We sat with Jana Washington, Program Assistant and had a chat about starting her first post-grad job fully remote, highlights of her experience at the Food Council, and her passion for dancing, reading, and representation!
How do you like your coffee?
I am more of a tea person but if I drink coffee it has to be loaded with cream and sugar!
Why did you join MCFC?
I am passionate about the work that I do, inside and outside of my professional work. I am passionate about advocating for people that look like me having what they need, no matter what the space is.
How has it been to join the food council during COVID-19?
It has definitely been a unique and transformative experience. My room is my office and I am able to access the world from my laptop. I am also a perceptive person and I like to hear, see and feel people’s energy, and that is hard to do and interpret over Zoom.
Describe what you do at MCFC
I am the liaison to the Environmental Impact Working Group (EWIG), the Racial Equity Committee and I help with the Policy Committee. I was able to do a lot of policy research which I enjoyed. The three groups overlap, so I like the autonomy it gives me and allows me to get to know each individual. EIWG has also taught me so much about Urban Agriculture and sustainable farming.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I like to read, currently reading All About Love by Bell Hooks, and if I am not reading I am binge watching shows. I’ve also been doing all types of dancing since I was 3.
Something you’re looking forward to in the new year?
I really enjoyed the Legislative Session we had in September, where we invited members of the Maryland delegation to join the Food Council’s Policy Committee for an in-person gathering to share food system policy priorities and opportunities, and I’m looking forward to hosting that again next year. Outside of work, I am excited to travel again. To start I am going to be in Dallas, TX this December.
Quick Facts:
- Concert that I’d love to experience: Jhene Aiko
- Restaurant I’d only recommend: Roaming Rooster in DC
- Favorite Book: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
- Last show I binge-watched: The 4th season of Insecure on HBO
- Two things I would take with me on deserted island: Phone & Earphone