Seeking inspiration for bringing the jewels of late summer harvests, eggplants and tomatoes, to the table? Join our September Speaker Series as Alicia Milligan, Lead Farmer, Educator, and Chef at Community Farm Collaborative, for a celebration of seasonal cooking through Eggplant Bharta, a traditional Indian dish. This summertime favorite combines eggplant, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices—all ripening at once—into a smoky, flavorful dish. What Alicia first learned about cooking with fresh, whole foods came from Indian cuisine, where she discovered how simple ingredients, when combined, create beautifully complex flavors.
Through Community Farm Collaborative, Alicia’s vision is to cultivate deep- rooted connection by growing, preparing, and sharing food. Her mission is to empower others through food education, expand access to locally grown produce, and nurture a sense of belonging through the simple act of eating together.
In 2025, Alicia partnered with Matthew and Michele Shelley of 3 Cedars Farm in Sherwood, where they now farm five acres of produce and chickens while building toward a shared vision of hosting community farm events and dinners. She also carried her farm-to-table philosophy into the kitchen at C’est Si Bon, a French bistro and wine bar, where she created meals with food she helped grow.
Photo courtesy of Alicia Milligan
Alicia Milligan is a farmer, educator, builder, chef, and sustainable food advocate with over 15 years of experience in farming and gardening. Her journey began in 2013 as a farm intern at FoodWaves, where she gained hands-on experience in small-scale organic farming—skills she soon applied to launch her own venture, Ginger Mountain Farmstead, in 2014. Deeply committed to food justice and access, Alicia joined the FoodWaves Board of Directors in 2018. There, she helped develop the Small-Acreage Market Farm Internship Program (SAMFIP), mentored new farmers, led fundraising efforts, and managed grants to expand the organization’s reach and impact.
Beyond the field, Alicia has built a career in environmental consulting and education. As a Project Manager at ECOnorthwest, she led initiatives in natural resource management, estuary restoration, economic valuation of outdoor recreation, and tourism analysis. She also owned and operated her own general contracting business, focusing on residential remodels and urban farm installations, bringing sustainability and beauty to both homes and landscapes. In addition, she served as a college professor at Portland State University and Portland Community College, where she taught GIS and provided geospatial career counseling.
Register HERE in advance.
Free event. All welcome.
