Under the direction of our dedicated Board of Directors, Roots for Life staff is committed to the idea that fresh, healthy food is a fundamental right, and is key to living a healthy and productive life.
Our goal is to increase equitable access to nutrition and good health for all D.C residents, regardless of zip code and income level.
Rhonda L. Watson, MPS
Executive Director
Rhonda is the Executive Director for Roots for Life. Inspired by her volunteer service at the beginning of her career, Rhonda quickly developed a deep passion for charitable work. Years before that, she found her calling as a Culinary Enthusiast. With the marriage of her two loves, Roots for Life was co-founded in 2017.
Rhonda is an accomplished senior leadership professional with 25 years of experience with demonstrated strengths that include assessing organizational needs, setting strategic direction, and implementing initiatives that enhance organizational performance. She also brings program evaluation, relationship building and event planning skills. Additionally, she served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of the District of Columbia where she taught Introduction to Nonprofit Organizations and Staff and Volunteer Management.
Rhonda has volunteered for a several local organizations. Her recent service includes Board Development Committee Chair for Public Allies; Project Lead with Compass focusing on board development for Friends of Guest House and Critical Exposure; cooking meals for women and their families at Stepping Stones transitional shelter; and a Peer Reviewer for the Health-Serving Health Professions Schools (HSHPS) and the Montgomery Nonprofits Standards for Excellence Program.
A Chicago native, Rhonda received a bachelor’s from Eastern Illinois University in Consumer Affairs, Master in Public Service Management from DePaul University and a Graduate level certificate in Paralegal Studies from Roosevelt University. To excel her career, she relocated to the Washington, DC area in 2001 making Maryland her new home. Through Yale School of Management Executive Education, she completed a Women’s Leadership Certificate Program. Through the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center, she completed the Business Law Course for Nonprofits.
Fun Fact
I went to an experimental high school with the acronym of a dessert…P.I.E. (Project Individual Education).
Samantha Linek
Samantha Linek is a graduate student at DePaul University Chicago who is currently a freshman in the Master's in nursing practice program. She is from the northwest suburbs outside of Chicago. At DePaul, she is involved in the DePaul Student Nurses Association. Outside of school, she works as a medical assistant and volunteers as a tutor at GirlForward. Her ultimate goal is to become a family nurse practitioner.
Karina Jolly
Karina Jolly is a graduate student attending DePaul’s Nursing Program. She was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona and has recently made the move to Chicago. During her free time, she enjoys yoga, reading and spending quality time with her family and friends. Karina plans to continue her education, becoming a practitioner and providing equitable care to those in her community. Throughout both her career in healthcare and her involvement in the Chicago community, Karina is committed to making a positive and meaningful impact.
Tyler Shaw
My name is Tyler Shaw, and I'm from Washington, DC. I am currently in the final year of my Master's in Public Health program at Trinity Washington University, specializing in Community Health. Prior to this, I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, and during my undergraduate years, I had the opportunity to study as an International Student in Costa Rica.
My academic background in policy and public health has instilled in me a strong desire to address health disparities among marginalized populations. Specifically, I am deeply passionate about sexual reproductive health, women's health, and nutrition.
Marissa Wilson
Marissa Wilson is from South Bend, Indiana. She is a graduate student at DePaul University, enrolled in the Master's Entry to Nursing Practice program. She has previously been a member of DePaul University’s “Green Team”, where she worked as the social media coordinator to promote sustainable practices to the community. Her future career plans are to become an RN specializing in women’s health.
Toriyan Wallace
Toriyan Wallace is a graduate student at Trinity Washington University who is currently a sophomore in the Master's of Public Health program.