Dr. Lawren M. Long is a dedicated public servant who wears many hats as an educator, advocate, and community leader committed to advancing social and economic justice. A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Dr. Long draws on her deep roots and lived experiences to address inequities in underserved communities. Her work focuses on empowering marginalized voices, fostering local food systems, and tackling health disparities.
With extensive expertise in policy advocacy, nonprofit management, and strategic development, Dr. Long has led initiatives that drive meaningful change, from grassroots organizing to systemic reform. Her experience spans program evaluation, coalition-building, and creating solutions that prioritize equity and sustainability.
Driven by a vision of justice and inclusivity, Dr. Long is passionate about creating pathways for economic sovereignty and community resilience. She approaches every endeavor with a commitment to fostering lasting impact through education, innovation, and advocacy.
HEAL Food Alliance
2025 School of Political Leadership
Mississippi Fresh
Lawren Long
(she/her)
Policy Director,
Mississippi Fresh
The Heal Food Alliance’s School of Political Leadership (SoPL) is crucial during this political moment because the intersection of systemic inequities, climate change, and the erosion of democratic values requires bold, informed leadership to create equitable and sustainable solutions. For me, as a Black Indigenous Person of Color (BIPOC) and a partner in the farm justice movement, this program is particularly significant because it offers the tools, networks, and strategies to address these multifaceted challenges while amplifying the voices of historically marginalized communities. At this moment, when structural barriers continue to impede access to resources and justice, the program aligns perfectly with my personal mission to advocate for food sovereignty, environmental justice, and economic empowerment. Through SoPL, I hope to deepen my understanding of movement-building strategies, learn innovative approaches to policy advocacy, and enhance my skills in community engagement and coalition-building. Being part of this program would help further my political goals by equipping me with the knowledge and resources to create policies that prioritize equity and sustainability in food systems. It would also strengthen my ability to advocate for the unique needs of BIPOC communities, ensuring their voices are central to decision-making processes. This opportunity would also allow me to contribute meaningfully to creating systems that value the dignity, labor, and resilience of those working within our food systems, fostering transformative change at both local and national levels.”