AGM 2026 Event Recap
On Sunday, May 3, 2026, the UNA-USA Westchester Chapter held its Annual Meeting and Earth Day Celebration at Manhattanville University. The well-attended program, “Global Goals and Local Roots: Food Security in Westchester,” focused on UN Sustainable Development Goal: Zero Hunger and explored both global and local approaches to strengthening food security.
Keynote speaker Hugh Locke, an expert on regenerative agriculture and smallholder farmers around the world, set the stage with an overview of the major obstacles facing small farmers in feeding their communities. He also discussed the important role smallholder farmers and regenerative agriculture will play in feeding a growing global population in the coming decade.
His remarks were followed by a panel of local leaders implementing food security programs in Westchester: Rebecca Snyder, Feeding Westchester; Michelle Hughes, Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming; Michael Capers, Sweet Freedom Farm; and Millie Magraw, Westchester County Planning Department’s Planting Westchester program.
The panel was moderated by Ruby Olisemeka, Founder and Executive Director of Khalipha, an organization focused on environmental, educational, and social innovation.
Following the panel, UNA-Westchester presented its annual report and announced the new Board of Directors. Awards were also presented to organizations represented by the panelists, the winners of the National Model UN Conference from Mercy University, and the winners of UNA-Westchester’s Media Contest.
Audience members had the opportunity to connect with speakers, panelists, and co-sponsoring organizations during a networking reception following the program. The afternoon offered an inspiring and informative look at the connections between global goals and local action on food security.
We are most grateful to our co-host, Manhattanville University’s Clark Center for Religion and Community Service, and our co-sponsors: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Zeta Nu Omega Chapter (AKA); Environmental Leaders of Color (ELOC); Feeding Westchester; The Links, Incorporated, Westchester County (NY) Chapter; Planting Westchester; the Ramapough Nation; Sustainable Westchester; and Westchester Alliance for Sustainable Solutions (WASS).
