ATLANTA — Karen Caplan, CEO of Frieda’s Specialty Produce, will lead as mistress of ceremonies at the Pillars of EARTH: Sustainable Leadership Awards on October 14th at the Hotel Palomar in Atlanta, Georgia. The event will celebrate the 20th anniversary of EARTH University while showcasing leaders of sustainability from the state of Georgia.
“EARTH University is producing some truly capable young leaders in sustainable agri-business, and this awards program highlights some positive role models for the students.” Caplan said.
EARTH is a private, non-profit university based in Costa Rica that offers educational opportunities in sustainable agriculture to students in Latin America and the Caribbean. Eighty percent of the students are granted full or partial scholarships, made possible by donations to the EARTH University Foundation, based in Atlanta. Since 2002, Frieda’s Inc. has been donating to EARTH’s scholarship program, as well as working with interns and graduates from EARTH. Aldo Bettoni, a recent EARTH graduate from Costa Rica, was hired by Frieda’s this year as the new Strategic Business Analyst.
“Frieda’s has long been a supporter of EARTH and its missions are aligned with our company’s own values and sustainability efforts,” Caplan added.
The recipients of the Pillars of EARTH: Sustainable Leadership Awards include Ciannat Howett, Emory University’s first director of sustainability initiatives; Daron ‘Farmer D’ Joffe, an organic/biodynamic farmer, environmental educator and social entrepreneur; and John Burgess. president and COO of Coca-Cola Recycling. In addition, the Foundation will honor Jane and Dameron Black, III with a special Lifetime Achievement Award for their commitment to EARTH University and their dedication to the sustainable growth of the Atlanta community.
Source: Frieda's Inc.