#65 Kim Ford, Martha's Table

Two dynamic forces have come together to create opportunity and equity in Washington DC's historically underserved Black neighborhoods. One is Martha's Table, a nonprofit whose mission is to support strong children, strong families and strong communities. It transforms the lives of Ward 5, 6, 7 and 8 residents through high-quality education programs, access to healthy food, and family support services. Most recently, it opened The Commons, a 43,000 square foot facility in Ward 8, where babies are cared for, children learn to read, and parents shop in markets, at no cost, for delicious and healthy fruit and vegetables. The other factor is Kim Ford, an accomplished leader and DC native, who recently signed on as the new executive director. Kim, a veteran of the Obama Administration and the former Dean of Workforce Development at the University of the District of Columbia Community College, is a relentless champion of DC families. She sees herself as a partner to the residents that Martha's Table serves and rejects the notion of organizations as saviors and providers of second chances. This is the model of development that our communities need and deserve.