The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Jennifer Rothman in our Community Proud Series, sponsored by CorePlus Credit Union. As the Executive Director of the Yellow Farmhouse Education Center, Jennifer is making a profound impact on our local food system and community education.

With over twenty years of experience in building educational programs for museums, gardens, and farms, Jennifer’s journey has been one of passion and purpose. Before moving to Mystic, she served as the education director at Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture and the Vice President of Children’s and Public Education at The New York Botanical Garden. She also held leadership roles at the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo.

Jennifer holds degrees in environmental biology and museum studies, combining her expertise in education and science to foster meaningful connections between people and their food sources. Since relocating to Mystic in 2016, she has embraced the community, appreciating how many residents both live and work in the area, creating a deep sense of connectedness. She and her husband chose Mystic as the perfect place to raise their three children, valuing its beauty, close-knit community, and proximity to family.

Jennifer founded the Yellow Farmhouse Education Center in 2017.  The non-profit is located at the historic Stone Acres Farm. Yellow Farmhouse’s mission is to use culinary and farm-based education to connect people with their food sources and foster a shared commitment to a sustainable, accessible, and just food system.

Jennifer believes that food is a powerful way to tell a story and inspire change. Her work at Yellow Farmhouse is centered on program development, grant writing, and ensuring that students—particularly high schoolers—understand the importance of their food choices. By engaging culinary students, Jennifer and her team help shape the next generation’s approach to cooking and sustainability.

One of her proudest achievements is launching a Farm-to-School Speaker Network through funding from the CT Grown for CT Grant. This initiative brings farmers directly into classrooms, giving students firsthand insight into agricultural careers and entrepreneurship.

She is also incredibly proud of Kojicon, the two-week virtual conference hosted by Yellow Farmhouse, which has grown to attract over 1,000 attendees from 50 different countries. This will be Kojicon’s 5th year. 

Jennifer is inspired by the people she works with—those who are deeply passionate about food, education, and sustainability. Whether hosting a staff potluck or the center hosting a cooking class, she sees firsthand how food brings people together. She is dedicated to ensuring that her work at Yellow Farmhouse helps create a better future for her children and generations to come. 

Jennifer’s leadership at Yellow Farmhouse Education Center is a shining example of how one person’s passion can inspire an entire community.