Chonnie Richey is a passionate leader, speaker, an expert on food insecurity, and the visionary founder of Independence Gardens. With over 25 years of experience spanning healthcare strategy, nonprofit leadership, and youth empowerment, Chonnie is known for cultivating bold ideas that grow sustainable impact.

Through her work with Independence Gardens, she is leading a movement to transform how communities think about food, youth leadership, and climate resilience. From building gardens in schools to hosting national events like “Girls Save the World” and the “Come and EAT IT” Program, Chonnie helps audiences see that every child — and every leader — can be a seed of change.

As a sought-after speaker and leadership coach, Chonnie brings energy, clarity, and heart to every stage. Whether addressing national conferences, hosting interactive workshops, or mentoring the next generation of changemakers, she empowers people to innovate, collaborate, and lead with purpose.