Dr. Mandy Manna

Dr. Mandy Manna is an accomplished and results-oriented educational leader with a proven track record in fostering experiential learning through innovative agricultural and environmental experiences for urban youth. As the Farm Administrator of Fox Chase Farm since 2019, she manages the largest urban public school district-operated educational farm in the United States, overseeing operations that now engage over 62,000 student visits from more than 60 schools each year.

Professional Highlights

Current Roles:

• Farm Administrator, Fox Chase Farm, School District of Philadelphia (2019 - Present)
• Environmental Education Professor, Delaware Valley University (2007 - Present)
• Founder, Agriculture Innovations and Strategic Development, K–12 (2011 - Present)

Education

• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership - North Central University
• Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership - North Central University
• Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership - Grand Canyon University
• Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education - Delaware Valley University

Key Achievements

• 2024 Neubauer Fellowship recipient
• $2.2M+ in competitive grants secured and managed for agricultural innovation
• 62,000+ annual student visits across 60+ schools facilitated at Fox Chase Farm
• CEA pre-apprenticeship and workforce pathways spanning CEA, plumbing, and electrical trades
• Student-run enterprises and Agriculture Empowerment Network driving inclusive, experiential learning

Areas of Expertise

• Urban Agricultural Education
• Experiential Learning Design
• Educational Technology Integration
• Workforce Development
• Food Security Initiatives
• Community Partnership Building

Dr. Manna’s work demonstrates that agriculture encompasses far more than traditional farming, serving as a comprehensive platform for STEM education, career exploration, and community development.