Bethel Erickson
Market Director
Originally from the Midwest, Bethel professionally dabbled in social work and politics in big cities and small towns across the country, before moving to Texas to work at the World Hunger Relief Farm in 2008. Seeing a need for more outlets for local agricultural producers, she worked with a handful of other community members to launch the Waco Downtown Farmers Market in 2011.
Bethel is passionate about building community food security through local food production. She has two sons – Jasper Jack and Angus Augustus.
Contact Bethel: WDFM.Director@gmail.com
Rachel Velasco
Saturday Market Manager
As a local businesswoman, educator, and yoga instructor, Rachel has been part of the Waco community since 2005. She has focused on educating and building strong communities through her various channels of service: as a facilitator of life skills training for at-risk youth, a public-school teacher and a homeschool tutor, and the owner of Pinwheel Kids, a children’s store focused on educating parents and providing sustainable products. For the past 5 years, Rachel has offered yoga, breathwork, and meditation instruction with a focus on making these healing modalities accessible to all.
Rachel’s passion is growing strong communities through access to education and resources. When she is not teaching or volunteering, she can be found in her garden tending her herbs and roses. She has four nearly grown kids- Kalena, Isaac, Adam and Rowan.
Contact Rachel: WDFM.Manager@gmail.com
Chisa Brigham
Community Engagement Manager
Chisa Brigham, a former Educator, transitioned into an Urban Farmer with a desire to feed her family fresh clean food. Together with her Veteran Husband, LaTrael Brigham, has expanded their enterprise to cater to the needs of the local community, as many lack access to fresh food. H.A.D. Land Farms offers, organically grown, fresh produce, chicken eggs, and health and wellness products. With a strong investment in her local community Chisa is spearheading a variety of initiatives to educate and empower, beginning urban farmers with the LIFTS project, veterans through the Farmer Veteran Coalition, and youth through the nonprofit Sankofa Way Inc. By fostering a sense of community around agriculture, Chisa is making a significant impact on the local food system.
Contact Chisa: WDFM.Community@gmail.com
Faith Carpenter
Assistant Market Manager
A native of Waco, Faith Carpenter is dedicated to contributing to the growth of her city. Faith recently graduated from McLennan Community College with an Associate's Degree in General Academics. She loves meeting new people and enjoys spending time at local coffee shops or engaging in outdoor activities. Faith is eager to serve the Waco community and connect with the local vendors at the market.
Contact Faith: WDFM.Assistant@gmail.com
2024-25 Board Members
Carmen Massey (President), Devin Li (Vice President), Veronicka Thompson (Secretary), Ashley Young (Treasurer),
Camille Wilder, Eric Linares, Chris McGowan, Darius Ewing, Africa Tarver, Jenna Swanson, Eric Terrazas, Suzanne Hack, Jamie Wong Baesa
The WDFM Board can be contacted by emailing: WDFM.Board@gmail.com