Principal @ Healthy Hands of Harvest/Public Health Educator/Certified Urban Farmer/Coach
Renee Padmore-Baccus ’91 is a dedicated health educator and an innovative strategic planner whose passion lies in helping others reach their full potential. With more than 25 years of experience in public health and social services, Baccus has seamlessly integrated these disciplines with urban farming. Having grown food for more than three decades, she now uses her expertise to promote sustainable agriculture practices and provide health coaching, emphasizing the vital connection between healthy food systems, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.
Baccus's extensive work includes implementing and developing public health literacy programs focused on HIV prevention, prenatal care, heart disease prevention, obesity, early childhood intervention, and strategic planning. Whether working in hospitals, social services, or within the community, she consistently assesses needs, visualizes objectives, and executes effective plans. Her mission is to assist others in developing strategic plans for healthier lifestyles, integrating her knowledge of health education with her deep understanding of food and nutrition.
Living her passion, Baccus has become a certified USDA Urban Farmer, Master Gardener, and master composter. She is currently the owner and operator of Healthy Hands of Harvest, an urban farm dedicated to making food fun while providing exposure to new and healthy food sources.
Through her work at Healthy Hands of Harvest, Baccus continues to educate and empower her community, fostering a deeper connection to food, health, and sustainable living. Baccus is a strong advocate for holistic health, believing that the health of a nation is rooted in the well-being of its individuals, families, and communities. She is committed to nurturing these connections through education and service. Since her graduation in 1991, Baccus has remained deeply connected to her alma mater.
She has been an active donor, participated in First World activities, and has proudly served as the recent president of the Alumni Association. She has also been involved with the Alumni Council since 2013. Baccus holds a dual major in Black Studies and psychology from SUNY New Paltz and a Master’s in Public Health with a concentration in community health from Adelphi University in Long Island, New York.
