meet our farmers

Abdel Mohamdian has been growing at Spaces of Opportunity since 2018. Originally from Sudan, he cultivates a variety of crops including watermelon, cucumbers, okra, eggplant, peppers, and chili varieties using organic growing practices. Through Spaces, Abdel has been able to continue his passion for farming while helping provide fresh, locally grown produce to the South Phoenix community. He values the opportunity to work alongside diverse growers who share farming knowledge, culture, and traditions. Abdel believes farming strengthens communities by increasing access to healthy food and creating opportunities for families to connect through agriculture and sustainability.

Bridgette Pettis has been growing at Spaces of Opportunity for over four years. Bridgette focuses on growing nutrient-rich vegetables including collard greens, kale, broccoli, beets, onions, and lettuce while promoting healthy food access in South Phoenix. Through Spaces, Bridgette has expanded her organization’s ability to educate the community about local food systems, sustainability, and the importance of growing food close to home. She believes urban farming creates stronger and healthier communities by empowering families with knowledge, access to fresh produce, and opportunities to reconnect with the land and one another.

Diana Gregory grows a wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables at Spaces of Opportunity, including leafy greens, squash, melons, peppers, cabbage, zucchini, and root vegetables. Through farming, Diana is committed to increasing access to fresh, pesticide-free produce for seniors, veterans, and families throughout the community. Spaces has provided her with the opportunity to grow food while contributing to community wellness and food security efforts in South Phoenix. Diana believes agriculture is both healing and empowering and hopes to continue expanding her knowledge while supporting healthier lifestyles through fresh, locally grown food.

Elaine Atwood of Steam Donkey Farms has been growing at Spaces of Opportunity for several years, focusing on seasonal produce, edible flowers, herbs, and perennial crops such as moringa, lavender, and artichokes. She enjoys creating products that help support farmers markets and expand community access to local food. Elaine values the diversity and collaboration found at Spaces and appreciates the opportunity to work alongside growers from many different backgrounds and cultures. She believes community farming creates connection, learning opportunities, and a stronger local food system that benefits both people and the environment.

Hussein Alhamka and his family have been part of Spaces of Opportunity since the beginning of the incubator farm program. They grow a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and culturally significant crops using organic growing practices. Hussein is passionate about providing healthy food to the community while educating people about farming, harvesting, and where their food comes from. Spaces has allowed his family to continue sharing agricultural traditions while contributing to South Phoenix food access and sustainability efforts. He hopes to continue expanding opportunities for community members to learn directly from local growers.

Jesus Nanjera Rueda has been farming at Spaces of Opportunity for several years and specializes in growing root vegetables, herbs, and seasonal crops including onions, garlic, carrots, beets, cilantro, and fava beans. Farming has always been an important part of his life and culture, inspired by his experiences growing up working alongside family in the fields. Through Spaces, Jesus has been able to continue developing his agricultural knowledge while helping provide healthy produce to the community. He believes farming is a meaningful way to care for others and create stronger, healthier families through fresh food access.

Stella McPhee and Jordanne of The Horny Toad Farm and 40 Akres grow a diverse selection of fruits and vegetables including greens, melons, cucumbers, carrots, garlic, onions, and peppers at Spaces of Opportunity. As educators, social workers, and community growers, they are passionate about sharing knowledge and encouraging future generations to connect with farming and environmental stewardship. Spaces has provided them with long-term farmland security, educational resources, and opportunities to collaborate with local growers. They believe community farming strengthens relationships, supports wellness, and creates meaningful opportunities for people to learn and grow together.