Meet the Board of Officers

Shayna Williams is the founder and president of Feeding Pueblo Initiative Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing food insecurity and promoting sustainable solutions in the Pueblo community. Growing up in poverty, Shayna experienced firsthand the challenges of food insecurity, relying on free dinners from the Salvation Army and its food pantry. These early experiences shaped her deep sense of empathy and a lifelong commitment to service.

As Shayna grew older, her passion for helping others only intensified. She volunteered at every opportunity, driven by the desire to give back to the community that once supported her. Her commitment to service extended into her military career, where she served 11 years on Active Duty in the United States Army. During her time in the Army, Shayna was awarded the Meritorious Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, a recognition of her exceptional dedication to volunteerism while in uniform.

After her discharge from the Army, Shayna's mission to make a difference continued. A year and a half later, she founded the Feeding Pueblo Initiative Inc. with the goal of addressing food insecurity through community-led solutions, backyard gardens, and sustainable food production. Under her leadership, the organization has grown into a vital resource for countless individuals and families, helping to alleviate hunger while empowering people to cultivate their own food.

Shayna's journey from experiencing poverty to becoming a community leader and advocate for sustainable food solutions is a testament to her resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact.

Shawn Williams is the initiatives Merchandise and Inventory Manager.

Shawn Williams is a dedicated logistics specialist currently serving in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Carson. At 33 years old, Shawn has devoted nearly 15 years to active duty service, where he has honed his skills in managing military operations and logistics. As the youngest of three siblings and the son of a pastor, Shawn grew up with a strong sense of service, instilled by his family’s commitment to their community.

Shawn’s expertise in logistics plays a critical role in his work with the Feeding Pueblo Initiative (FPI), where he serves as the Merchandise and Inventory Manager. His ability to manage complex supply chains, inventory systems, and distribution in the Army seamlessly translates to overseeing FPI’s merchandise and ensuring the organization’s resources are well-coordinated. Shawn’s military experience helps him bring precision, efficiency, and strategic planning to his role, contributing to the overall success of the initiative.

Shawn’s upbringing and military career have shaped his dedication to service and leadership, both of which are central to his work with FPI and his personal mission to give back to his community.

Shawn and Shayna Williams came together in March 2020 and celebrated their marriage in September 2022. From the beginning of their relationship, they shared a passion for gardening. After numerous challenges and failed attempts, they found success in 2022 in Virginia through a combination of container and raised bed gardening.

Their gardening journey reached new heights after relocating to Colorado, where they experienced unprecedented growth in their garden. The abundance of produce and eggs was unlike anything they had ever seen before. Initially, they began sharing their harvest with coworkers and neighbors, but as the garden continued to flourish, they extended their reach to the broader community. The overwhelming success of their garden and their desire to give back led them to start The Feeding Pueblo Initiative.

Shayna’s vision for the nonprofit was clear: to unite a wide variety of resources and individuals across Pueblo, forming a collaborative team dedicated to combating food insecurity. The organization was built on the belief that by working together, they could make a substantial impact on the community and provide healthy, homegrown food to those in need.

Angel Krumwiede is the Secretary of The Feeding Pueblo Initiative.

Dave Krumwiede is the Volunteer Coordinator.

Amanda Welty-Soto is the Social Media and Outreach Coordinator for the initiative.

Amanda Welty-Soto is a 39-year-old college student pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice with the goal of becoming a paralegal. A devoted mother of two, Amanda and her husband Derik have been together for nearly 20 years, raising their children Daeryus and Geneviecia. Her life journey has been marked by overcoming significant challenges, including homelessness, addiction, and family struggles, which have fueled her deep commitment to justice and helping others.

Amanda has channeled her experiences into advocacy, volunteering with the unhoused community and facilitating support groups to assist those in need. Her passion for service reflects her dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of others. In addition to her advocacy work, Amanda is an avid appreciator of all forms of art—visual, written, and beyond—and maintains a steadfast focus on positivity and personal growth.

Amanda was drawn to the Feeding Pueblo Initiative because its vision aligns with her own values. She admires Shayna Williams’ leadership and passion for making a lasting impact, and she looks forward to contributing to the organization's mission of fostering meaningful change within the community.

 

Derik Soto is the Backyard and Community Garden Coordinator for the initiative. Derik Soto is pursuing an associate degree with the goal of becoming a certified welder, a profession he is passionate about due to his love for hands-on work. Married to Amanda Welty-Soto for nearly 20 years, Derik has navigated significant challenges in his life, including homelessness, addiction, and other personal hardships.

These experiences have not only shaped his resilience but also deepened his commitment to outreach and support for individuals facing similar struggles.

Derik’s journey has provided him with a unique perspective and a wealth of personal experience, fueling his drive to empower and uplift those in need. His dedication to helping others reflects his belief in second chances and the power of community.

Kathy Nicholls is the Government Realtions Coordinator for the initiative.

Kathy Nicholls is a Pueblo native with a distinguished career in healthcare documentation and government relations. She served 8 years on the board of directors for the Association for Healthcare Documentation and 10 years as the government relations chair for the same association. Kathy is passionate about empowering others to advocate effectively with their elected legislators.

Married to her husband from Barbados, Kathy shares her life with two beloved dogs, Shiloh and Bailey. She is currently a planner coach with Tula XII, where she continues to inspire and guide others.

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