Lady Danni and Jasmin Velez are two Philadelphia-based organizers whose work is grounded in land stewardship. Both of them participated in the PACA Study Circles Program. Later, they were connected through PACA as panelists for Power and Land: Land Stewardship Panel #2 in April 2024. Since then, they have maintained a strong relationship.

Lady Danni is a Philadelphia-based forager and the proprietress of Landed Gentress Crafted Herbals. Jasmin Velez is a nearly lifelong resident of the Kensington neighborhood. She works as the Development and Communications Manager of Kensington Corridor Trust (KCT). Though their work has different focuses, they are both forms of land stewardship. Lady Danni is passionate about reconnecting people with the natural environment, protecting Philadelphia’s outdoor spaces, and showing people how the land they live on can heal them through recipes with common wild plants. Velez and KCT steward community-owned spaces to serve the needs of community members and preserve pockets of affordability in the neighborhood amidst rampant gentrification. 

Lady Danni’s work includes hosting foraging tours and working with community organizations. She is also involved in movements to protect the natural environment, and has recently been fighting against Philadelphia’s destruction of FDR Park, a space she used to forage in frequently. Additionally, Lady Danni teaches about the properties and uses of wild plants, invaluable information that could even save someone’s life. In her teachings, she leans on her background in medical publishing to connect folk medicine with science. 

Jasmin Velez shared that environmental justice and food justice have naturally flowed into KCT’s work. Typically, private development is highly extractive. It disrupts ecosystems, disregards the environment, and excludes community voices. In contrast, KCT has an anti-gentrification, anti-displacement model centered around community decision-making and ownership. One of KCT’s ongoing projects is bringing a new grocery store to the community. This will improve access to culturally relevant and affordable foods. They’ve been working closely with community members and with Kensington Food Company to open a grocery store and commercial kitchen space in a building stewarded by KCT. The location is set to open in late 2025. 

KCT enjoys partnering with other like-minded groups and individuals. They are more than happy to offer their space to host events that bring opportunities for learning and connection to the community. In June 2025, KCT and Lady Danni partnered to host a natural remedies workshop. Lady Danni taught attendees how to make various tinctures, salves, and syrups with ingredients commonly found in kitchens and backyards. The event was highly popular and well-received by the community. People were excited to learn more about plants and how they can grow their own food and medicine. 

We are grateful to be connected with Lady Danni and Jasmin Velez. The work they do for the Philadelphia community continues to inspire us every day.

Follow Lady Danni on Instagram  (@ladydanni1). Check out her website to learn more about her story, mission, and work. She is currently taking a break from tours until August/September, but they can be booked through her website once she starts them up again!

Follow Kensington Corridor Trust on Instagram (@kctphilly). Go to their website to read about their mission and explore resources about the Neighborhood Trust model. 

See some photos from a Study Circle Field Trip attended by Lady Danni below.