Evaluation, at its best, has the potential to drive change and uplift and build power in communities. Historically, research and evaluation has been used as a tool to validate the lived experience of impacted communities, instead of answering the questions and measuring the outcomes that impacted communities deem most valuable. Approaching evaluation with a foundation of equity and justice is a vital component in moving towards the National Farm to School Network’s Call to Action, that 100% of communities hold power in a racially just food system. Racial equity-centered evaluation requires an intentional approach to understanding the historically extractive nature of evaluation, the importance of self-reflection in the evaluator role, the need for community led approaches, and thoughtfulness in what we aim to measure. In this panel discussion, hear from three leaders in this work who share their perspectives, experience, and expertise in shifting power to communities through racial equity-centered evaluation.

Session Moderator: Dr. Caree Cotwright, PhD, RDN, LD, Assistant Professor, College of Family and Consumer Sciences, Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia

Panelists:

• Dr. Monique I. Liston, PhD, Chief Strategist and Joyful Militant, UBUNTU Research and Evaluation
• Dr. RaJade M. Berry-James, PhD, Professor of Public Administration, School of Public and International Affairs, North Carolina State University
• Dr. Geri Lynn Peak, DrPH, Chief Insight Facilitator, Two Gems Consulting Services