Dawn Blackman, is a Chicago native with decades of experience in the food service industry. The Champaign resident is the Garden Steward for The Randolph Street Community Garden. Although she started as a volunteer gardener, when the garden faced closure in 2006, Blackman stepped up and took over its care as Steward.
She is an advocate for under-served populations facing food insecurity and the Digital Divide. In addition to the garden she manages the Food Pantry, the Youth Snack Program, the Senior Nutrition Program and the Community Access Computer Lab at the Champaign Church of the Brethren where she serves as Out Reach Pastor.