Meet Our Team: Eno Akan-Etuk

October 30, 2026

Meet one of the newest members of our team, Eno Akan-Etuk, who joined us in January 2026 as our Events & Partnerships Coordinator.

Tell us a bit about you, your background, and what brought you to Foodwise?

I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of food, creativity, and community. I grew up in a tight-knit Nigerian community where there was always something to celebrate, so there was always food involved. Between picnics, dance rehearsals, monthly get-togethers, and family parties, I fondly became a prep cook at home and got an intimate look at the behind-the-scenes work that goes into bringing people together.

That interest followed me into college, where I coordinated events, facilitated workshops, directed cultural shows, and even designed my own major combining art, psychology, and sociology. After college, I worked in operations and events, most recently managing food truck pop-ups and bespoke catering events throughout the Bay Area. My previous role helped me realize I love food, I love creating experiences, and I’m endlessly curious about the people and stories behind them. That drive to peek behind the scenes and get a more intimate understanding of what goes into the food on my plate was a big motivation for me joining Foodwise.

What does your work at Foodwise look like in action? 

My role is on the Development Team, where I help create experiences that connect groups to our farmers markets while supporting our fundraising efforts. Whether it’s a market tour, market activation, or pop-up farmstand (where we bring a bit of the magic to your office), I get to design engaging, seamless experiences that give people a chance to experience Foodwise firsthand. I also help manage major fundraisers like Sunday Supper, our annual fundraising gala and one of the most important nights of the year for Foodwise. It brings together farmers, chefs, and community members for an evening centered around good food and raising critical funds to support our markets, education programs, and work toward a healthier, more equitable food system.

What inspires or motivates you about your work? 

I love hosting. I genuinely enjoy curating experiences that bring people together, and as a creative, I think shared experiences are such a fundamental part of building community. I want folks to feel comfortable showing up, being present, engaging with the people around them, and hopefully leaving with more than they came with. 

What’s something that you wish people understood better about Foodwise’s work or your work at Foodwise? 

A lot of care goes into being an intentional steward of the work we do. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some amazing colleagues, and it’s clear across the organization that people are deeply invested in what they do. I hope people can see that care and personal connection in all of our work, from the market to the education programs and partnerships behind the scenes.

I also hope people recognize that this work is a continuous effort, made possible by the people who choose to support Foodwise, whether through volunteering, donating, partnering with us, or shopping the markets. It really is a community effort, and that continued support is what allows us to keep doing this work.

What do you do to recharge outside of work? 

I love creating art, whether that’s painting or crafting. I also enjoy visiting museums and pop-ups, going on walks, trying new food, listening to podcasts, watching the latest Nollywood movie, and sleeping. Catching up with friends is another favorite pastime, as I consider myself a professional yapper.

At the core of it, I love learning about the creative process behind making something, whether that’s hearing an artist talk about their work or chatting with a chef about a new dish.

Do you have any favorite farmers market tips you can share? 

I have a few! Ask for extra mole sauce when you get tamales from Tonantzin Mexican Cuisine. Seriously, it’s so good I can never get enough.

Also, pay attention to what’s in season! I didn’t realize how short cherry season was until I started working here. I’m still getting to know all of our vendors, but I’ve especially enjoyed working with Green Thumb Farms, K&J Orchards, and Rojas Family Farms. And if you stop by K&J on Tuesdays, ask about their secret menu.

What does “food wisdom” mean to you?

To me, food wisdom is about having a connection to your food, and that connection can look different for everyone. It might be understanding the nutritional value of what you eat, knowing where it comes from, or recognizing the emotional connection we have with food.

For me, food wisdom is also about the feelings food evokes. It’s in the way you instinctively know what spread to create for a certain gathering, or how a particular dish can bring you right back to a person or place. It’s that connection between what we eat and how it makes us feel, beyond its nutritional value.

Anything else you want to share?

I’ve really enjoyed leaning into my work as another creative outlet, and I’m excited to exercise that creative muscle through bespoke experiences, meaningful partnerships, and new ways of bringing people together through food. If you’re interested in collaborating with Foodwise, I’d love to chat about how we can make your event feel unique to you and your group. Reach out here!

Topics: Meet Our Team