Rashida Ferdinand

Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Sankofa Community Development Corporation

Nourishing New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward

Location: Louisiana
Website: Healthy Heart Community Prevention Project
Donation amount: $10,000

Rashida Ferdinand has been tackling the New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward’s most pressing issues head-on since 2008, when she founded Sankofa CDC to address public health, environmental restoration, and economic development in underserved communities.

At the heart of Rashida's work is the Fresh Start Market - a 1,600 sq ft green grocery that opened its doors in 2024. Here, residents find affordable, locally sourced produce, breaking the cycle of food insecurity that has long plagued the area.

But Rashida's vision extends far beyond the market shelves. The Community Teaching Kitchen offers hands-on nutrition education and cooking classes that empower residents to make healthier choices. Free health screenings and partnerships with local healthcare providers address chronic conditions that disproportionately affect the predominantly black, low-income population.

What sets Rashida apart is her understanding that true community health encompasses more than just food and medicine. Her work with Sankofa CDC spans environmental restoration, economic resilience, and neighborhood revitalization - creating a holistic approach to wellness that addresses the root causes of health disparities.

Rashida's commitment to community-driven solutions is steadfast. By involving residents throughout the process, she ensures that Sankofa CDC's initiatives is a collaborative spirit that has turned ambitious dreams into tangible realities, like the Fresh Start Market.

In a neighborhood that has faced more than its fair share of challenges, Rashida Ferdinand stands as a testament to the power of grassroots action and unwavering dedication. Through her work, she's not just improving access to healthcare - she's nurturing the very soul of the Lower Ninth Ward, one initiative at a time.

The Sankofa Fresh Start Market is more than a grocery store; it’s a cornerstone of a broader movement to build a healthier, more sustainable future for the Lower Ninth Ward.” “What started as New Orleans residents leading the recovery of their community after Hurricane Katrina has become a replicable model for holistic community development, ensuring food justice and empowering the community to thrive.

We believe in uplifting healthy environments for everyone and that real change happens when we practice equity and justice for all, through respect, resource investments, and mission-aligned partnerships.