Harleigh Moore-Wilson’s Path to Food Sovereignty Advocacy
Harleigh Moore-Wilson, a member of the Osage Nation, has had a deep connection to agriculture from an early age. Growing up in Burbank, she immersed herself in raising livestock, competing in junior rodeo and participating in 4-H and FFA. Today, she channels that passion into her consulting firm, Harleigh Moore LLC, strengthening agricultural systems and food sovereignty initiatives for tribal nations across the country.
Agriculture has always been at the heart of her experiences, but it was her involvement in FFA at Woodland Public Schools in Fairfax that provided invaluable skills extending beyond the barn.
“FFA played a huge role in shaping me into the person I am today,” she said. “It helped polish my love for public speaking and leadership while giving me countless opportunities to develop teamwork and communication skills.”
Through competitions, leadership roles and hands-on projects, she learned responsibility, financial management and the importance of stepping outside her comfort zone — lessons that would prove essential in her future career.
Moore-Wilson pursued her love of agriculture academically, earning a bachelor’s degree in biosystems and agricultural engineering, followed by a master’s degree in business administration. Now, she is working toward a doctorate in food science with a specialization in food safety — a natural extension of her commitment to sustainable food systems.
Her career in tribal food sovereignty began in 2021 when she became the food sovereignty coordinator for the Osage Nation in Pawhuska.
“That role was truly foundational — it’s where I discovered my deep passion for food sovereignty and the importance of building strong, sustainable food systems within tribal communities,” she said.
During her time in this position, she gained expertise in food system development, grant writing and project management. She learned how to build agricultural programs from the ground up, navigate budgets and collaborate with tribal leaders to create initiatives that honored cultural traditions while ensuring food security.
In April 2024, she launched Harleigh Moore LLC, an indigenous agriculture and food sovereignty consulting firm dedicated to supporting Native nonprofits and tribal nations. Her business provides services such as agriculture risk management education, technical assistance for disaster relief programs, landscape analysis of tribal food sovereignty initiatives, agricultural needs assessments and program development.
“What I enjoy most about my career is the opportunity to make a real difference in tribal communities,” she said. “I love collaborating with Native nonprofits and tribal leaders, learning about their unique needs and helping develop solutions that respect their traditions and promote sustainability.”
Her work is personal, she said, driven by a desire to empower Native communities with the tools and knowledge they need to build resilient, self-sustaining food systems.
Looking back, Moore-Wilson credits FFA and CareerTech programs with preparing her for success as a business owner.
“FFA taught me the importance of record-keeping, goal-setting and leadership,” she said. “Managing my supervised agricultural experience projects gave me hands-on experience in tracking expenses and budgeting — skills that I use every day in my consulting business.”
Her experiences in public speaking competitions, leadership roles and team projects gave her the confidence to communicate effectively, advocate for her work and build lasting relationships, she said. She encourages young people considering careers in agriculture, food sovereignty or consulting to seek hands-on experience and stay open to learning.
“Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone,” she said. “Take leadership roles, compete in contests and say yes to opportunities that challenge you. The skills you build, whether in public speaking, financial management or problem-solving — will serve you for a lifetime.”
She also stresses the importance of networking and building relationships in the agriculture industry.
“Agriculture is deeply rooted in community, and the connections you make will be just as valuable as the knowledge you gain,” she said.
For Moore-Wilson, her work is more than a career — it’s a calling.
“This isn’t just a job for me,” she said. “It’s about making a difference, honoring traditions and ensuring that future generations have access to strong, sustainable agricultural systems.”
