🌱 Meet Chonnie Richey Founder | Speaker | Leadership Coach | Changemaker
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Chonnie Richey is a passionate leader, speaker, and the visionary founder of Independence Gardens. With over 25 years of experience spanning healthcare strategy, nonprofit leadership, and youth empowerment, Chonnie is known for cultivating bold ideas that grow sustainable impact.
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Through her work with Independence Gardens, she is leading a movement to transform how communities think about food, youth leadership, and climate resilience. From building gardens in schools to hosting national events like “Girls Save the World” and the “Come and EAT IT” Program, Chonnie helps audiences see that every child — and every leader — can be a seed of change.
As a sought-after speaker and leadership coach, Chonnie brings energy, clarity, and heart to every stage. Whether addressing national conferences, hosting interactive workshops, or mentoring the next generation of changemakers, she empowers people to innovate, collaborate, and lead with purpose.
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Looking to book Chonnie Richey for your next event, conference, or podcast?
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📩 Please send an email to: chonnie@independencegardens.org
Let’s grow something extraordinary together.
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Our Story
My name is Chonnie Richey and I am the Founder of Independence Gardens. More important, I am the mother of three amazing children and it is because of them that IG sprouted. As parents, we are asked to partner with our schools to help our children succeed. How can this be accomplished when we do not prioritize the food they need to nourish their mind and body? We believe that programs that provide children and communities access to fresh food is critical to student success. The seed in how IG began started with a simple school lunch. Listen to our Story.
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Our Team.
Welcome to the heart of our organization, where passion meets purpose. Get to know the remarkable individuals shaping the path forward as our esteemed 2024 Board Members. Each member brings a unique blend of expertise, commitment, and enthusiasm, creating a dynamic team dedicated to driving our mission to new heights.
From seasoned professionals to rising stars, our board represents a diverse spectrum of talents, backgrounds, and perspectives. Explore the profiles below to discover the stories, achievements, and passions that make each board member an invaluable part of our community.
Together, we embark on a journey of growth, impact, and community engagement. Join us in celebrating the collective dedication of our 2024 Board Members, as we work hand in hand towards a brighter future.
