Elise Gonzales

Elise is a fierce advocate for justice-driven community development, using her expertise in social entrepreneurship and food systems to challenge the status quo. Over her 18-year career, she has launched a women and culturally-focused social business in the Indian Himalayas, co-founded an award-winning tour company that empowered local youth and secured international contracts, developed a culinary department at the Sonoma Community Center that prioritized equity and youth engagement and founded a CTE culinary program for at-risk youth at a local high school.

Currently, Elise is at the forefront of a food access revolution as Food Network Weaver (a position created by Sonoma Valley Catalyst Fund and handed off to Sonoma Family Meal), working to unite 15 local and county organizations with the audacious goal of making Sonoma Valley the first food-secure region in the country. Her rebellious spirit fuels her mission to break down systemic barriers and reimagine a more just and equitable future, while her heart-centered practice believes that food has the power to unite a diverse community.