Lei Deng
Involvement with Fit and Food: Board Vice Chair, Development Committee
About Lei: I am a fee only Certified Financial Planner® and Principal at Core Planning. I came to the United States to pursue my master's at Washington University in St. Louis and have stayed in this beautiful city ever since. My husband and I have two beautiful children. We’re a family of foodies that enjoy exploring different cultures through food.
Why I volunteer: I really love Fit and Food's mission of healthy living. A lot of communities don’t access to fresh produce, not to mention the luxury of fitness classes to take care of their bodies. Fit and Food provides these types of valuable resources that also serve as first step to stop the downward spiral: unhealthy food - chronic illness – loss of employment and/or unaffordable medical bills that further pushes people into poverty. The benefit of Fit and Food’s work really compounds and will have ripple effects for generations to come. I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to help serve this cause.
Favorite quote: “Whether you think you can or can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford.
Madt Mallinckrodt
Involvement with Fit and Food: Board Treasurer, Finance Committee
About Madt: Washington University, 1979 BA, Urban Studies & Teacher Education, currently retired but retaining several clients for bookkeeping and payroll processing, have owned a few small businesses in the area including Café Balaban (with partners) from 1986 through 1996.
Why I Volunteer: Joy and Gabi have started something wonderful here, and I am delighted to contribute a small part toward nurturing their dream. My wife worked for the St. Louis Area Food Bank early in our marriage, I became aware of the challenges to providing nutritious food to the community. I love the idea of combining fitness with nutrition.
Favorite Quote: “Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny.” - Goethe
Rodneca Skinner
Involvement in Fit and Food: Board Secretary, Finance Committee, Events Planning Committee
Why I Volunteer: I have always wanted to give back to the community, and the Fit and Food Connection is a great fit to do so. I have recognized the importance of health and wellness in my life, so it's amazing to know that our clients are benefitting from the programs are offered to them. Not only does The Fit and Food Connection encourage our clients, but I am encouraged as well!
Favorite Quote: "The best things in life are on the other side of fear." - Will Smith
Scott Gill
Involvement in Fit and Food: Finance Committee
About Scott: I am a Senior Financial Executive with over 30 years of experience working with middle market companies. I have been married to my fantastic wife, Ashley, for 28 years and we are the proud parents of an amazing daughter, Alison. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Tennessee and a Masters in Business Administration from Northwestern University.
Why I volunteer: I was raised to always try to leave something in better condition than you found it. I believe very strongly that the world would be a much better and happier place if everyone used this mindset to address the many problems facing all corners of the world. The grassroots nature and mission of Fit & Food Connection is a great example of this mindset!
Favorite quote: "To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift." - Steve Prefontaine
Aisha Muhammad
Involvement in Fit and Food: Board Member
About Aisha: I graduated from the Missouri University of Science & Technology in 2020 with a BA in Biological Sciences with an emphasis in freshwater ecology. I’ve always had a passion for biology and the natural world, so I chose to turn my passion into my career. I currently work for the Missouri Department of Conservation as a Community Conservation Liaison where I focus on equitably connecting communities to nature. I love the fact that I get to engage with new people and form meaningful partnerships that make St. Louis a better place to live for everyone. In my free time, I enjoy spending time in nature, going on picnics, hiking, swimming, kayaking, gardening, or foraging. I also enjoy, reading, writing, art, being active, and cooking and baking for my friends and family.
Why I Volunteer: I decided to volunteer with The Fit and Food Connection because everything that the organization stands for aligns with my own values. I am a firm believer that access to healthy food, healthy natural spaces, and an abundance of opportunities for rest and wellness are human rights, and The Fit and Food Connection works to bridge the gaps between these facets of life and people who don’t have adequate access to these said facets. If opportunities for health and wellness are present, then a baseline of stability can be created from which all communities can thrive.
Favorite Quote: “So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.” – Gandalf the Grey; J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings