Ceres Community Project by Deborah Ramelli, Director of Development and Community Affairs

Deborah Ramelli leads Ceres’ fundraising and communications teams. After a successful career in retail management and merchandise planning at Macy’s/Federated Department Stores, her personal interest in health and yoga led her to a vocation of teaching yoga, wellness and nutrition education at companies around the Bay Area, studios, and retreat centers.

Deborah’s first experience with Ceres was as a volunteer, drawn to the organization’s values which were a good match with her own: mentoring youth, strengthening community connections, and supporting people with healthy food. Her role has grown and evolved along with Ceres’ organizational growth and impact, starting as a Development Associate in 2011, then progressing to Fund Development and Communications Manager followed by Communications Director before assuming her current position in 2021. Deborah is a member of Ceres’ Leadership Team and Staff Policy Workgroup. She has played key roles in Ceres’ response to disasters including wildfires and COVID-19, representing Ceres on the Marin County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) and the Sonoma County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD). She is a member of the Communications and Development committees of the national Food is Medicine Coalition, and of the Communications Committee of the California Food is Medicine Coalition.