Ruhel Isam
Occupation: Chef, Restaurateur, and Owner of Gandhi Manahl and Curry in a Hurry
Country of Birth: Bangladesh
Current: Minneapolis, MN
Ruhel is the owner and Executive Chef of Gandhi Mahal, an award-winning Bangladeshi/Indian restaurant dedicated to embodying environmental sustainability and the peaceful principles of Gandhi. Ruhel has served as the President of Lake Street Council, Board of Directors of Green Card Voices and currently serves on the Board of Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light & Longfellow Rising. He has also appeared on the Food Networks Diner’s, Drive-In’s & Dives as well as Guy’s Grocery Games. His newest business venture is Curry in a Hurry located on 31st & Franklin in Minneapolis.
Naima Dhore
Occupation: Program Director at Somali American Farmers Association and owner of Naima’s Farm LLC
Country of Birth: Somalia
Current: Minneapolis, MN
Naima is a first-generation farmer, activist and educator committed to look after mother earth and community building. She is the Program Director at Somali American Farmers Association and owner of Naima’s Farm LLC, where she supports the next Somali American farmers. Naima is passionate about organic farming and inspiring young people to become future farmers, specifically people from immigrant communities in Minnesota. As director, Naima’s vision comes from the lack of access disadvantaged communities have to Farmers’ Market. This hinders their ability to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. By addressing this disparity, Naima is able to help those facing food insecurity while continuing to educate immigrant communities providing nutrition workshops at public forums about sustainable agricultural practices, organic farming techniques, and spreading awareness on healthy eating habits as well as the environmental, health impact in the community across the state of Minnesota.