Kathleen Valdez is a proud Boliviana dedicated to building meaningful connections within Chicago’s food justice community. She curates networking opportunities that strengthen local businesses and advance food justice initiatives across the city.
Originally trained in design and architecture, Kathleen pivoted toward her passion for food systems, finding deep purpose in community-driven work. Early in her journey, she founded Bridge & Bloom Farms, an incubator plot in Bronzeville, while also managing programs and food access initiatives at Plant Chicago.
Today, Kathleen serves as the Program Manager of Events & Convenings at CFPAC, where she organizes events that advance food justice and policy initiatives in Chicago, fosters impactful collaborations, and champions equitable food access. To further increase food access and collective ownership in the Greater Chatham community, she joined the Southside Market and Cafe Co-op Board, supporting a neighborhood micro-grocery and café on a mission to expand nutritious food access and create community-driven ownership opportunities.
Outside of her work, she finds joy in discovering new cafes, admiring her cat’s undeniable beauty, indulging in oysters and seafood, and escaping into the outdoors for camping and hiking adventures with friends.