Ask not what our community can do for us, ask what we can grow together for our community.

Eric leads We the Gardeners was born from We the People party as a non-partisan response to the chronic illness epidemic. It was birthed from a vision to build a regenerative agriculture movement across parties where democrats, republicans and independents could stand together and address many of the existential risks that we face by transcending the partisan divides that are presently ripping our country apart. Many of us identify as classical liberals, traditional conservatives, lifelong independents or simply concerned Americans who have come to clearly see the reality of the existential risks that we all face as a human race as well as Americans. 

Our Mission is to co-create local restorative economies through Regenerative Agriculture, Curriculum Design, and Health Innovation. 

Our Vision is to activate the agriculture supply-chain by engaging local, regional, and global stakeholders in regenerative development from the soil-up. 

Sunny Welch, founder of Joint 4ces, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering veterans through sustainable agriculture and cooperative farming initiatives. As an executive and personal development coach, Sunny has successfully guided veteran entrepreneurs in overcoming organizational and industry challenges, building resilience and confidence in their journeys.

Known for her exceptional community-building skills, she has fostered networks of support and collaboration that create a sense of belonging and purpose among veterans and stakeholders. Under Sunny’s leadership, Joint 4ces addresses critical needs in food security, mental health, and career development, equipping veterans with the tools and connections to shape a sustainable future. Her commitment to empowerment through connection and growth drives her impactful work.

Kelly Ryerson, founder of Glyphosate Facts, is a leading advocate at the intersection of agriculture and health. Her journey began with overcoming chronic illness through dietary changes, which inspired her to study the microbiome, intestinal permeability, and the toxic impacts of chemical agriculture. Her work highlights how harmful agrochemicals contribute to the alarming rise in chronic disease, with six in ten adults and over half of U.S. children now chronically ill.

Collaborating with farmers, scientists, policymakers, and media, Kelly addresses the health and environmental impacts of our food system. In addition to founding Glyphosate Facts, she has contributed to documentaries, podcasts, and publications, and hosts a monthly show on food systems on CHDtv. As an ambassador for the Rodale Institute, she champions sustainable agriculture and clean, nutrient-rich food.

Kelly holds a BA in Economics from Dartmouth, an MBA from Stanford with a focus on Healthcare Public Management, and training in Integrative Health Coaching from Duke. Her multidisciplinary approach is driving transformative change for a healthier, more sustainable future.

Jonathan Jackson – Founder, Stag Vets & Comfort Farms

Jonathan Jackson is a visionary leader, veteran, and advocate dedicated to empowering veterans and addressing critical issues such as food insecurity and mental health through innovative agricultural solutions. He is the founder of Stag Vets, a pioneering nonprofit organization that serves as a bridge for veterans transitioning to civilian life, and Comfort Farms, a unique agro-therapy initiative based in Georgia that has garnered national recognition for its transformative impact.

After serving his country as a U.S. Army veteran, Jonathan returned home with a deep commitment to supporting his fellow service members. Recognizing the challenges many veterans face—including PTSD, depression, and reintegration struggles—he established Comfort Farms as a sanctuary for healing, growth, and purpose. Named in honor of Army Ranger Captain Kyle A. Comfort, who was killed in action, Comfort Farms offers veterans hands-on agricultural training, therapeutic engagement with nature, and the opportunity to reconnect with their communities.

Under Jonathan’s leadership, Comfort Farms has become a model of regenerative agriculture and sustainable practices. The farm produces high-quality food, promotes environmental stewardship, and fosters self-sufficiency, while also creating opportunities for veterans to build meaningful careers in agriculture and food systems.

Jonathan’s work extends beyond the farm. He is a sought-after speaker, educator, and advocate for veteran empowerment and food sovereignty, inspiring others to recognize the potential of agriculture as a tool for healing and resilience.

Driven by a mission to honor veterans, nurture the land, and strengthen communities, Jonathan Jackson continues to lead with passion and purpose, leaving a legacy of hope and transformation.

Heather Smith, co- founder / CFO of LCPT Inc. 

LCPT Inc is a family owned and operated manufacturer and distributor of the alternative minimum risk pesticide product Lost Coast Plant Therapy and is made of all natural ingredients based in Humboldt county California since 2017. 

As a family operated business Heather plays many roles in the company including managing manufacturing, website development as well as maintaining the duties of a CFO and more. 

As a Cherokee Nation member raised to live off the land and grow as much of their own food as possible while growing up, Heather has always held a deep respect for the land and desire to do her part in getting toxins out of the food chain and environment. 

With her dedication to this purpose Lost Coast Plant Therapy has become a viable solution for cleaning up agriculture in a meaningful way throughout the United States, Canada and New Zealand. 

To date the company has successfully replace over 34 million gallons of traditional pesticide with their clean alternative. 

Non-Toxic Neighborhoods is a community-driven organization dedicated to eliminating the use of harmful pesticides in parks, schools, and neighborhoods. Founded on the belief that everyone deserves access to safe, healthy green spaces, Non-Toxic Neighborhoods advocates for policies and practices that prioritize public health and ecological well-being. By collaborating with scientists, local governments, and grassroots leaders, they equip communities with the resources needed to transition to organic land care methods and reduce toxic chemical exposure.

As a partner of the Victory Garden Alliance, Non-Toxic Neighborhoods champions the protection of soil quality and biodiversity. Together, they work to empower individuals and institutions to adopt environmentally responsible land stewardship practices—ensuring that future generations can enjoy flourishing gardens, cleaner waterways, and healthier ecosystems. Through proactive outreach, educational programs, and hands-on workshops, Non-Toxic Neighborhoods offers a roadmap for communities seeking to embrace sustainable, chemical-free environments.

Helene Leeds, MS, is an international speaker, wellness entrepreneur, and leading authority in lifestyle medicine. Drawing on over 30 years of experience and advanced education from the Sorbonne and the University of Fribourg, she has pioneered methodologies that reverse chronic diseases, trained over 1,000 wellness coaches across 63 countries, contributed to building companies valued at over $200 million, and guided thousands toward transformative health.

As the founder of the Food is Healing Culinary Institute and co-creator of lifestyle medicine protocols to reverse chronic desease, Helene combines decades of Iyengar Yoga, nutritional psychology, and her "Food as Medicine" philosophy to help individuals make small, sustainable changes that break unhealthy habits and lead to lasting results. A MasterChef finalist and sought-after speaker, she has shared stages with Deepak Chopra and been featured in Forbes, Redbook, and FOX TV, (to name a few) reaching millions through her social platforms.

Through her companies, LightBody and Step it UP, Helene empowers individuals and organizations to achieve alignment, vitality, and sustained wellness. Her mission is to unlock the codes to true health, guiding others to surpass their limits and thrive.

Jonathan Giles (also known as “Jonny Paradise”) is a committed safe food advocate, garden designer, and permaculture instructor who specializes in helping individuals and communities grow food responsibly. As an early ally of the Victory Garden Alliance, Jonathan has been at the forefront of championing regenerative practices that protect both environmental and community well-being. On X (@plantparadise7), he actively promotes a healthy, toxin-free food system and leads the charge as the “XSpace Commander” for a poison-free future—motivating others to plant paradise in every corner of the globe.

A seasoned consultant and educator, Jonathan co-founded the Be Fruitful Nursery in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and the Organic Sanctuary in Indiantown, Florida. Both sites serve as living laboratories for biodiversity, showcasing regenerative agriculture methods and nurturing the next generation of responsible growers. As “Jonny Paradise,” his mission is to create a fruitful paradise for us all, one seed at a time.