The WOW Flower Project began in 2016 as a fusion of lived experience, community leadership, and a deep belief that wellness starts at the root—literally and figuratively. It grew from a rich blend of experiences, including Girl Scout leadership, Master Gardening, farm life, AV Pageantry – Pageantry with Purpose, PTA service, and serving as an elected Board Trustee. Advocating for children, families, and stronger communities has been the driving force behind every chapter. Each experience added a different layer—nurturing, teaching, organizing, and uplifting communities—until they naturally grew into something unified.
At its core, The WOW Flower Project is grounded in the belief that health, wellness, and agriculture are essential for sustainability—not just for individuals, but for entire communities and the environment. Being connected to the land helps us stay grounded, resilient, and aware of our responsibility to future generations.
The “WOW” came from something simple but powerful: adding wonder. That extra spark of joy, creativity, and memorable experience that turns learning and healing into something kids and people in general feel, not just participate in. It’s the WOW. joyful, and imaginative energy that brings programs to life.
From gardening and nutrition to youth development, arts, and wellness experiences, The WOW Flower Project continues to grow from those original roots—combining service, activism, and education to help children and families discover their own pathways in life: academically, socially, and in health and wellness.
This is more than a program. It’s a living garden of experience, leadership, and care—planted with intention, and still growing
sowing seeds for future harvest..
Rashonda "Zoe Blaq" Bartney is a Los Angeles-based interdisciplinary artist, land steward, and poet. In addition she is bilingual and was raised in Germany. She works with marginalized communities to create art focused on Black and Indigenous connections to nature, wellness, and food justice. She is the founder of Urban Soul Farmer, an initiative centered on indigenous agriculture, healing arts, and environmental advocacy. Furthermore, her academic background includes an M.A. in Clinical Psychology (Antioch University LA) and a B.A. in Cinema, Television, and Arts (CSU Northridge), blending therapeutic insight with creative practice.
Beth, is an intervention coordinator at Diego Rivera Learning Complex in LA, she currently resides in Inglewood, CA. With a background as a long-time educator and math teacher, she additionally worked at Antelope Valley High School from 2015-2022. Furthermore, she is very passionate about education and community restoration. Beth co-chairs the Cancel the Contract campaign and is involved with the Black Student Equity Alliance of Antelope Valley, advocating for social justice and supporting her students and community.
Edwinnette Faison, known as Eddy, is a Community Health Worker for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. With more than 9 years as a Parent Advocate in the Wraparound program, she supports Parent Partners and caregivers. Eddy holds monthly community meetings and serves as a Master Trainer at the Parent Partner Training Academy. She previously spent over 8 years as Education Coordinator and Trainer with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), training family members of individuals with mental illness.
Assistant Principal Palmdale School District I have worked in education for 30 years. My name is Hope Ausby, and I am originally from Queens, New York. I have lived in the Antelope Valley for over 20years, and I have raised my four daughters here. B.S. Degree – Business Management Master’s Degree Cross-Categorical Special Education Master’s Degree Educational Administration. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, reading, and my guilty pleasure is “The Real Housewives.” I desire to help improve the quality of life here in the Antelope Valley, through community service work and being a part of organizations that are also dedicated to improving the quality of life for everyone here in the Antelope Valley.
Cortez Chandler is a dedicated mentor, community advocate, and Vice President of Operations for the Timelist Group reentry program. A graduate of Millikan High School and former student-athlete at Chaffey College. He developed an entrepreneurial mindset early in life, earning his California business license and operating his own business before facing life-altering challenges that ultimately shaped his mission of service and leadership. Through his work and testimony, Cortez Chandler continues to inspire hope, redemption, and second chances for others.
Waunette is a long time resident, community organizer, and advocate of the Antelope Valley. She is the CEO and Founder of the WOW Flower Project. A non profit mission which is to provide Health Wellness and Agriculture in community with events, workshops, cultural touring. Furthermore she teaches classes as a Gardner and USDA Farmer at her farm. She previously served as Trustee of the Keppel School District. In addition she is the founder of Cancel the Contract AV a grassroots advocacy coalition. The mission of Cancel the Contract is to remove La County Sheriff Dept from Schools and Reimagine funding with therapeutic care, Arts and Music.