Age: 27

Claim to fame: Southerland dances and sings in The Provocateurs, a cabaret/old school burlesque troupe that performs at local venues and aims to bring light to gender and sexuality issues through playful variety acts.

What she does: Along with her dance and musical skills, Southerland's organizational skills are evident in her job as the food and farming outreach coordinator at Sustainable Connections, where she promotes local food, plans such events as the Whatcom County Farm Tour and Eat Local Month, and coordinates public relations for the organization. "I am passionate about where the food we're eating comes from, and helping to make that connection back to support the local farms and food businesses who provide us with fresh and local quality products," she says.

What's next? Southerland sings jazzy cover tunes at many of the Provocateurs' shows, and is starting to write some of her own. "I'm also stoked to do a couple regional bicycle trips this summer," she says.

Reach DEAN KAHN at dean.kahn@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2291.