“I envision leveraging urban farming as a catalyst for positive change promoting food sovereignty, creating local circular economic opportunities, and enhancing environmental sustainability within communities.”

jøn kent is an advocate for environmental justice and community development pursuing a master’s degree in urban and regional planning at the University of Michigan’s Taubman College. With a background in sociology from UCLA, jøn’s academic journey has been marked by resilience and an unwavering commitment to positive social change. After graduating from UCLA with a bachelor’s degree, jøn took on familial responsibilities, working at his family’s home help care business to ensure financial stability. 

In 2020, jøn co-founded Sanctuary Farms, an innovative urban agriculture initiative in Detroit, reflecting his passion for sustainable food systems and community empowerment. Sanctuary Farms transforms vacant urban spaces into thriving community hubs, promoting food sovereignty and environmental stewardship. Additionally, he has actively participated in various leadership programs, such as the Great Lakes Regional Fellowship and Environmental Leadership Program, and has played an influential role in Detroit’s grassroots sustainability organizing scene. His efforts have not gone unnoticed, earning him recognition through fellowships including the Transformative Food Systems Fellowship, the Rackham Non-Traditional Student Fellowship, and the Dow Sustainability Fellowship.

Driven by a vision of vibrant, inclusive communities, jøn aims to leverage his urban planning expertise to address pressing urban challenges like food insecurity and environmental degradation. Through collaborative partnerships and community-driven projects, he seeks to create equitable access to resources and opportunities for all residents. With his passion for urban agriculture and sustainable development, jøn is poised to make a lasting impact on local and global scales, advocating for justice-oriented urban environments that prioritize the well-being of all community members.

About his plans after graduation, jøn writes, “I envision leveraging urban farming as a catalyst for positive change promoting food sovereignty, creating local circular economic opportunities, and enhancing environmental sustainability within communities.”

CEW+ admires jøn’s commitment to a sustainable future and names him a Grace A. and James D. Bruce Community Engagement Scholar.