We are pleased to announce that Arzeena Hamir has joined the LUSH Valley leadership team as our Operations Director! Arzeena will support and strengthen the continued leadership of our Executive Director, with a focus on strengthening our food security programs, supporting local farmers, and helping LUSH Valley build a more resilient local food system.
We’re also delighted to share that Executive Director, Maurita Prato, will continue to be a guiding force at LUSH! Maurita’s vision and dedication has shaped LUSH Valley into the impactful organization it is today. With Arzeena on board, we are embracing a unique co-leadership model that adds capacity to our organization and allows us to be more responsive, collaborative, and innovative in addressing the complex issues around food justice and access in the Comox Valley.
“We have chosen Arzeena for this position for her proven leadership in sustainable agriculture, her deep roots in the Comox Valley, and her strong alignment with our mission to build resilient, equitable food systems. It is a very exciting addition to our team that will help LUSH Valley continue to grow and adapt to meet the needs in our community, and work towards our vision of local food at the heart of community well-being” says Maurita.
Arzeena has worked with LUSH for many years, as a produce supplier and workshop facilitator, and supported the launch of the Comox Valley Food Policy Council. Her extensive experience and deep commitment to sustainable food security will support and strengthen our mission of nurturing food systems and strengthening community connections.
“I’m thrilled and honoured to be joining the LUSH Valley team,” says Hamir. “This is an organization I’ve held in such high regard and have worked with since 2012 when I first arrived in the Comox Valley. LUSH is an incredible asset to our community and I am so pleased to support the organization moving forward.”
Arzeena has an extensive background in sustainable food systems, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Crop Science from the University of Guelph and a Master’s degree in Sustainable Agriculture from Wye College, University of England. She was a CUSO volunteer in Thailand for two years (and still speaks rudimentary Thai) and completed her Master’s research in Gujarat, India studying indigenous agricultural knowledge.
Upon returning to Canada, Arzeena was the Staff Agrologist for West Coast Seeds from 1997-99 and then worked with the Richmond Sharing Farm, a non-profit group that grows food for the Richmond Food Bank. She was heavily involved in food security programs in her home community of Richmond, establishing the Richmond Food Security Society serving as the first ED from 2008-2012. Her role entailed managing the City’s 200 community garden plots, teaching organic gardening classes, developing community kitchens and holding food preservation classes.
In 2012, Arzeena moved her family to the Comox Valley to start Amara Farm, a 26-acre certified organic farm. She also volunteered with CV Seed Savers and helped to establish the Mid Island Farmer’s Institute. Along with a number of local parents, Arzeena started the community’s first Salad Bar program at Huband Park Elementary and supported other schools like Lake Trail, Robb Road and Isfeld to start similar programs.
Arzeena also comes with experience in the political realm, having been elected as Area B Director and Vice Chair at the Comox Valley Regional District from 2018-2022 and having run for the BC Green Party in 2024. Charitable organizations are, by definition, non-partisan. As a registered charity, LUSH Valley’s work has and will continue to include non-partisan advocacy, centered in our organizational values and vision, serving the entire community and working collaboratively with people of all political beliefs.
Together, with Maurita and Arzeena at the helm, we are looking forward to strengthening and growing our programs to continue to increase community access to healthy local food and support local farmers. Welcome to the team, Arzeena!
