Carmen, who grew up spending holidays in Tyler and lives here today, has been an actor, private investigator, professional baker, and search-and-rescue dog handler. She is the founder and president of Farm and Food Coalition, a non-profit organization creating better access to locally grown food through farmer's markets, shared gardens, and community-building events. She founded the Rose City Farmers Market in 2013. Carmen plans to soon embark on a one-year exploration of food and agriculture across the U.S., living in a converted van with her dog Bodhi.