Ponix has announced the appointment of Cathleen Richardson as president and executive director of its nonprofit arm, launching later this year.
Richardson will help launch the nonprofit and oversee its business operations, fundraising and strategic growth for farmer and education programs, fostering partnerships with Ponix to strengthen local food production and economic resilience for urban and rural communities.
"Cathleen Richardson's experience in developing tech-driven educational programs for innovative companies like Apple showcases her unique ability to merge technology with social advocacy—a perfect fit for Ponix's mission," said Michael Choi, CEO of Ponix.
Through a $25 million contribution from Apple, Richardson helped launch and lead the PROPEL Center, a first-of-its-kind innovation hub dedicated to advancing Black talent within the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) ecosystem through transformative programs and workforce development.
As part of this initiative, Delaware State University (DESU) and the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) each received a $300,000 grant to expand agtech education. Richardson partnered with Ponix and DESU to establish a 40-foot hydroponic container farm—an indoor, soil-free system designed to grow fresh produce and address systemic food access barriers.
"I am extremely excited to join Ponix to build stronger, more resilient communities while advancing the organization's vision of inclusive, sustainable agriculture," said Cathleen Richardson, president and executive director of Ponix's upcoming nonprofit arm. "My approach will focus on leveraging the power of innovation, collaboration, and education to empower individuals and communities to grow fresh, sustainable food and drive long-term impact."
For more information:
Ponix Farms
https://ponixfarms.com/