The Executive Team

Amelia C.

Founder & Executive Director

Amelia is a junior from the Washington D.C. area, deeply committed to advancing the food system and providing healthier food options for those in need. After moving to America, she was struck by how heavily food-insecure communities in the U.S. rely on ultraprocessed donations, foods linked to long-term health issues. To combat this issue, she founded Mindful Meals in February of 2025, aiming to break down the issue of health that arises from unhealthy foods that are commonly seen in food donations, education, and policies.

Bayann H.

Director of Education

Bayann is a junior at McLean High School who carries her cultural identity into everything she does, especially her work around food, health, and education. Bayann believes education is one of the most powerful ways to break cycles of inequality and promote lasting health. Outside of school, she runs a small baking business called Brown Butter NOVA, where she caters baked goods inspired by her Palestinian roots. Owning a food-based business opened her eyes to the deep disparities in food access that exist even in my own community. Through conversations with customers, attending events, and making deliveries, she saw firsthand that many families don’t have consistent access to fresh, healthy ingredients, which hit her hard.