OUR TEAM
Michelle Britton
BOARD CHAIR
GREATER YUMA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
Michelle Britton is the Founder and Board Chair of the Growing Forward Garden Project. Originally from Colorado, Michelle has called Yuma home for the past ten years and has developed a deep appreciation for the people, culture, and spirit of the community.
The idea for the garden grew out of her studies in Sustainability in Economic Development, where she was inspired to create a space that not only cultivates fresh food but also nurtures learning, leadership, and connection. She is especially passionate about helping young people understand where their food comes from while building stronger community relationships through hands-on experiences.
Beyond her work with the garden, Michelle loves entertaining, cooking, football, and gathering with family and friends. She is a proud mother to a remarkable 17-year-old son and her precious Pitbull.
Julie Koepp
BOARD VICE CHAIR
ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
Julie Koepp is a dedicated advocate for community growth and educational access, proudly calling Yuma home since 2003, when her father’s military service brought their family to the area. After earning a Political Science degree from Arizona Western College, Julie completed a BS in Public Agency Management and an M.Ed in Human Relations at Northern Arizona University.
With over a decade of experience as an educator, Julie has been teaching at AWC since 2015, nurturing strong ties to initiatives that advance community engagement. She is the founder of the free professional clothing resource, Andale’s Apparel, now known as The Cubby at AWC.
Currently, Julie serves as the ASU Local Yuma Site Director, supporting baccalaureate completion for transfer students and driving higher education access in Yuma. Her philosophy is simple: “It’s important not only to live in my community, but to be a contributing member to its success.”
Frances Armstrong
BOARD TREASURER
HOMEWOOD SUITES BY HILTON
Frances has called Yuma home for more than 25 years, though her family roots trace back across the river in Bard, California. With over 30 years of sales and marketing experience, and currently serves as the Director of Sales for the Homewood Suites by Hilton. An Ambassador for the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce, Frances has long dedicated herself to community service, including leadership roles on PTO & PTA boards, supporting The United Way and serving seven years as a Girl Scout troop leader, earning a Heart of Yuma Volunteer of the Year nomination.
Outside of work, Frances finds joy in her garden. A proud wife, mother and grandmother, she enjoys sharing her love of gardening and teaching youth and the young at heart how tending the earth nurtures both mind and spirit.
Leticia Williams
BOARD SECRETARY
ARIZONA WESTERN COLLEGE
Leticia Williams is a dedicated community advocate, wife, and proud mom of two girls. She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and works as a business consultant, bringing valuable expertise in strategy and sustainability to Growing Forward Garden Project. Passionate about gardening, she dreams of creating a family farm or homestead where she can share her love of the land.
Leticia believes community gardens are powerful spaces for connection, wellness, and learning. She is especially committed to providing youth with meaningful activities that are both fun and skill-building, helping the next generation grow healthy, confident, and rooted in community.
Ana Zolorzano
BOARD MEMBER
CITY OF YUMA
Ana Zolorzano has dedicated her career in public service to keeping the Yuma community informed and engaged. Her background in media arts and marketing has provided a foundation for communication and strategy, honed over years in key community roles. She currently serves on the City of Yuma’s Communications team, a role preceded by her time as Director of Marketing for Marine Corps Community Services, where she led large-scale efforts including the popular Yuma Airshow.
Outside of her professional life, Ana extends her commitment to community through volunteerism, supporting The United Way's mission, and contributing to the United States Geological Survey’s Map Corps. She spends much of her personal time outdoors, having hiked the Grand Canyon, canyoneered in Zion National Park, and regularly tackled the trails of Telegraph Pass closer to home. When she’s not on the trail, she can often be found playing chess at a local coffee shop.
For Ana, the Growing Forward Garden Project is the perfect intersection of her passions. She channels her communication expertise, her dedication to the community, and her love for the outdoors into the board’s work, focused on supporting youth, strengthening the community, and connecting people with nature.
Bobby Ericson
BOARD MEMBER
ARIZONA WESTERN COLLEGE
Bobby Ericson is a seasoned entrepreneur, nonprofit founder, and community advocate with more than 20 years of experience. He has owned and operated a photography studio for over 15 years while also exploring his love of food as the owner of a BBQ company that featured his own sauces and rubs. His background includes over eight years supporting food banks across the country with their fundraising and marketing efforts, which fueled his passion for addressing food insecurity through creative, practical solutions.
Today, Bobby channels that passion into nonprofit work focused on food access, sustainability, and hands-on community projects. Whether through gardening, raising chickens, or running lemonade stands with his kids, he believes in teaching the next generation the value of growing and sharing food. None of this, he says, would be possible without the support of his wife and children, who inspire and join him in every new endeavor.
