Meet Lettecia ("Elle") Rayson, Member of the Board, Collective Roots

Hi, my name is Lettecia Rayson. My friends simply call me "Elle". I am a paralegal by profession, but my deepest aspirations are in the area of human service. I am an enduring optimist and I believe in the utilitarian principle of doing what achieves the greatest good for the greatest number. I enjoy supporting activities and projects that build and preserve a sense of community, and that serve the human spirit by empowering individuals to continual achievement and self-sustaining independence.

I grew up in East Palo Alto (EPA), California. Like many EPA residents I am often frustrated to watch my beloved city struggle to 'make do' with so little, particularly when surrounded by so much abundance. No city within the borders of a state boasting the world's eighth largest economy, or that is the world's fifth largest supplier of food and agriculture commodities, should ever want for access to quality foods, fresh fruits, vegetables,...or a full service grocery store/supermarket.

Collective Roots is an organization at work in my community with a history of advocacy for food justice. I became involved with Collective Roots out of my passion for the community of East Palo Alto and a desire to work for better food quality and accessibility for its residents. My name is not prestigious. I have no distinguished professional pedigree to quote. I am just a mom, trying to do my part to make the space where I live better. In that capacity I work and advocate for a variety of issues that I believe will benefit the deserving residents and community of East Palo Alto.

“I believe anything worth the having is worth the doing, and anything worth the doing is worth the passion and commitment it requires.” – L. ("Elle") Rayson, 2007

Please help us achieve our goal to establish a Farmer's Market in East Palo Alto.

Saree Mading, Board Member and Administrator at East Palo Alto Charter School, has written an amazing letter about Collective Roots' initiative to develop the East Palo Alto Community Farmers’ Market. If you have a few minutes, please click here to view this inspiring letter. I am hoping that once you have read Saree’s letter and reviewed the programs that were are featured on our website, you will be inspired to make a donation to Collective Roots.

Nearly 40% of our budget is contributed in-kind. This means that every dollar you give is matched with the generosity of others that stretches precious resources even further. We offer a variety of ways for donors to make a contribution. I can mail you a letter (the old-fashioned way) with a remit envelope, or you can simply click here to make a tax-deductible donation online. Our online donation form is easy to use and only takes a couple of minutes.

There are many ways that you can join our efforts and support the work of Collective Roots. We welcome your involvement as a volunteer. Please review our many volunteer opportunities by clicking here.

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Elle graduated magna cum laude from Menlo College with a bachelor's degree in Management. She is an active member of many other civic and community boards and committees. Elle is the proud mother of one child and her home, heart, and community is in the City of East Palo Alto, California.