Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali McNew.
Hi Ali, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up on a horse ranch in a small Texas town where neighbors helped neighbors. While the town has grown a lot since then, I still remember the strong sense of community that surrounded me growing up. Those early experiences shaped how I see the world and gave me a deep appreciation for the people and places that bring communities together.
In 2020, I moved to Waco to attend Baylor University. During my time there, I became involved with organizations focused on community engagement and service, and in 2022, I graduated with a BBA in Marketing. After graduation, I began working as a Special Events Coordinator for a city just outside of Waco, where I helped plan community events and programs. It was there that I started a small monthly farmers market, and that experience is really where I discovered how much I love this work. Creating spaces where local businesses and communities can come together was something very special to me, and I knew that, in whatever capacity I could, I wanted to continue doing that work.
After that, I moved to Georgia, where I pursued my Master’s in Music Business through Berklee College of Music. While there, I also worked for a nonprofit focused on mental health awareness and resources for musicians, which deepened my passion for mission-driven work and supporting creative communities. During that time, I also worked at an event center and concert venue, where I gained hands-on experience in event production, operations, and data management.
Eventually, life brought me back to Texas, and specifically back to Waco, which has always felt like home. While figuring out my next step, I worked at a local restaurant and a local coffee shop, and this gave me the chance to connect with the community in a more personal, everyday way.
Then I saw that the Waco Downtown Farmers Market was looking for a new Executive Director, and I felt immediately drawn to it. It brought together so many things I care about, community, local food, small businesses, and nonprofit work, and it truly felt like my experiences had been leading me in this direction.
Today, I serve as the Executive Director of the Waco Downtown Farmers Market, a nonprofit organization that supports local farmers, makers, and small businesses while creating a welcoming space for the community to gather. In my role, I lead the overall direction of the market as a nonprofit, thinking through big-picture operations, supporting vendor relationships, and shaping community programming. A lot of my work is focused on growth, partnerships, and making sure the market continues to serve both our vendors and the broader community well. What means the most to me is that this work creates a space where people can connect, support one another, and feel part of something bigger than themselves.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but I think that’s what made the journey meaningful. Moving between different cities and roles meant constantly starting over in some ways. I was always building new relationships, adapting to new environments, and figuring out what I wanted long-term.
One of the biggest challenges was learning to trust that each experience, even if it didn’t feel directly connected at the time, was building skills I would eventually use. There were moments of uncertainty, especially when I stepped into new industries or moved states, but those experiences taught me how to adapt quickly and stay grounded in my values.
Looking back, even the more difficult or unclear seasons ended up shaping how I lead today and deepening my appreciation for community-centered work.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Waco Downtown Farmers Market is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local farmers, makers, and small businesses while creating a welcoming space for the community to gather. At its core, the market is about connection. Connections between producers and customers, neighbors and friends, and people who care about supporting local.
What we’re known for is more than just offering fresh, local goods each week. We’re known for the experience. A place where people can slow down, build relationships, and feel a real sense of community. It’s a space where small businesses can grow, test ideas, and build loyal customer bases, and where shoppers can directly support the people behind their food and goods.
What sets us apart is that we are truly community-driven. As a nonprofit organization, our focus isn’t just on transactions, it’s on impact. Every decision we make is rooted in how we can better serve our vendors, our customers, and the broader Waco community. We also work intentionally to expand access to fresh, local food by accepting programs like SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks, and WIC vouchers, helping customers stretch their food dollars and bring home more fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious staples from local farmers.
What I’m most proud of is the culture of connection that exists at the market. It’s not just a place people come to shop. It’s a place where relationships are built, local businesses are supported in meaningful ways, and more people across our community are able to access fresh, local food that they otherwise might not have access to.
More than anything, I want people to know that when they come to the Waco Downtown Farmers Market, they’re supporting local agriculture and small businesses while investing directly in the people and stories behind their food.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I read fairly often, and I’m especially drawn to books that highlight different cultures, perspectives, and lived experiences. I’ve always found that stories are one of the best ways to understand people, and that perspective really influences how I approach community and connection in my work.
However, most of what I learn comes from real-life experience and the people around me. I stay inspired through conversations with vendors, customers, and community members at the market, and by seeing firsthand how small businesses and local producers navigate their work.
I also learn a lot by visiting other farmers markets when I travel and paying attention to how different communities create spaces for connection and access. For me, those real-world experiences tend to be more impactful than any one resource, and they constantly shape how I approach my work. But, I’ve found that staying present in the community I serve is the most valuable learning tool I have.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wacodowntownfarmersmarket.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wacofarmersmkt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WacoDowntownFarmersMarket/
