Meet the Team
We’re a group of people who care about our community and our food systems. Although we share beliefs in what a just and prosperous food system should be, the special sauce is really our differences. We’re hard-working, dedicated, and never take ourselves too seriously.
Matt Downey
Operations Director
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Matt serves as The Southwest Food Coalition’s Operations Manager and driver. After starting as a part-time delivery driver, Matt's role has grown to handling warehouse logistics, forklift certifications, team operations, and endless coordinating. He handles about 230,000 pounds of food for over two dozen community food partners in SW Denver each month.
Originally from the Boston area, Matt moved to Denver in 2020 and has been with the Southwest Food Coalition since December 2021. He has a B.S. in Sustainable Community Development with a concentration in Urban Studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Matt is dedicated to improving access to food in SW Denver.
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Sydney joined the Southwest Food Coalition team in January 2024. Before this, she spent her professional life building community and working in a different part of food systems via the craft beer industry. Coming from a family of chefs, her focus eventually turned to food, and she shifted to working in food equity with Denver Food Rescue in 2021. She enjoys building relationships with a diverse and powerful community of advocates, activists, and leaders that know the value of access to fresh food. She works collaboratively to build capacity amongst all of the coalition's members and partners to better meet the needs of our community.
Originally from Ohio, Sydney earned her BFA from Tufts University in Boston before moving to Denver in 2011. When she isn't working, she can be found cooking, dancing, going to shows, or spending time with friends, family, and her dogs Duke and Potato.
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As the backbone of the Southwest Food Coalition, Claudia contributes to all aspects of programming and relationship building. She is an expert in food systems, manages the sourcing and ordering of food for hundreds of families each week and manages volunteers. Claudia is bilingual in English and Spanish and she is highly regarded by her co-workers and partners for her dedication to providing better, healthier, and culturally appropriate food to the community.
Claudia was born and raised in Denver but spent a lot of time in Chihuahua Mexico with her grandparents. Claudia lives in Southwest Denver with her family and enjoys going to the movies.
Annie Hollister Program Manager
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Annie joined the Southwest Food Coalition in 2025 as the Program Manager for the Healthy Food for Denver’s Kids grant. Before that, she worked as a Health Promotion Facilitator, where she delivered nutrition education to communities and families who utilize SNAP benefits. She has experience collaborating with community members to develop nutritious recipe resources and expanding nutrition access strategies tailored to local needs. Her expertise lies in policy, systems, and environmental change. Annie supports organizations in crafting and implementing policies that promote equitable food and nutrition access.
Annie holds a bachelor's degree in public health from Tulane University. She is currently completing her Master of Public Health with a concentration in Maternal and Child Health at the Colorado School of Public Health. Outside of work, you’ll often find her running, reading, or making something crafty.
Yuridia Behena Santana
Community Connector and Nutrition Educator
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With over 10 years of experience as a nutrition educator, Yuridia has dedicated her career to supporting families and communities through hands-on nutrition education. She is passionate about sharing practical, culturally relevant knowledge that helps people make informed, healthy choices. Throughout her work, she has built strong relationships in the community and takes pride in helping others feel confident in the kitchen and beyond.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her grandchildren and cheering them on at their football games. Her love for family, food, and community is at the heart of everything she does.
Jennifer Martinez
SNAP Navigator
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Jennifer Martinez is currently a student studying Sociology, Spanish, and Law & Legal Studies with a strong focus on community empowerment and advocacy. Her academic background is deeply rooted in her passion for food justice, equity, and access—particularly through her work with families applying for SNAP assistance and navigating public support systems.
Outside of school, Jennifer is dedicated to helping underserved communities access the resources they need to thrive. She believes that education, food, and dignity should be basic rights—not privileges—and she’s committed to continuing this work through both outreach and policy change. When Jennifer isn’t studying or working, you can usually find her experimenting in the kitchen, sharing meals with loved ones, or volunteering.