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Urban Growers Collective Circular Economy Discussion & Optional Farm Tour

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Trek Climate Community Economic Development Environment Giving Something Back Neighborhood Office Visit Outdoors Social Impact Sustainability

Fri, May 15, 2026

12 PM – 1 PM CDT (GMT-5)

Zoom/Urban Growers Collective South Chicago Farm

9000 South Mackinaw Avenue, Chicago, IL 60617, United States

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Sales Start May 1, 2026 at 1 AM Sales End May 15, 2026 at 1 AM Availability Unlimited Price FREE

Details

Join us for an incredible opportunity to learn about circular economies, community empowerment, and a founder's journey in this unique, two-part event! Erika Allen, founder and CEO of the Urban Growers Collective and the Green Era biodigester located on the South Side, will join us for a webinar in Part 1, and in Part 2, you will have the opportunity to see her leadership at work at the Urban Growers Collective's South Side Farm.

Part 1: Friday, May 15 12-1 PM (Zoom)

Erika will join us for a virtual chat during which she will share her journey, rich with themes of the circular economy, just access to capital, and the challenges of netting social returns in the VC arena. Following her short overview of the work she leads, Erika will take audience questions in a two-way dialogue.

Part 2: Saturday, May 23 9AM-12PM (Urban Grower Collective's South Chicago Farm)

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and aromas of a vibrant and abundant urban farm in South Chicago. You will get to stroll through the farm and discover how UGC optimizes urban spaces to grow an abundance of fresh produce for the community. 

After the tour, UGC will host an optional volunteering session, during which you will learn hands-on about everything from planting seeds, weeding, and transplanting seedlings to nurturing plants. There are plenty of tasks suited to different skill levels and physical abilities. Not only will you be actively contributing to the farm, but you’ll be making a meaningful impact on the local community. 

Note that in order to register for the Farm Tour and volunteer event, you MUST register directly with UGC at the following link:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/university-of-chicago-volunteer-day-tickets-1988562727649?aff=oddtdtcreator 

[Space is limited for the volunteer experience so please complete the external registration at your earlierst convenience to confirm your spot if you would like to participate in this portion]

The Rustandy Center has generously agreed to subsidize rideshare passes to enable participation. Details will follow to registered attendees.
 
Dress Casual (jeans ok)

Where

Zoom/Urban Growers Collective South Chicago Farm

9000 South Mackinaw Avenue, Chicago, IL 60617, United States

Speakers

Erika Allen's profile photo

Erika Allen

Founder and CEO

Urban Growers Collective

Erika Allen (she/her) is the founder and CEO for Urban Growers Collective; president of Green ERA Educational NFP; and co-owner of Green Era Sustainability Partners. Allen founded and served as the director of Growing Power – Chicago from 2002 to 2017. She co-founded the Chicago Food Policy Action Council; serves on the board of Grow Greater Englewood and Leadership Council for Growing Home; and is an advisor for the Community Food Navigator project. Allen was appointed to the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education (ICAE) from 2022-2024. The former Biden administration appointed Allen to the Farm Service Agency Committee for Illinois. She is also co-chair of the Food Equity Council for the City of Chicago. 

Sponsors

Rustandy Center. Chicago Booth Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation Logo

Hosted By

Booth Corporate Sustainability Club (E/W) | Website | View More Events