We recently connected with Dionne Washington and have shared our conversation below.

Dionne, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

Yes, Project Roots AZ grows fresh, organic produce specifically for underserved communities across Arizona. We use innovative growing techniques like tower gardens and backyard farms to maximize our yield in urban areas, and we distribute this food through partnerships with organizations like St. Mary’s Food Bank, AZ Food Bank Network and Pinnacle Prevention to name a few.

By growing on our farm and using sustainable methods, we’re able to provide healthy food options to families who might otherwise face barriers to accessing fresh produce. St. Mary’s Food Bank helps us reach a wider range of communities, ensuring that the food we grow gets into the hands of those who need it most. This collaboration allows us to make a direct impact on food security across the state.

Our goal is to make sure that every community has access to nutritious, high-quality food, regardless of income level or geographic location.

Dionne, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Here’s the revised version with your preferences:

I’m Dionne Washington, and I’m the founder of Project Roots AZ, which began as a backyard initiative with my family and has grown into a nonprofit dedicated to addressing food insecurity across Arizona. My passion for sustainable agriculture and community service ignited when I saw firsthand the challenges many families face in accessing fresh, nutritious food. Starting in my own backyard, we cultivated a small garden that blossomed into a larger vision for empowering underserved communities.

At Project Roots, we grow fresh produce using natural and clean growing methods like tower gardens and backyard farms. Our focus is on urban farming that not only provides food but also serves as a platform for education. We distribute our produce through partnerships with organizations like St. Mary’s Food Bank, ensuring that healthy food reaches those who need it most.

One of the key problems we address is the existence of food deserts—areas where fresh food options are limited or unavailable. By establishing urban farms in these communities, we help to combat food insecurity directly. Additionally, we offer educational programs that teach individuals, especially children and families, how to grow and prepare healthy meals, fostering self-sufficiency and a deeper understanding of nutrition.

What sets us apart is our commitment to community empowerment and sustainability. We’re not just providing food; we’re teaching people how to grow it themselves, fostering skills that can lead to healthier lifestyles. I’m incredibly proud of the impact we’ve made, feeding thousands of families and inspiring individuals to take charge of their health through better nutrition.

What I want people to know about Project Roots is that we are more than just a farming organization—we are a grassroots movement committed to creating a healthier, more equitable future. Our work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to nutritious food, and we strive to make that a reality through our farms, educational initiatives, and community partnerships. Together, we can grow a more resilient and connected community.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Yes, several resources have profoundly influenced my management and entrepreneurial philosophy. One standout is “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries. This book emphasizes the importance of iterative development and validated learning, which aligns perfectly with my approach to growing Project Roots. It taught me to embrace experimentation and adapt quickly to feedback, which is crucial in the nonprofit sector.

Another impactful resource is “The Art of Possibility” by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander. This book encourages a mindset of creativity and collaboration, emphasizing the power of possibility in both leadership and teamwork. It has inspired me to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their ideas.

I also recommend “Farming While Black” by Leah Penniman. This book highlights the importance of Black farmers and provides practical insights into sustainable agriculture and community-building. It resonates with my mission to empower underserved communities through urban farming, reminding me of the historical context and significance of our work.

These resources collectively have shaped my belief in the importance of purpose-driven leadership and the need to create a culture of growth and support within my organization.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One important lesson I’ve unlearned is the belief that I have to do everything myself to be effective. Early in my journey with Project Roots, I thought that taking on every task was a sign of dedication and leadership. I believed that my success depended on my ability to control every aspect of the organization.

However, as the organization grew, I realized that this mindset was unsustainable. It led to burnout and limited our potential. I learned that effective leadership is not about doing everything alone but about empowering others and building a strong team.

The turning point came when I recognized the diverse skills and talents within my community and my team. By trusting them to take ownership of their roles, I saw not only an increase in productivity but also a more collaborative and innovative environment.

This shift has allowed Project Roots to thrive, as each team member brings unique perspectives and strengths. Now, I focus on fostering an atmosphere of collaboration, where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to our mission.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.projectrootsaz.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/project_rootsaz/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectrootsaz
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/project-roots-b5a963221/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@projectrootsaz2549

Image Credits

Photo Credit: AZ Central
Photo Credit: Project Roots