Born and raised in the Chicagoland area, Sasha grew up with a deep appreciation for food as a way to connect with others, thanks to a creative and culinary-minded mother. This passion for food systems and community connection has shaped both her personal and professional life. While studying tourism in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Sasha lived in a nearby rural area where she enjoyed shopping for weekly groceries at small farm stands and participating in on-farm recreational activities, which sparked her interest in agriculture and its intersection with tourism.

Sasha holds a Master’s in Sustainable Tourism, where her research often focused on culinary tourism and agritourism in Oregon. In her role with Visit Central Oregon, she has frequent opportunities to collaborate with HDFFA, and she is inspired by the organization’s vision to build a resilient, local food system in Central Oregon.

While her background is in tourism, Sasha is passionate about using tourism as a tool to support sustainable food practices and strengthen rural communities. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring local farms, markets, dining experiences, and seasonal ingredients, often alongside her partner, a chef, with whom she shares her love of local food and agriculture. There is no greater joy in life than sharing a meal made of local, seasonal ingredients, in front of the beautiful Central Oregon landscape, with those she loves.