Born and raised in the Valley, Jonnie went to art school in Oakland, CA where they ended up being more interested in the social practice and activism side of art making. Being most moved by learning of the local history around the Black Panther Party and their historic free breakfast program, Jonnie became very involved in mutual aid work when they moved back home to LA before the pandemic, most often passing out meals provided by Hollywood Food Coalition to the unhoused community of the West Valley.

Coming from a bakery and professional cake decorating background, Jonnie switched their focus to food recovery and housing advocacy and has since managed numerous on-site and pop-up food pantry locations throughout LA as well as worked as a direct caseworker. Jonnie is excited to be the Food Rescue & Distribution Supervisor at Hollywood Food Coalition!