Meet Maria Largacha of Old Redford, NW Detroit

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Largacha

Hi Maria, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I moved to Michigan 9 years ago after living in the southern U.S. for several years. My professional career began in corporate banking in Argentina, where I was born, and continued here. During the years I had my three children, I felt a strong desire to follow my passion, leading me to switch directions. Growing food and creating pollinator habitats became central to my new path.

When I moved to Michigan, I took the Master Gardener Certification course at MSU, which connected me with Detroit Blight Busters, a nonprofit focused not only on tearing down blighted properties but also on building new structures, renovating existing ones, fostering local businesses, and cultivating a sense of community. In 2018, I partnered with Detroit Blight Busters to revive an abandoned garden in Artist Village Detroit, laying the groundwork for what would become Farm City Detroit. By 2019, the project had expanded, transforming 60 raised beds into a flourishing urban farm. This initiative not only provided the community with access to fresh produce but also fostered a strong sense of unity and engagement through social and educational activities. Over the following years, we expanded further, adding an in-ground growing lot, new pollinator gardens, and an orchard.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Which road hasn’t faced struggles at some point? I’ve lived in different countries and cities, experiencing a diversity of cultures and interacting with people vastly different from where I grew up. These experiences fueled my craving for rich environments. Without these challenges and exposure to such diversity, I wouldn’t have discovered my passions or learned to love being open to everything and everyone.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Currently, I serve as the Master Gardener Head of Farm City Detroit. For the past seven years, I’ve led this volunteer-driven project, transforming vacant lots into thriving gardens that emphasize community, education, and access to healthy food. My background in corporate banking, combined with my Industrial Engineering degree, has provided me with a unique perspective on the intersection of business and sustainability.

This initiative stands as a model of sustainable urban development, offering educational programs and fostering environmental stewardship, making it a vital example for cities everywhere. What sets our work apart is our unwavering commitment to sustainable urban farming, community health, and environmental stewardship. I’m most proud of the joy and value that come from interacting with the community and providing a space for connection. These efforts enrich the community and promote sustainable living, making a meaningful impact on the area.

At Farm City Detroit, we’ve created a space that fosters collaboration with other organizations, schools, universities, and community partners. We celebrate nature’s beauty, encourage creative expression, and nurture the body with delicious, locally grown vegetables.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
The key is to keep trying and pushing forward. If you’re searching for your path, you’ll find it as long as you maintain your curiosity, follow your instincts, and trust your interests. These will guide you to your passion, the things that make you glow and feel truly alive.

Listen to and respect the people you encounter; it’s all part of the puzzle. Every step is important. Be loyal to what makes you thrive, visualize your goals, and set your path. Remember, efforts might have a delay in rewarding you, but rewards always come. You can change direction many times—this is what life is about—but always keep moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.detroitblightbusters.org/farm-city-detroit
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farmcitydetroit/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/farmcitydetroit/