Thistle Farms
Tasha Bandy Kennard currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Thistle Farms, a position held since August 2022. Prior to this role, Tasha was the Farm Program Manager at Southall - Farm and Inn, where responsibilities included leading guest and staff experience development. Experience also includes serving as the Executive Director of Nashville Farmers' Market from January 2014 to April 2021, overseeing extensive strategic planning and community relations. Tasha held the position of Vice President, Marketing & Communication at Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee from September 2008 to January 2014, managing marketing strategies and community relations. Earlier experience includes roles at Krispy Kreme as Marketing Manager and in public relations at The Ingram Group and U.S. Representative Bart Gordon's office. Tasha earned a B.S. in Communications from Middle Tennessee State University in 2001.
Thistle Farms
For over 20 years, Thistle Farms has lit a pathway of healing and hope for women survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction. Together, we rise up against systems that commoditize, criminalize, and abuse women. Financial freedom is instrumental in the healing journey. Our 3 social enterprises provide jobs for survivors in Nashville, TN and around the world - as well revenue for our mission. RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM Our free, 2 year program provides survivors a safe place to live, a meaningful job, and a sisterhood of support. NATIONAL NETWORK The largest network in the United States committed to a housing-first model for survivors. Through our 44 sister organizations, over 350 beds are hosted across the country. GLOBAL SHARED TRADE A commerce platform that connects survivor artisans from around the world and provides over 50% of profits back to the artisan group for community development, women empowerment, healing, and education.