Improving, Inspiring & Transforming Lives
George Washington Carver Food Research Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a holistic approach to health, wellness, and financial prosperity for underserved people around the world through food research and service-based agricultural education.
OUR VISION
To live in a world where food is accessible, equitable, and inclusive for all people.
The George Washington Carver Food Research Institute (GWCFRI) aims to create equitable access to health, wellness, and financial prosperity through research driven, science-based agricultural education for all. Our purpose is to serve the culturally disenfranchised by providing access to mindfulness training and transformative agricultural education.
OUR VISION
To live in a world where food is accessible, equitable and inclusive for all people.
The George Washington Carver Food Research Institute (GWCFRI) aims to elevate the mind, body and spirit of individuals living in resource constrained areas where access to healthy foods and career opportunities may be limited. Our purpose is to address societal issues related to poverty, inadequate education, food scarcity, poor mental health and economic insecurity both locally and around the world.
GWCFRI FOUNDERS
Ian Blount, PhD & Angela Cauley, M.S.
The mission of the George Washington Carver Food Research Institute is to advance health, wellness, and economic mobility for underserved individuals through food research and service-based STEM agricultural and health-focused education. We created GWCFRI as a platform to pour into our communities, sharing how natural resources can be responsibly and creatively used to nourish, empower, and sustain lives. The food industry has provided us with meaningful opportunities, and it is both our honor and our responsibility to give back by cultivating pathways for others to thrive.
GWCFRI Advisory Board Members
Alan Hoover
Founder + CEO of The Hoover Consulting Group, LLC
“I truly believed in Angela and Ian’s vision…and wanted to be part of their efforts to utilize the power of agriculture to transform lives.”
Anthony Trotman
Executive Director, Katie Blessing Foundation
I accepted the invitation to serve on the George Washington Carver Food Research Institute Advisory Board because of its deep commitment to food security, health equity, and community empowerment. The Institute’s mission aligns closely with my lifelong work at the intersection of public health, human services, and community-driven solutions that improve outcomes for families and communities.
Cindy Stewart, PhD, CFS, IFT Fellow
Founder & Principal, Innovative Food Science Consulting LLC
Food science found me — now I’m helping it find and inspire tomorrow’s innovators.
I joined the GWC FRI Board to broaden the STEAM pipeline and open pathways for underrepresented students, ensuring the next generation of food and agricultural scientists can thrive. My career in food science has given me global experiences my younger self could never have imagined possible, and I want to empower tomorrow’s innovators to imagine and build a more resilient food future.
Karl E. Brand
Founder & CEO of Brand Aromatics
After a rewarding career leading manufacturing teams in the world of flavors and seasonings (from processed and extractive to cutting-edge biotech assisted innovations), I’m now retired. As such, my passion now, is paying it forward by mentoring, consulting, and guiding ambitious students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, as they build exciting careers in the food and flavor manufacturing industry. Supporting and working with GWCFR is a great way to keep the industry alive and growing!
Larry Keener
President and CEO at International Product Safety Consultants
I was happy to accept the offer of membership to the GWCRI advisory board because of its mission of connecting young people with agriculture, the science of food and health and wellness. I recall fondly when as a young boy my grandmother would take me for walks in the woods, just the two of us, when she took the time to show me, in detail, how to identify certain species of plants and how those plants could be used as food or as medicine. The mission of the GWCRI is rather like that, like taking a walk in the woods with your grandmother, and having her pass on tradition, culture and knowledge about the natural world.
Roger Nahas, PhD
Executive Vice President of Global R&D and Chief Innovation Officer Kalsec
“Serving on the advisory board of the GWCFRI for over three years has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. I was drawn to the institute’s mission of empowering young minds through education in nutrition, health, and wellness. Working alongside dedicated individuals like Angela and Ian has been a privilege, and I am proud to be part of such a passionate and impactful team. The achievements of GWCFRI have far surpassed my expectations, and I am excited for the promising future ahead.”
Tomica Lindsey
Project and Risk Management Professional, Business Continuity Planner, Community Engagement & Marketing, and Coach
My primary reason for serving on the board of the George Washington Carver Food Research Institute is the energy and passion the founders bring to inspiring both young people and adults to adopt healthy eating habits and embrace opportunities for personal growth through STEM career education training to prepare them for roles in food and healthcare leadership. Their commitment to empowering individuals who want to improve their lives truly sets the organization apart. I am proud to be part of a governing body that helps people in our community become the best versions of themselves.
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Interested in learning more about our programs, partnerships, or volunteering? Contact us.
