radio and Radio One. Today, Kysha is the Team Leader / Owner of the Kysha Merritt Group - a real estate consulting firm. She’s also a member of the Prince George’s County Association of Realtors, the American Women's Business Association (AWBA) and a preferred Realtor for the Prince George’s County Housing Authority. Beyond the world of entertainment, media and real estate, Kysha is a passionate professional dedicated to cultivating dynamic experiences through strategic partnerships and fruitful collaborations.
Makayla “violet sparrow” Alicea (she/they) Board Member. violet is a community organizer and urban farmer by trade. She is a social entrepreneur who has founded multiple organizations back in Western Pennsylvania that ranged from addressing environmental injustices to empowering BIPOC in politics. They currently work for the South Baltimore Community Land Trust as the Housing Stewardship Coordinator, along with founding her micro flower farm, Sovereignty Blooms. In her free time, violet is an avid hiker, dog walker, foodie and cocktail aficionado.
Christopher Ellis, Board Member. Chris is a visionary entrepreneur whose career is a testament to the power of growth, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of fulfillment. Starting as a management trainee at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Christopher quickly rose through the ranks, showcasing his exceptional talent and drive. Despite achieving corporate success, including a prestigious sales position at Paychex, he sought a path laden with purpose and impact, steering him toward entrepreneurship. As the CEO and part-owner of Baltispore, Christopher has fostered growth from the ground up, projecting significant revenue and marking a notable presence in the industry. His strategic efforts at Complete Climate Services have maintained a stellar reputation, reflecting his commitment to excellence. With Furry Forager, he combines innovation with compassion, offering products that enrich the lives of pets and their owners alike. Music and creativity serve as Christopher's sanctuary, allowing him to explore introspection and healing through his work as a musician and producer. His entrepreneurial and creative pursuits are intertwined, each fueling his growth and Productivity. Community impact remains central to Christopher's mission. From providing essential HVAC services to the "Turkey Tail for Hope" program at Baltispore, his endeavors are more than business—they are contributions to societal well-being. Embracing a mindful and intentional lifestyle, Christopher's decisions—from the food he eats to the causes he supports—reflect a deep consciousness about his impact on the world. His commitment to holistic health, herbal medicine advocacy, and the rescue and care of animals underscores his compassionate nature. Raised in Vermont, Christopher values experiences that broaden his perspective, including engaging with diverse cultures. His journey from corporate America to entrepreneurial success is not merely about financial achievement but about crafting a meaningful life that inspires, challenges, and fulfills. Christopher Ellis's narrative is one of courage, empathy, and the pursuit of what truly matters. Looking ahead, he is dedicated to expanding his impact, exploring new horizons, and living a life that resonates with his deepest values—proof that the most profound journeys often start with discovering what one's path is not, allowing their true purpose to unfold.
Karen Pettinelli, LMSW, Volunteer and Advisor. Karen is dedicated to food justice, sustainable agriculture, and youth empowerment. She has worked as a farm manager, food justice advocate, youth leader, and climate organizer for 20 years. She supported the local food movement by working as a farmer for 14 years, and her positions included roles in food justice organizations such as Assistant Manager at The Food Project and Farm Manager at Holcomb Farm. Karen has also dedicated 6 years of her career to youth empowerment and experiential education and founded programs that connect youth from all backgrounds to organic farming and climate action initiatives. She served as Director of Teva and Two Coyotes Wilderness School. She now works as a Youth and Family Clinician at Community and Support Options and is beginning the Master of Science program in Agriculture, Food and Environment at TUFTS Friedman School of Nutrition in the fall of 2021. She plans, through her degree and concurrent work, to improve agricultural policy and food justice nationwide.