Nikki Patino, a passionate Chapman University alumna from the class of 2017, has made a significant impact on the Orange community. In her role as the Market Manager for Orange
Home Grown, Patino’s Saturdays are filled with excitement as she sets up the market, manages
vendor layouts and assists customers with their needs. Her dedication to the community is evident in her weekly activities, which include marketing, organizing events and supporting various programs like the Educational Farm and Youth Food Literacy Program.

Patino’s journey with Orange Home Grown began during her time at Chapman, where
an unexpected internship with Backyard Bees ignited her passion for local food and community. This experience led her to become a vendor at the Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisan Market, eventually transitioning into her current role as market manager. Nikki’s commitment to making a positive impact is driven by her love for the community and her desire to create a healthier, more sustainable world for her young daughter.

Patino’s degree in environmental science and policy from Schmid College of Science and Technology has greatly influenced her approach to sustainability and community engagement.

“I am always looking for ways to make our market and practices more sustainable,” she says. “Farmers markets just so happen to be the most sustainable way to shop for food! The produce is all in-season and freshly picked from local farms, making the food more nutrient dense while having a lower-carbon footprint.”

Now that Patino has a young daughter, she is more motivated than ever to create a community and a world that is kind, just and healthy. “She is my joy and my inspiration.

Helping our youth is how we can maintain hope and joy in an uncertain world,” she says.