Our Team.
Food for Brains is a women-led initiative focused on feeding university students and supporting bright minds in our community. Through shared meals, education, and partnerships, we work to reduce food insecurity and ensure that students have the nourishment they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
Founder
Marcela Jara
Marcela, a Chilean native of Mapuche ancestry and Canadian citizen, is a retired WestJet employee and the founder of Food for Brains. Her lifelong passion for helping others and ensuring no one goes hungry drives the heart of this initiative.
Co-Founder
Catalina van der Smit
Catalina is a fourth-year Bachelor of Medical Microbiology student at UBC Okanagan and co-founder of the Food for Brains Society. With Indigenous Mapuche and Afrikaans ancestry. She has a strong commitment to community well-being, she brings energy, vision, and student perspective to the organization.
Director
Bianca Migueles
Bianca is a recent graduate of the Veterinary Technology program at Thompson Rivers University. With Mapuche ancestry and a deep passion for caring for animals and vulnerable populations, she brings compassion and dedication to our mission.
Executive Director
Launa Lee Payne
Launa is the Executive Director of Rise Up Indigenous Wellness and a strong advocate for food sovereignty and Indigenous healing. A firm believer that the land is medicine, she works tirelessly to ensure food security for her community. Launa is also the author of two books, Heartbeat of the Earth and Whispers of the Earth.
