THOR-rul KAWN-TRAK-ter
I’ve been working in human-centered design work for the past 20 years in the Washington, D.C. area. I’ve had the opportunity to work in a lot of different industries and spaces, but more than half of my time has been working in civic tech and where I’ve been most proud. I like to tack
About Me
A product management leader with 20 years of experience in human-centered design, combining expertise in human factors, systems engineering and psychology to drive impactful, customer-focused strategies. I lead with empathy and am skilled in leading cross-functional teams, facilitating collaboration, coaching leaders, and prioritizing actionable insights while being a collegial partner. I champion ethical, inclusive, and innovative solutions. I am passionate about simplifying complex challenges and creating seamless experiences to make people’s lives easier. I enjoy helping organizations grow and mature by centering their internal processes, products, services, and experiences around their customers.
“Avia Perviamay difficult paths be easy to walk
— Giovanni Maria Barbieri, 1561
Massimo Bottura The words “Avia Pervia” are written on Modena’s coat of arms dating back to the 13th century. The Latin expression insists that the difficult is never impossible; that there is always a solution, and even the most difficult paths can be walked. This motto is the spirit of Modena. Modena is not a tourist capital. Many people do not know where it is. Modena is the unexpected. The small town that could. A medieval town with winding cobblestone streets, an 11th century Unesco Romanesque church, artisan shops and family run trattorias are surrounded by the rich farmland of Emilia Romagna. This is where I was born and where I chose to open Osteria Francescana because balsamic vinegar runs in my blood and my bones are made of Parmigiano Reggiano. Modena is the land of slow food and fast cars. This is our tradition of excellence and our identity.
Our Mission
Kent County is one of the most severely underserved communities in Tennessee. To combat this adversity, Project Sprout seeks to nourish our neighbors at the most fundamental level with healthy food options and a strong support network. All members get a portion of each harvest and surpluses are donated to low-income families whose work schedules prevent them from volunteering.
60%
of families bibendum eleifend
30%
interdum mauris egestas non
10%
Maecenas a ultricies elit
With ten gardens and counting, Project Sprout has seen a significant improvement in mental and physical health for all participating community members. Other than lowering obesity, blood pressure, and depression rates, the crime rate has also fallen. Our children are doing better in school, reporting higher grades and aspirations, and better job prospects.
Get Involved
If you live near one of our gardens, get involved to receive portions of each harvest. We accept volunteers regardless of skill level. There is a rotation in roles, but we’ll teach you all the skills you need to know. Teenagers 14 years and older can earn community service credits for school in addition to getting produce for their families. Donations are also vital to our growth, as we use them for seed, fertilizer, tools, and outreach.