Meet Our Team: Kalena Wang
June 2, 2025
Meet one of the newest members of our team, Kalena Wang, who joined Foodwise in November 2024 as our Development Coordinator, supporting Foodwise’s fundraising efforts and volunteer program.
Tell us a bit about you, your background, and what brought you to Foodwise?
My background is in education and environmental science. Prior to joining Foodwise, I facilitated educational programs for immigrant youth and conducted data analysis at an environmental consulting firm. I’m passionate about supporting community-based programs that advance environmental and educational justice, which is at the center of Foodwise’s work. In my personal life, I also love spending time with my friends and family by cooking and sharing food together.
What does your work at Foodwise look like in action?
At Foodwise, I manage our donor database in Salesforce, coordinate our volunteer program, facilitate individual giving campaigns, and support other fundraising activities. This means that some days I’m working on analyzing our donor data to better inform our development strategy, and other days I’m running an orientation to onboard new volunteers. I enjoy the variety of analytical work and “people work” I get to do through my role.
What inspires or motivates you about your work?
I come from a Chinese and Taiwanese family where sharing food is an act of care and a means for gathering. At Foodwise, I’m motivated by the community and relationships that are built through our work and programs. Whether it’s youth connecting with farmers and trying produce they haven’t tried before, market shoppers talking to volunteers at Veggie Valet, or event guests learning about a local chef, I’m constantly inspired by the people and communities that Foodwise brings together.
What’s something that you wish people understood better about Foodwise’s work?
I want to highlight the importance of volunteers! Supporting Foodwise isn’t limited to donating money, and volunteering time and expertise as a volunteer is vital to our ability to execute our work and mission. At Foodwise, I’ve been impressed by the dedication and experience of the dozens of volunteers who are integral to running Foodwise’s youth programs, market services, cooking demos and more. It has been wonderful to connect with volunteers and see the friendships they’ve built with Foodwise staff, sellers, and each other.
What do you do to recharge outside of work?
Spending time outdoors helps me recharge, whether it’s a quick walk through the park near my apartment or an overnight camping trip. I also enjoy rock climbing, learning to crochet, and watching reality TV.
Do you have any favorite farmers market tips you can share?
It’s pretty simple, but challenge yourself to try something new! I can be a creature of habit, but at farmers markets I always aim to let what’s in season guide my choices to select things that are not on my standard grocery list. Actively making that decision leads to finding new foods I enjoy, dishes to cook, and learning more about produce.
What does “food wisdom” mean to you?
To me, “food wisdom” encompasses the cultural, historical, and personal knowledge that we possess through our lived experiences growing, cooking, and eating food. I believe this wisdom is why food is so personal and meaningful, and how community is built around sharing and learning about food.
Anything else you want to share?
I relocated to the Bay last summer after living in the Boston area for a long time. If we get a chance to connect, I’d love to hear all of your food, outdoors, and other SF and Bay Area recs!
Topics: Meet Our Team