Founder & Board President
Curzio Caravati
Born in Lugano, Switzerland to an Italian father, who loved gardening and engaged me to help him at an early age, the passion for urban farming grew stronger over the years. I became a legal immigrant, and a US citizen here in Kenosha, where I had the chance to be involved with the farmers markets starting in June of 2000. I own about 3 acres of land off Sheridan Road in the Village of Somers, which has been used for agricultural purposes for many decades, perhaps over a century, which I pledged to leave to the community of Kenosha. This non-profit corporation is the child of many years of planning toward this legacy.
Board of directors
Randy Cook
Randy brings decades of accounting and business analyst experience to KUFI Farm.org. He is also the owner of Affordable Solutions, LLC where he offers services as a business analyst, tax preparer, and insurance Broker. He earned his MBA from DePaul University in Chicago.
“I hope to leave this world a better place for having been here. I know I can’t fix everything, but just a few things”
Jamie Rauth
Our Board of Directors Secretary is also a part of Gateway’s Business & Workforce Solutions division, https://www.gtc.edu/business-community/business-workforce-training/business-and-workforce-solutions-staff-directory working to upskill employees in the tri-county area. Born the grandchild of Chezoslovakian immigrants, farmers in the “old country”, Jamie learned to appreciate and honor that land from an early age. The impact of farming, harvesting and food processing on our planet and our health is what drives Jamie’s desire to further KUFI’s vision.
“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” ― Max Planck
Kathleen Paap
Owner of Dutch Gap Ecological LLC, Kathleen brings 30+ years of experience in biological sciences and natural resources. A veteran in wetland restoration, she’s passionate about integrating natural landscapes into everyday life. Her love for gardening and pollinators drives her commitment to the KUFI board. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, and yoga.
TJ Leveque
Executive Director of Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and experienced beekeeper, TJ offers unique expertise in farm management and horticulture. He plays a vital role in our Swiss Bee Chalet project, providing hands-on leadership and helping advance KUFI’s research initiatives.
Dr. Angela Dassow
Associate Professor and Chair of Biology at Carthage College, Dr. Dassow has a deep-rooted passion for beekeeping, inspired by her great-grandfather. Her work on KUFI’s Swiss Bee Chalet earned her a Faculty Innovation Grant, supporting student engagement in STEM. Angela’s expertise in bioacoustics and ecology adds significant value to our research efforts.
Andy Berg
Former Kenosha County Supervisor, Andy is a community advocate for healthy food access. As the Founder of Garden of Eatin’, a veteran-operated non-profit, he donates fresh produce to local shelters and soup kitchens. Andy’s leadership drives our mission to enhance community wellness.
Craig Royske
A seasoned cement finisher with 40 years of experience, Craig now dedicates his expertise to beekeeping for KUFI. He manages his own hives in Southeastern Wisconsin and shares his knowledge through our Swiss Bee Chalet Research Group. Find his honey and beeswax products at the Kenosha Public Market.
Chris Flynn
Chris, a Parkside University alumna, co-founded a downtown Racine garden nursery and supply store. Recognizing a need for fresh food in her community, she established the Racine Urban Garden Network (RUGN), which now boasts nine thriving gardens. Her commitment to public spaces and community resilience is evident in her work. Recently, she and her husband launched Littleport Brewing Company, adding a new gathering place for locals.
Our Dedicated Staff
Jennifer Conrad, Communications Director
Jennifer has been with KUFI for over 20 years, blending her background in biology, chemistry, and waste reduction with her passion for sustainable landscapes. As a landscape designer and founder of Unique Blooms Kenosha, she champions biodiversity through native plant installations. At KUFI, Jennifer leverages her expertise to demonstrate the power of regenerative practices and inspire positive change.
Our board members and staff are volunteer-driven changemakers, committed to advancing KUFI’s vision and mission. They are the heart and soul of our organization, bringing expertise, passion, and dedication to make a lasting impact.
