BRWIA's Founding Mothers

At Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, we’ve been reflecting on the past twenty years of this organization, and on the trailblazing women whose commitment to this community allows us to flourish today. 

Over twenty years ago, a group of High Country women began gathering at one another's farms, in fields, and in classrooms. They shared meals, knowledge and resources to create a network of support as they grew their small farm businesses. We refer to this group as BRWIA’s Founding Mothers.

Their vision and perseverance laid the groundwork for BRWIA’s future as a hub for community, education, connection and greater access to local food.

Click blue profiles below to read more!

BRWIA's Founding Mothers

Pat Beaver
Carol Coulter
Diane Price
​Sue Counts
Judi Scharns
Mary Boyer​
Chilton Rogers 
​Bettie Thomas 
Hollis Wild
Diane Deal
Jane Chandler
Della Riley
Kathyrn Smith
(Profiles not available)

+ BRWIA's Keeper of Stories

Tathel Miller

Tathel Miller is a writer, journalist, blogger, grandmother, gardener, and what we like to call our "Keeper of Stories." Carol Coulter introduced us to Tathel in early 2023 as we were starting to think about how to tell the story of our 20th anniversary. We are deeply grateful to Tathel for helping us reflect on our past and dream of our future. Read her profile here.

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The Archives

BRWIA's First Grant, June 2003, Mountain Times Article​

BRWIA in 2015, with Support of
​Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation

Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture (June 2015) from ZSRFoundation on Vimeo.

​Original Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture - click for full article 
 Watauga Democrat | Written by Judith Phoenix
Originally Published July 9th, 2015
​(Republished in 2023 for our 20th anniversary)