FLORENCE REED, PRESIDENT & FOUNDER
SUSTAINABLE HARVEST INTERNATIONAL

Florence Reed believes that when people work together, things change for the better.  This belief led her to serve as a Peace Corps volunteer in Panama in the early nineties.  In 1997, Reed founded Sustainable Harvest International (SHI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to working with rural Central American communities to implement sustainable land-use practices. As president of the organization, Reed divides her time between overseeing programs in Central America and gathering resources in the United States, bringing together farmers and donors to create a better future.  In recent years she has received two honorary doctorates for her work, along with many awards such as the Yves Rocher Women of the Earth award, Traditional Home Classic Woman award, Garden Club of America's Distinguished Service Award and etown e-chievement award. In 2009, Florence was painted by artist Robert Shetterly as part of his renowned Americans Who Tell The Truth portrait series. In November 2011, Florence was named a Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow by The Council of Independent Colleges.

In addition to presentations on her experiences founding SHI, the work of the organization and the issues it addresses, Florence can also speak on broader topics such as sustainable agriculture, food security, sustainable development, eco-tourism and voluntourism.

Florence is equally comfortable speaking to business groups, civic organizations, congregations and international forums.  School children to CEOs of multinational organizations alike are captivated by her gripping accounts, vision, integrity, humor and forthright manner.

An acclaimed speaker for audiences of all ages and backgrounds, Florence Reed brings to her lectures a unique combination of fascinating information, beautiful photography and a warm appreciation of peoples, cultures and the natural environment. Her tales of struggle and hope exemplify what people can accomplish with determination and vision.

Awards & Accomplishments include:

November 2011 - Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow, The Council of Independent Colleges
May 2011 - Honorary Doctorate, University of New Hampshire
June 2009 - Americans Who Tell The Truth, Portrait by Robert Shetterly
May 2009 - Distinguished Service Award, Garden Club of America
October 2007 - Classic Woman Award, Traditional Home Magazine
February 2007 - Women of the Earth Award, Yves Rocher Foundation
May 2005 - Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, Southern New Hampshire University
May 2005 - Distinguished Alumnus Award, University of New Hampshire
October 2004 - e-chievement Award, etown
May 2003 - Women of Achievement Award, Business & Professional Women

Download a hi-res headshot of Florence Reed.

Would you like to book Florence Reed as a speaker at your event? Please contact us.