Michael Chaney, founder
Michael Chaney is the founder of Project Sweetie Pie and a co-founder of TheFamilyOfTrees.org and Growing North Minneapolis. He has become the Johnny Appleseed of urban farming in North Minneapolis and is also a member of the North side Green Zone Task Force, Midwest Coalition of Farmers Of Color, and The Minnesota Green New Deal Task Force.
As an activist, youth advocate, organizer, and cultural artist Michael has dedicated most of his adult life to implementing transformative initiatives and educational programming that provide real solutions to real problems for real people.
Catherine Fleming, CFO
Catherine Fleming is an IT professional and real estate developer involved with a number of environmental groups and initiatives in the Twin Cities, including light rail extension, the City of Minneapolis’s Green Zone Task Force, MICAH (Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing), the Environmental Justice Coordinating Council, and Project Sweetie Pie. Catherine is a proud North Minneapolis resident and a social advocate for her community.
Our Volunteers
Project Sweetie Pie runs on the principle of community engagement and connectivity. Our organization is entirely volunteer-based; our founders even work on a volunteer basis, dedicating years of their time to further efforts of food, climate, and racial justice. We would not be who we are without the passion and dedication of students, educators, organizers, and other community members who are a part of Project Sweetie Pie.
Project Sweetie Pie is powered by a diverse group of professionals and community members including:
- Youth at North High
- Youth in the Step Up program
- Community elders
- Faculty and students at the University of Minnesota
- Students and community members who act as garden stewards
- Members of Growing North and our other partner organizations
- And more!
Interested in joining our team?
