Khari Diop is a 4th generation Georgia grower, a community garden educator, urban agriculture advocate, and local food security/sovereignty activist. Over a two decade career in the Atlanta green industry, he has played a pivotal role in creating a more resilient local food system, cultivating the mind, body, and spirit of growers of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, from pre-school youth to seasoned senior citizens. With a keen eye for design, an appreciation and reverence for the beauty of nature and academic training in conservation, ecology and horticulture, from soil science to botany, landscaping and construction, Khari brings abundant offerings of experience, a joyful exuberance and deep insight into the work. As UCTI’s site operations manager, he is responsible for the ongoing sustainability and development of GYF’s Atlanta campus and works in tandem with the Urban Youth Corps program director to plan and execute highly impactful, hands-on, immersive experiential learning opportunities for the center’s trainees and volunteers.