Meet our Staff
Michelle Reining, Executive Director
Michelle Reining brings over a decade of experience working on health and human rights issues in the Asia-Pacific region to the Vancouver Food Runners team. As a researcher and project manager with leading national and regional nonprofits (CARAM Asia, Asia-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women, and Health Equity Initiatives), her work primarily focused on access to health care for equity-seeking communities. During her three years as a steering committee member with Health Equity Initiatives, she played a key role in fundraising and strategic planning. Michelle is the co-chair of the Vancouver Food Policy Council and a steering committee member of the Vancouver Food Justice Coalition. She has an MSc in Public Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, an MA in Anthropology from UVic, and a BA in Psychology from UBC.
Kelsey Barker, Program Manager
Volunteer & Community Engagement (On Maternity Leave)
Kelsey brings her years of experience in food business and food systems research to this position. She is passionate about sustainability and connecting with the wonderful volunteers that make VFR's mission possible. Kelsey holds a BA in Geography from UBC, a Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems & Security from KPU, and is currently working on completing her MA in Environmental Practice at Royal Roads University. Kelsey is the Garden Coordinator at her local community garden and enjoys championing the importance of access to green space and connection to growing your own food.
Adelyn Chan, Program Manager
Partnerships & Expansion Planning
Adelyn is the Program Manager for partnerships and expansion at Vancouver Food Runners. She holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Victoria and brings years of experience in front-line work with those struggling with precarious housing situations, addiction, or their mental health. Her prior roles include case management, a shelter and outreach worker for youth, and in employee relations on the Downtown Eastside. She has seen first-hand how food can be an important connection between individuals and the resources in their communities. Adelyn is passionate about working with community partners to improve food security in Metro Vancouver.
Mahjobeh Badakhsh, Program Manager
Volunteer & Community Engagement (Temporary)
Mahjobeh brings over 10 years of experience in community development and a deep understanding of the community-based food sector to her role as the interim Program Manager of Volunteers & Community Engagement at Vancouver Food Runners. In recognition of her service to the community, she was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Mahjobeh holds a BA in International Studies from SFU and is currently pursuing further studies in Program & Project Management. Previously, she served as the Program Manager at Food Stash Foundation, where she led the Rescued Food Box and Volunteer programs. Her work also focused on tackling the intersecting issues of food waste and food insecurity at a systemic level.
Mahjobeh is excited to work alongside Vancouver Food Runners' incredible team of volunteers and is eager to continue the shared efforts to build a more equitable, just, and sustainable food system.
Courtney Lau, Communications & Development Specialist
Courtney Lau graduated with a B.Sc. in Food, Nutrition, and Health, with a minor in Commerce, from the University of British Columbia (UBC) and was involved in research that examined student perceptions of just, equitable, and dignified food access during her time at UBC. Her connections to climate sustainability and food sovereignty continue to grow during her time with Vancouver Food Runners. Courtney has completed internships working with United Way British Columbia - Lower Mainland Region and the South Vancouver Neighborhood House Food Hub, gaining multiple perspectives within Vancouver's food system.
Clarissa Dixon, Program Coordinator
As Program Coordinator, Logistics, Clarissa supports VFR’s daily operations, which include providing assistance to volunteers, and matching food donations with nonprofit recipients. Clarissa holds a BA in Sociology from the University of British Columbia (UBC). Through a UBC program, she learned about the local nonprofit landscape in Vancouver, and studied how community spaces can inform food access. She also had the opportunity to volunteer at Food Stash Foundation, supporting their weekly rescued food market. In her spare time, Clarissa enjoys spending time with her senior chihuahua, gardening, and trying new sewing projects.
Alisha Rahemtulla, Program Coordinator
Alisha brings a deep passion for environmental stewardship and food security to Vancouver Food Runners, backed by over 9 years of experience in community-based organizations. With a background in Geography (GIS) and Social Entrepreneurship from McGill University, Alisha has worked in roles focused on natural resource conservation, food security, urban planning, and community engagement. Previously, Alisha served as the Community Engagement Officer at Iron & Earth, where she fostered collaboration with Indigenous communities, residents, and labor unions to promote renewable energy initiatives and upskilling programs. Before that, she worked as the Food Security Coordinator at Mount Pleasant Community Center, where she led food security programs for youth, working directly alongside volunteers to support the local community and vulnerable populations. In her spare time, Alisha enjoys a variety of athletic pursuits, including squash, beach volleyball, and cross-country skiing, alongside hobbies like improv comedy.
