LaShauna Austria is a transformative leader whose work bridges social justice, racial equity, and food systems. As the owner and principal operator of Seeds of Change Consulting and Kindred Seedlings Farm, LaShauna has dedicated her career to addressing issues of race, land ownership, and food justice, particularly in rural communities. Her deep-rooted passion for rural life and Southern foodways is evident through her farm work, where she cultivates vegetables and herbs, produces homegrown products, and nurtures spaces that connect people to the land.
Born and raised in Alamance County, North Carolina, LaShauna has a long history of community engagement. Her journey in social justice began through various leadership roles in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. She has worked to empower marginalized voices, particularly Black and Brown communities, by fostering strong relationships and building local collaborations. Through Seeds of Change Consulting, she offers racial equity consulting, organizational development, and conflict resolution, helping individuals and organizations embed equity into their missions.
LaShauna’s faith is a cornerstone of her work. As the Minister of Becoming and Belonging at Land of the Sky United Church of Christ in Asheville, she leads discussions on anti-racism, community engagement, and reparations. Her leadership in Barn Church, a multiracial fellowship space born from her collaboration with the Culture Mill Lab, reflects her commitment to creating inclusive spaces for creative expression and healing.
In addition to her work in ministry and consulting, LaShauna is a co-founder of Alamance Agents for Change, a coalition dedicated to police reform and civil rights activism. She has also led efforts to address racial equity in food systems through organizations like Community Food Strategies, where she advocates for the growth of farmers of color and equitable policy change.
LaShauna’s work is defined by her relentless pursuit of justice and equity, whether through her advocacy, ministry, or farming. Her impact extends across Alamance County and beyond, making her a powerful voice for transformative change. Through her tireless efforts, LaShauna Austria continues to cultivate a future where equity and justice are not just ideals but realities in our communities.
