EarthDance Organic Farm School in Ferguson is celebrating a new (very small!) farmily member, along with an historic leadership transition. As Founder and CEO Molly Rockamann Korte embarks on a joyful maternity leave, longtime team members Tiffany Brewer and Jena Hood step into collaborative Interim Co-Executive Director roles, ushering the farm into a new chapter of growth and possibility.
Molly, who envisioned and collaboratively built EarthDance into the impactful, 16-year-old nonprofit it is today, leaves it in the most stable and vibrant state it has ever known. “EarthDance right now is being stewarded by an extraordinary team of brilliant, kind, and dedicated individuals,” she shares. “I am thrilled to see Tiffany and Jena lean into their leadership and guide the farm through this exciting new season.”
Both Tiffany and Jena bring years of experience, deep connection to the farm and organization, and unique perspectives to their new roles. Tiffany, who has been a steady presence since 2014, is EarthDance’s first person of color to take on executive leadership. “This is a full-circle moment for me,” Tiffany shares. “I’ve been part of this farm’s growth and evolution over time, and I’m honored to step into this position to ensure EarthDance continues to thrive as an agent of positive change for food justice and community building.” After relocating to Dallas in 2023, Tiffany initially hesitated to accept the role, citing the challenges of remote leadership. But with her family’s encouragement, she embraced the opportunity to co-lead alongside Jena. Tiffany will spend more time in St. Louis in the coming year, which is great for the region!
Jena, with the organization since 2018, is known for their vibrant energy and ability to draw people into connection with EarthDance’s soil and mission. They bring a strong focus on fostering effectiveness and equity in the organization’s work. They envision a deepening of EarthDance’s commitment to food access and liberatory practices, including queering and decolonizing the farm space. “I’m really looking forward to collaborating with Tiffany in this capacity,” Jena says. “We’ve worked closely for years, and I’m excited to stretch my leadership muscles and guide our team to think creatively and boldly as we continue to sow, tend, and share food and community in partnership with the land.”
Together, Tiffany (right) and Jena are poised to lead EarthDance through a transformative season. The duo, who were both EarthDance apprentices in past seasons, will be welcoming a new cohort of apprentices, new Garden and Volunteer Coordinator, 2024 Full Season Apprenticeship alum Dani Fuhrman, and an expanded partnership with Operation Food Search, alongside growing collaborations with organizations like Seed St. Louis, Shaw Nature Reserve, and Wild Ones St. Louis. They’ll also lead the team in sustaining existing partnerships with City Greens Market, Family Care Health Centers WIC program, Fair Shares CSA, and more.
Under their leadership, EarthDance will continue to teach new farmers and gardeners of all ages, grow nourishing food, and distribute it to those who need it most in Ferguson and beyond.
As EarthDance forges ahead, Tiffany and Jena are clear: this work is deeply rooted in the community. “We’ve come this far because of the people,” Tiffany says. “Volunteers, partners, donors, and our neighbors have all contributed to EarthDance’s success. We invite everyone to join us as we continue advancing food justice and building something beautiful together.”
This season marks a time of abundance, transformation, and leadership for EarthDance—more evidence that collaboration and regeneration can be and is deeply rooted in Ferguson.