Our Team

Our Founders

Cathy RodgersCo-Founder & President

Cathy A. Rodgers, is an executive with a keen passion for sustainability. She is a 33 year veteran of IBM, currently serving as Vice President of Global Opportunities, and is deeply involved in IBM’s Smarter Planet initiatives, where she helps to drive integrated sustainability solutions.

Cathy is long standing member of the Institute of Supply Management, Committee Chair for Sustainability & Social Responsibility and one of the original members of the Women Executives in Supply Management Advisory Counsel. Cathy has been a long time supporter of women and minorities in business, and was featured in the New York Times for her work with minorities in business development.

Cathy has visited close to 100 countries, and is both personally and professionally dedicated to advancing environmental and social development.

Katie EmickCo-Founder & Executive Director

Katie Emick has worked across many sectors managing nonprofit organizations, corporate citizenship programs, and international development projects.

She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo and her Master’s Degree from Thunderbird School of Global Management. Katie worked at DISH Network where she developed and managed the companywide corporate citizenship program. She also worked in Coca-Cola’s sustainability office and at a Buenos Aires-based NGO where she led an analysis on social investment in Argentina.

In 2016, Katie moved to Kenya to oversee Rooted In Hope’s projects in the field. She also served as an Analyst on the Portfolio & Investments team at the Skoll Foundation, where she helped source and implement funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations and changemakers around the globe.

Katie is passionate about global development and has led several environmental and social initiatives, including many of Rooted In Hope’s reforestation, drip irrigation, and sister-school programs.

Katie has visited over 40 countries and all seven continents. She recently completed her goal to run a half-marathon on every continent with her mother.

Jenny EmickCo-Founder & Board Member

Jenny is a design leader who has spent her career working in eCommerce, FinTech, and Green Energy. She is currently a Design Director at Square where she builds teams and products that enable merchants to run online business.

Jenny has traveled to five-dozen countries and is a member of the 7 Continents Club—having run a half marathon on all 7 continents. She is a Semester at Sea alumna, holds a Master’s Degree in International Development from University of San Francisco, and dual Bachelor’s Degrees in International Relations and Latin American Studies from CSU, Chico.

Prior to moving into Technology, Jenny worked with a number of nonprofits focused on commercial diplomacy, education, and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene).

She is a mother to a beautiful boy named Ro—and when she’s not building product experiences, she’s crafting elaborate blanket forts in her living room or getting lost in a book. Jenny currently serves on the Board of Directors for Rooted In Hope.

Our Board of Directors

MaryEllen BellBoard Member

Maryellen Bell has 20 years of experience, with a strong background in agronomy, soil assessment, field monitoring, and horticulture management. Maryellen is a well-rounded horticultural consultant focusing on diagnosis, management, and use of recycled water in landscapes. Her expertise is instrumental in advising on Rooted In Hope’s reforestation and small-farming programs.

Steve EmickBoard Member

Steve is passionate about supporting environmentally-focused organizations and has extensive experience working with leading agricultural and landscaping experts. With his strong financial acumen and background in accounting, Steve plays a key role in helping the organization budget for its programs and build upon its assets. He looks forward to joining his two daughters and the rest of the Rooted in Hope team.

Linda RodgersBoard Member

Linda is a serial entrepreneur with the passion and dedication to turn a vision into a reality. She started a successful floral business which she sold to pursue a career in real estate. Linda received her Bachelors Degree in Human Services, specializing in social work. Her skills and creativity are invaluable to the Rooted In Hope team.

Tami BonfanteBoard Member

Tami is a landscape professional with a wealth of knowledge about tree specimens, plant varieties, and nursery management. She currently works at Bonfante Specimen Trees where she oversees an extensive inventory of trees from seedling to maturity. Her experience, leadership, and enthusiasm help to drive Rooted In Hope’s programs both at home and abroad.

Our Interns

Hannah SnyderIntern

Hannah Snyder is a rising Junior at Tulane University where she has a double major in Public Health and Jewish Studies. Hannah is passionate about the environment, social causes and sustainability initiatives both local and global. While at Tulane, she is involved in Hillel, the on campus Jewish organization, Newcomb Scholars, the women’s honors cohort focused on interdisciplinary learning, leadership, and research, and the Residential Learning Community for women’s leadership empowerment. She is passionate about areas of public health concerning environmental, maternal and child health and educating younger generations. Before Tulane she spent her time actively engaged in youth programming at her temple, writing and leading social justice initiatives based on environmental sustainability and protection. Hannah loves to be involved, and can be found working at Hillel’s restaurant, teaching at the nearby religious school, volunteering at an urban farm, or exploring all the amazing culture of New Orleans with her friends. She currently lives with her family and mini labradoodle in northern California.