Madeline M. Pears
Madeline Pears is a seasoned food systems and business strategist with over 13 years of experience working at the intersection of agriculture, food access, and economic equity. Currently serving as Program Coordinator for the Delta Regional Food Business Center, she leads the implementation of a $30 million USDA-funded initiative spanning five states. In this role, Madeline facilitates partnerships among federal agencies, local organizations, and community stakeholders to support small and mid-sized farm and food businesses. Her work focuses on capacity building, technical assistance, and equitable economic development in rural and underserved communities.
Madeline holds a dual MBA and MA in Food Studies from Chatham University, bringing a holistic and values-driven approach to strategic planning and program development. With a deep passion for building resilient, just food systems, she specializes in stakeholder engagement, communications, grant coordination, and collaborative problem-solving. Whether coordinating regional initiatives, crafting training tools, or guiding community-focused food business strategies, Madeline brings structure, creativity, and a commitment to equity to every project she undertakes.
• ServSafe Manager
• University of Louisiana at Lafayette- Bachelor's
• Chatham University- M.B.A.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being able to pivot when challenges arise and adapt to whatever the moment calls for.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to find what brings you the most joy and let that guide the work you pursue.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is navigating the rapidly changing climate and its impact on food systems, which also presents a critical opportunity to innovate and build more resilient, equitable models.