Who knew reconnecting people with their local food systems would also create a new kind of community? Kalen Pilkington illustrates how farming underutilized land in our backyards can lead us toward system wide solutions for some of Earth’s biggest problems. Kalen understands that sustainability is about more than recycling and saving the bees (although she really loves bees). It’s about finding a balance between ecological integrity, economic vitality, social equity and cultural continuity. As the Director of Sustainability at MacEwan University, Kalen sets and achieves admiral goals for the campus — but she sets equally admiral (lofty?) goals for herself. She’s an avid adventurer, a lifetime learner, and an advocate for healthy built (maybe lose built) environments that promote connectivity and well-being. Kalen likes to tackle global challenges through local action; connecting people to one another and the larger community. As a dynamic change leader, Kalen believes in status-quo disruption, encouraging everyone to explore innovative, interdisciplinary solutions. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx