Traditional Italian dishes and stories of her grandfathers’ small food businesses shaped Gianna’s understanding of food and connection from an early age. Growing up in Dixon, walks through almond orchards and fresh figs from the backyard were some of her first memories of local agriculture.

Storytelling continued to remain sacred to Gianna as she pursued graduate work in food studies in Italy many years later. During time spent working on a farm and visiting small food enterprises, she was drawn to the unique and powerful stories of the farmers and artisans that she met. It was at this time that she began writing for various media outlets in order to share the gifts and talents of these food producers with more people.

Upon returning to the U.S., Gianna spent the next few years as an owner of food and agriculture cooperatives. First as a member-owner of Arizmendi Bakery in the Bay Area and then Our Table Cooperative outside of Portland, Oregon, Gianna was driven by the potential for greater equity and self-determination that cooperative enterprises promote. Throughout these roles and other positions she’s held in regional nonprofits, Gianna has contributed to multi-channel marketing strategy, business development, and community engagement.

Gianna feels it a privilege to convey the stories of Kitchen Table Advisors’ farmer and rancher clients and hopes that this storytelling will help us listen more closely to them.