Linda Fondren
Founder and Executive Director, Shape Up Mississippi
Linda Fondren is the founder and executive director of Shape Up Mississippi, where she leads innovative efforts to improve community health through nutrition, physical activity, and access to fresh, locally grown food.
A visionary leader in Vicksburg, she is the driving force behind the Vicksburg Community Garden, a transformative initiative that expands access to healthy foods while promoting sustainable practices and community engagement. Her work bridges public health and agriculture, highlighting the critical role local food systems play in preventing chronic disease and strengthening communities.
Linda鈥檚 leadership contributed to Vicksburg receiving the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation鈥檚 Culture of Health Prize, recognizing the city鈥檚 commitment to health equity. She has been honored as a Top Ten CNN Hero, named an NBC 鈥淭heGrio 100 History Maker,鈥� and recognized as Vicksburg鈥檚 Woman of the Year.
A certified health coach and author of Shape Up Sisters, Linda empowers individuals鈥攅specially women鈥攖o take control of their health through practical lifestyle changes. Her work has been featured in national media including Jet, Ebony, CNN, NBC Nightly News, and The Dr. Oz Show.
Through her continued work in community development, food access, and wellness, Linda remains a leading voice at the intersection of agriculture and health.