Biography: Douglas (DJ) Belton II is a PhD candidate at the Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University, where his research examines just sustainabilities, community economies, and future food systems. His scholarship uses mixed methods, co-design, and autoethnographic inquiry to investigate community-led food, health, and housing transitions in Western Sydney and Minneapolis/St. Paul. He also explores performative Hip Hop as a pedagogy for constructing new eco-social imaginaries and mobilizing actors toward just transitions. Bridging scholarship and practice, he is also a Social Research & Development Principal at Abode R+D, advising businesses, governments, and civil sector organizations on evidence-based interventions for social, environmental, and technical systems change. His applied work includes co-leading Minnesota Venture Farms, serving BIPOC farmers committed to regenerative practices, and directing SankofaPOWER, a platform integrating workforce development, STE(A)M education, and service learning to build capacity in localized food economies. Prior roles include design research at PwC Australia and Yamagigu, with fifteen-plus years across consulting, government advisory, and community innovation. Belton holds a Master of Applied Anthropology from Macquarie University, a B.A. from Metropolitan State University, and a Permaculture Design Certificate. He presents on the panel Agriculture and Community Food, and Value Exchange Systems.