The Working Lands Alliance is pleased to welcome Chelsea Gazillo as our new Director. In this role, Chelsea is responsible for directing all WLA activities, which include research and education, policy development, grassroots and direct advocacy, outreach and communications. Chelsea started a month ago and we are grateful to have her guidance during this short legislative session.
Terry Jones, WLA Chair states that “We are excited to announce the appointment of Chelsea Gazillo as our new Project Director. She shares our passion for Connecticut farmland and stewardship – not only for this precious resource, but she also has a great respect for the women and men who farm this land. Her energy, persuasive talents, and strong work ethic will be vital to our success in maintaining and initiating strategies to protect Connecticut’s treasure – our productive working farm and forest lands.”
Prior to joining WLA, Chelsea most-recently served as a Food Policy AmeriCorps VISTA member with the Bridgeport Food Policy Council and the Bridgeport Farmers Market Collaborative. Before she became an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer, she worked as the lead researcher for SIT Graduate Institute’s Real Food Challenge Campaign. She also has a background working in medical billing in the Bay Area and spent time as a research intern with the Women’s Initiative for Self-Sufficiency in Oakland, CA.
Chelsea has a B.A. in International Affairs from Humboldt State University and a Masters degree from SIT Graduate Institute in Brattleboro, Vermont in Sustainable Development with an emphasis in Policy Advocacy and Analysis. When she is not actively advocating for new food system policies, she enjoys spending time with her dog, doing yoga, preparing food, cross-country skiing, reading and going to see live music.
We are thrilled Chelsea is here to support us through this legislative session. Her experience working in food policy and sustainable development will be a valuable asset to WLA’s legislative priorities which includes protecting CT’s valuable farmland and ensuring a healthy agricultural sector and prosperous future for Connecticut’s farmers.
