Amanda Hodges is an Associate Extension Scientist and DPM (Doctor of Plant Medicine) Director in the University of Florida, Entomology and Nematology Department. Amanda received her PhD in Entomology from the University of Georgia in 2002, and her current research, extension, and teaching program focuses on invasive species, biosecurity, and pest management. Amanda enjoys mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, and her students often participate in outreach opportunities to local schools throughout Florida. She and her husband, Greg Hodges, have actively served as volunteers at local UMC (United Methodist Church) congregations since their arrival to Gainesville in 2002. Locally, Amanda has also enjoyed serving at Grace Grows, a food-security focused non-profit that collaborates and shares facilities with Grace Marketplace.

Judy Olenik served with her late husband Richard for 35 years in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, and Kenya through Mission Aviation Fellowship.  In Africa, she tracked flights, worked in offices, taught English, regularly visited people in a hospital for Hansen's Disease, helped start a church, and raised four children.  She moved to Gainesville in 2019 to be near 3 of her 11 grandchildren, who attend Williams Elementary School.  In Gainesville, she volunteers with Gainesville Thrives, SIRA, Baker Interfaith Friends (visiting people detained), and Grace Marketplace Clothing Closet.

Donna Day is a licensed and ordained Senior Pastor in a local church working with families and children, including substance abuse recovery. Ms. Day is retired from the UF Dept. of Medicine. She currently is acting Dean of IBTC International Bible Teaching College and is a licensed recovery coach through Bethesda Recovery Center. She is connected with transitional programs, early pregnancy center, and
community outreach distributions focused on mentorship and education programs to further a generation with stable futures with endless possibilities. Ms. Day is at times an international speaker bringing a solid message of hope and a New Day through Christ. Pastor Donna Day has been very passionate and intentional about being a part of making the Gainesville region a better place.

Leah Galione is the Literacy Director of the Gainesville Bridge. After graduating from UF in Psychology, Leah began serving as college outreach director for the Gainesville Vineyard church and working as a group fitness instructor for UF and Gainesville Health and Fitness. Leah is married to attorney Bill Galione. For 12 years she has homeschooled their 5 children,

some of whom have recently begun attending Alachua County Public Schools. She has served The Vineyard as a Sunday School teacher and a

member of the Leadership Team. Leah enjoys running, reading, and beach trips with her family.

Jacob Muller is a 4th year Agricultural Operations and Management student at the University of Florida. 

Dr. Marie Herring is the first African American female to pastor DaySpring Missionary Baptist Church and is presently Senior Pastor. She also serves as Chaplain of the MLK Commission of Florida. Dr. Herring was
salutatorian of Lincoln High School and cum laude graduate of Florida A&M. She has a Master’s in Mathematics from University of Florida and a Doctorate of Ministry from United Theological Seminary. She has received numerous awards including the first Eastside Teacher of the Year in Alachua County,
first African American to teach in the renowned Eastside International Baccalaureate program and
regional winner of the Presidential Award for Excellence in teaching math. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the NAACP, Florida Council Teachers of Math and the National Council Teachers of Math. Pastor Marie Herring is a statewide speaker and revivalist and seeks to better her flock that the Lord has placed in her care by becoming better informed on the issues that affect her
parishioners and the community in which she pastors.