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Learn more about The Evolved Network's founder and May 13 webinar guest
Leading with Vision and Compassion
Sebastian White of The Evolved Network non-profit is one of the guest experts for our Local Food Forum’s “Better” Dialogues webinar — titled Food Education and Its Impact — that takes place a week from today (Monday, May 13) at 7 p.m. central time. (See below for more information and a link to register for free.)
It was no casual decision for co-host Sarah Stegner of Prairie Grass Cafe and me to invite Sebastian to participate, as we are both big admirers of his work.
Sarah learned early on about The Evolved Network, which was founded in 2020, and quickly connected to Sebastian’s vision of building a restaurant and urban food garden where he will provide young people from under-resourced communities with culinary, business and food growing skills. Sebastian is a clinical psychologist turned chef, and The Evolved Network plans to provide therapeutic services to program participants who need them.
As he raises money to achieve his full goal, Sebastian provides food education and cooking lessons to students in several Chicago schools, some of whom have joined his Team TEN (a reference to The Evolved Network’s initials).
Sarah became a mentor and advocate for Sebastian. I met him through an event Sarah scheduled at Green City Market in early October 2022, in which she introduced him to associates in her community. I was immediately inspired by his work and became an advocate myself, promoting The Evolved Network and its fundraising dinners numerous times over the past year and a half.
It was an honor to attend the most recent of his dinners, held on April 22 at Uvae Kitchen and Wine Bar in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood. It was timed to Earth Day, but more importantly it marked the fourth anniversary of the passing of his aunt Gwen Barjon, who played a major role in shaping him as he grew up in Dalllas, Texas.
Gwen, who Sebastian describes as a second mother, influenced him in her role as an educator, and also as a master gardener. Sebastian read the moving tribute to her that follows during a break between courses.
Gwennie, you were tenacious and inviting at the same time. Your creative genius was dynamic, and it pushed us all. You showed us possibility, whether it was in a plant or a birthday card; you showed us to see beyond what was in front of us. Your work saved lives; it transcended cultural bounds because you pushed normalcy. You wanted us to explore the world either through a science experiment or through a creative expression. You had the courage to flow within your creativity. You made your ideas come to life, always thinking about how they could benefit the masses. You had faith, but you walked with purpose. You were the first to show me how I could impact young lives just through your limitless dedication to youth and their possibilities if cared for. I love you, Gwennie, always and forever.
Gwen’s death in April 2020 came on the heels of the passing of Sebastian’s father, William White. Sebastian was then an intervention specialist working to steer middle school children from gangs in Waukegan, an under-resourced city north of Chicago. Rather than allow his grief to set him back, he determined to make a broader impact to help youths who needed structure and guidance, and that led him to create The Evolved Network.
So to Althea Satterfield White — Sebastian’s mother and Gwen’s sister — and to the spirit of Gwen and William, Chicago thanks you for the life lessons and inspiration you provided to Sebastian.
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Of course, I can’t mention a Sebastian White dinner without a hat tip to the delicious and inventive menu he put together for the April 22 event.
Crab Stuffed Shrimp with potato, caramelized onion and cumin hummus; lentil granola; togarashi; morita chili oil; and greens.
Ramps Salad with purple asparagus, mixed greens, walnuts, parmesan and lemon.
Roasted Bone Marrow with ancho chili and honey glacé, beet salsa, onion flower, and grilled bread.
Pulpo (octopus) with lobster risotto, maitake mushrooms, leeks, pine nuts, and chardonnay gremolata.
The dessert, Passion Fruit Mousse with Mango Sorbet, brought the dinner full circle. It was designed by Sherlon Yates and Isaiah Scott (being introduced to the guests by Sebastian in the above photo), who are members of his Team TEN.
As noted in the above article, Sebastian White of The Evolved Network will be part of the conversation at Local Food Forum’s next “Better” Dialogues webinar, Food Education and Its Impact: How Schools Inspire and Feed Our Youngest Eaters. The webinar takes place next Monday, May 13, starting at 7 p.m. central time, and registration is free.
Now meet the other members of the guest lineup who will be sharing ideas with me and co-host Chef Sarah Stegner.
Alexandra DeSorbo-Quinn has been executive director of Pilot Light since 2014. Created four years earlier by a group of leading Chicago chefs, Pilot Light was working to integrate food education into the curriculum at just one Chicago public school at the time that Alex became head of the organization. In the decade since, she has led Pilot Light to enormous growth and influence. The organization now works directly in many schools across Chicago and in more than two dozen school districts across the nation; has published Food Education Standards that are available for all schools to employ; and created the SnackTime Explorers program, a series of adaptable mini-lessons designed to supplement educators across the U.S. who participate in the USDA’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable (FFVP) program.
Also joining the webinar panel are Spence Medford and Christy Sherding of The Henry Ford, located in Dearborn, Michigan just outside Detroit. The organization has four working farms on its properties and has been very engaged in farm to school programs in its local area. Spence and Christy are spearheading a major national outreach as The Henry Ford is planning to hold events in five cities in October to highlight National Farm to School Month. The event series is a pilot for an ongoing national presence for The Henry Ford's farm to school advocacy.
About the co-hosts:
Sarah Stegner, a two-time James Beard Foundation Award winner, is one of the strongest voices for positive food systems change in Chicago and the nation as a whole. Click on the link to learn more about Prairie Grass Cafe, which she has co-owned for 20 years.
And for those of you who may just be getting to know me, I launched Local Food Forum in April 2021, after I worked for several years at a food systems non-profit. The goal of Local Food Forum is to provide a uniquely focused media platform about and for everyday heroes working across the spectrum of local food ecosystems.
Sarah and I thank our webinar series supporters: Mariano's, Landmark Pest Management, Chicago Chefs Cook, and Community Food Navigator.
Please join us. You’ll enjoy the insightful and engaging conversation.
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