Key Takeaways
- Cathleen Richardson has been appointed as president and executive director of Ponix’s upcoming nonprofit arm, set to launch later this year.
- Ponix specializes in modular, climate-smart indoor farming and leads the Coalition for Food Security, a USDA-backed initiative with 24 minority farmers.
- Richardson brings 30 years of experience in education, technology, and community impact, including leadership roles at Apple’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative and the ConnectED Initiative.
- She will oversee business operations, fundraising, and strategic partnerships to strengthen local food production and economic resilience for urban and rural communities.
- The nonprofit will focus on agtech education, farmer support, and food security solutions.
Ponix Expands Leadership to Strengthen AgTech and Food Security Initiatives
Ponix, a minority-owned agricultural technology company, has appointed Cathleen Richardson as president and executive director of its nonprofit division. The nonprofit will focus on supporting minority farmers, expanding urban agriculture initiatives, and fostering workforce development in sustainable food production.
Ponix is recognized for its modular indoor farming solutions, which help address food security challenges in urban and rural communities. The company also leads the Coalition for Food Security, a $5 million USDA-backed initiative aimed at increasing equitable access to sustainable farming resources.
Richardson will be responsible for:
- Developing education programs to support new and existing farmers.
- Overseeing partnerships and funding efforts to expand Ponix’s nonprofit initiatives.
- Strengthening urban food production and economic resilience through agtech-driven solutions.
Richardson’s Background: Merging Education, Technology, and Agriculture
With nearly three decades of experience, Richardson has played a leading role in technology-driven education and equity initiatives. At Apple, she helped launch:
- The Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, a $100 million effort to increase education access through technology.
- The ConnectED Initiative, another $100 million program designed to bridge the digital divide for underserved communities.
“Cathleen Richardson’s expertise in education, strategic partnerships, and technology makes her the perfect leader for this initiative,” said Michael Choi, CEO of Ponix. “Her ability to integrate innovation and community empowerment will be essential in advancing Ponix’s mission.”
Strengthening AgTech Education & Workforce Development
Advancing Agriculture Education with PROPEL Center
Richardson has been a key figure in advancing agtech education and workforce development. While at Apple, she played a major role in launching the PROPEL Center, a $25 million innovation hub designed to support Black talent at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
As part of this initiative, she helped secure:
- $300,000 grants for Delaware State University (DESU) and the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) to expand agtech education.
- A 40-foot hydroponic container farm at DESU, developed in collaboration with Ponix, providing students with hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture.
- A scalable agtech curriculum for middle and high school students, created in partnership with Ponix and UDC to equip young learners with skills in indoor farming.
“I am honored to join Ponix in its mission to build stronger, more resilient communities,” said Cathleen Richardson. “By leveraging innovation, collaboration, and education, we can empower individuals to grow fresh, sustainable food and create lasting impact.”
Expanding Sustainable Agriculture & Economic Empowerment
Richardson will focus on scaling Ponix’s nonprofit initiatives, particularly in:
1. Supporting Minority Farmers & Strengthening Local Food Systems
- Expanding access to climate-smart indoor farming solutions.
- Enhancing economic opportunities through equitable partnerships.
- Promoting resource-sharing and policy support for sustainable agriculture.
2. Driving AgTech Innovation in Urban & Rural Communities
- Collaborating with academic institutions and industry partners to develop innovative farming solutions.
- Supporting initiatives that integrate hydroponics, vertical farming, and smart agriculture for increased efficiency.
3. Expanding Workforce Development & AgTech Training
- Creating education programs for young professionals and students in sustainable farming.
- Building pathways for STEM careers in agriculture through training and mentorship.
