Associate Director of Development
he/him/his
Heath joined The Food Project in March 2022 as Associate Director of Development. Previously, he served as Director of Development & Engagement for Emmanuel Music, helping a fifty-year-old organization imagine and commence a strategic pivot towards greater relevance through embracing a more participatory culture.
Notably, Heath helped to build Community MusicWorks—a creative youth development organization nationally recognized for “creating rewarding musical experiences for often-forgotten populations and forging a new, multi-faceted role beyond the concert hall for the 21st century musician” (MacArthur Foundation). He continues to provide capacity building mentorship for musician colleagues who are growing community-based initiatives, including Palaver Strings (Portland, ME), Iris Music Project (Rockville, MD), and Newport String Project (Newport, RI).
Earlier in his career, as a professional cellist, Heath was fortunate to have spent summers studying and performing in such bucolic locations as Banff, Blue Hill, and the Berkshires.
Institutional Giving Associate
she/her/hers
Emily is a creative fundraising professional with a strong commitment to food justice, sustainable agriculture, and developing local sources of healthy fruits and veggies. She joined The Food Project’s development team in March 2022 as the Institutional Giving Associate, and is responsible for researching and writing compelling grant proposals to foundations, government agencies, and corporate giving entities. Emily previously worked as a freelance journalist, traveling to places far and wide between Cortez, Colorado and Molise, Italy. The rest of her time she spends hiking, gardening, and learning new languages. Please feel free to reach out and connect, especially with book recommendations!
Development Associate
she/her/hers
Myla originally joined The Food Project as a youth in 2015, making her way through Seed and Dirt Crew, and then spending the two subsequent summers as a Seed Crew Peer Leader. She rejoined the organization as the Development Associate in March 2022 after graduating from Ursinus College with a BA in Theater. Her academic research explored theater as a tool for marginalized populations to affect social change. At The Food Project, Myla handles gifting from individual donors and oversees event management. In her free time, Myla enjoys performing with her local community theater, baking new recipes, and sitting outside to read!
Marketing and Communications Associate
she/her/hers
Elana joined The Food Project in February 2022 as the Marketing and Communications Associate. In this role, she helps spread the word and tell the story of The Food Project through all types of media. Prior to working at The Food Project, she did marketing for a startup in Boston. She studied English at Tufts University, where she was actively involved in the outdoor programming, and served as a tutor for the Petey Greene Program, which helped incarcerated people achieve their academic goals. Outside of work, she enjoys playing and listening to music, cooking big meals for and with friends, and being (not so) secretly into professional football.
Grant Writer
617-934-1184
he/him/his
Max Gitlen rejoined The Food Project in 2019, and has worked as part of the organization for over six years in total. He brings deep and broad experience in the local food system, including work in the pasture-based sustainable meat industry, with consumer and farmer coops, and as an entrepreneur. Outside of work, Max loves to spend time with his family, in the kitchen, in the woods, and in the ocean.
Regional Director – Greater Boston
617-442-1322, Ext. 280
she/her/hers
Maritza joined The Food Project in May 2019 as the Greater Boston Regional Director after working in public service positions for over 15 years. Maritza is an internationally experienced non-profit and public sector leader who has dedicated her life to combining community activist efforts with service-learning frameworks. Maritza prioritizes placing people at the center of every program she innovates. Her accomplishments include co-founding a student-run business program for the Chicago Public School District and serving as a founding board member of Y2Y Harvard Square—a shelter for young adults experiencing homelessness. As a current resident of Dorchester, she enjoys the close-to-home connection of The Food Project’s work. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family and traveling to her homeland, Puerto Rico.
Regional Director – North Shore
1-781-236-4272
she/her/hers
Ludia Modi is The Food Project’s North Shore Regional Director and is an alumna of The Food Project’s North Shore youth programs and served professionally as a Youth Development Specialist and Food Corps supervisor. Ludia brings a background in nonprofit leadership and community partnerships from past positions at CityYear and Bridgewell, as well as a Masters in Nonprofit Management from Northeastern University. Ludia has stepped into this new role with a deep understanding of The Food Project’s culture, the opportunities and challenges faced by the North Shore community, and a talent for building, developing, and leading diverse teams with a mission-driven and detail-oriented approach. Outside of work Ludia loves going on long walks with her dogs, crocheting, and eating delicious food at local restaurants.
Greater Boston Community Programs Manager
617-704-2003
he/him/his
The community programs manager builds and sustains stakeholder interactions by managing organizational programs, collaborating with local residents and businesses alike, and keeping an external point of contact information database. Yasser holds a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University, where he double-majored in International Affairs and Religious Studies. He is currently in a master’s program at Northeastern University pursuing an M.S in Urban Security and Resilience. Yasser’s participation in this master’s program is made possible by a scholarship he received for being a part of the Northeastern University Martin Luther King Fellowship. Yasser grew up in the Boston Public School (BPS) academic system and has 5+ years of experience in security, hospitality, retail, concierge, supply chain operations, event coordination, and administrative support prior to my position at The Food Project. Outside of the office, Yasser enjoys being with his family and friends. He joined The Food Project as a volunteer in late 2019, became a seasonal urban farmer in 2020, transitioned into the operations specialist role in 2021, and has now become the community programs manager. Yasser’s community engagement involves being a part of Dorchester Not for Sale, New England United for Justice, Northeastern Off-Campus Housing Community Ambassador Corps, Northeastern Service-Learning Street Team, the Dorchester Historical Society, and the 2020 United Nations Millennium Fellowship.
Associate Director of Marketing & Communications
413-335-0626
she/her/hers
Loretta joined The Food Project as the Associate Director of Marketing & Communications in January of 2021. Before that, Loretta spent over a decade in global brand management, working for lifestyle and CPG brands across startup and corporate organizations. She holds a degree from Wellesley College, where she majored in Economics and captained the varsity soccer and lacrosse teams. When she steps away from work, you’ll likely find Loretta and her family adventuring in the outdoors with their faithful puppers, being a bit of a tornado in the kitchen, or diving into a creative project.
Lynn Farms Manager
Andres Bolanos grew up farming in Guatemala with his father and grandfather where he became passionate about plants and growing food. He first started working at the Food Project as an assistant grower in April of 2021. After a full season of growing vegetables and relationships in Lynn, Andres took on a new role as the Lynn Urban Farm Manager. In this role, he enjoys working with and supporting community members and organizations in the city of Lynn to build a more equitable food system. Prior to working at the Food Project Andres worked at a 32-acre greenhouse growing tomatoes and strawberries. Andres has a degree from Tufts University in Biology and Child development. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, pickling, and outdoor activities such as hiking and rock climbing.
Community Food Fellow
857-523-0958
she/her/hers
Alice joined The Food Project in June of 2021 as the Community Food Fellow. In this position, she manages farmers’ markets in Roxbury and Dorchester, runs the Build-a-Garden program for Boston, and serves as the assistant supervisor to Root Crew. Prior to working at The Food Project, Alice studied Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University, where she researched the impacts of climate change on hummingbird foraging behavior. Having grown up in Somerville, she is happy to have gotten to return to the Boston area to do hands-on food justice work despite the lack of hummingbirds. Outside of work, Alice enjoys biking, taking on overly ambitious art projects, and maintaining her crossword puzzle completion streak.
Database & Operations Manager
781-259-8621 Ext. 140
she/they
Ashley joined The Food Project first as the Development Associate in 2019 after studying at the University of Maine and earning a B.S. in Ecology and Environmental Sciences, with a minor in Sustainable Food Systems. Ashley is also an alumna of The Food Project’s Seed, Root, and Dirt Crews, and is grateful to have grown in those roles from 2008-2011. Outside of ensuring that The Food Project’s database runs smoothly and assisting with operations, Ashley enjoys baking, video games, and gardening.
Youth Development Specialist – Seed & Dirt Crew
617-396-7619
she/her/hers
Josiah currently serves as the Greater Boston Youth Development Specialist, where she runs the introductory youth programs: Seed and Dirt crew. She joined The Food Project in 2012 as a youth on the North Shore and remained involved as a peer leader, an intern, a crew leader, and as staff for the mobile market. After graduating from The University of Chicago in 2019 with a degree in Statistics, she was inspired by her time at TFP to become an educator. She stayed in Chicago for two years working as a math teacher and earning her Masters in Education from Relay Graduate School of Education. In 2021 she came back to Massachusetts to work for The Food Project and be closer to her family. In her free time, Josiah enjoys walking with her dog, eating banana bread, and learning random new skills like how to make animations or play harmonica.
Lincoln Field Manager
they/them
Rob first found farming while studying Environmental Science at Dickinson College. After graduating, they spent a season as an apprentice of the Dickinson College Farm, living yurt-style, leading harvest crews, and slanging wood-fired pizza at the farmer’s market. In 2018, they continued on to The Food Project as a Grower’s Assistant. In their current role as Field Manager, Rob helps to grow vegetables for the farm’s many distribution outlets, with the core principle that good land stewardship reciprocates good food production. Midsummer, you might find Rob preparing fields for planting, moving the irrigation gun to its next destination, or directly sowing seeds on a tractor from 1948. One of their fondest roles is leading youth in workshops around sustainable agriculture or even hands-on hot sauce making. Off the farm, Rob’s passions for music and dance find them digging for rare records at their local record shop.
Executive Director
781-259-8621 Ext. 190
she/her/hers
Anne joined The Food Project in 2019 as our Executive Director. Prior to joining us, Anne was the Chief Operating Officer at Trinity Boston Connects. Over the course of her time there, Anne supervised all aspects of the organization from youth development programs to organizational equity consulting, from finance and operations to development and communications.
Anne’s engagement with The Food Project goes back to 2009, when she led the first of two pro bono consulting projects focused on marketing to youth and financial sustainability. She is also the parent of an alumna of our youth programs who worked with us from 2011 to 2015.
Anne received her BA from Dartmouth College and her MBA from Harvard Business School. In her spare time, Anne loves to garden, cook, read, and travel.
Associate Director of Finance, HR, and Operations
781-259-8621, ext. 245
she/her/hers
Katie joined The Food Project in 2020 as the Finance and HR Administrator, and today she is the Associate Director of Finance, HR & Operations. Prior to joining The Food Project, she worked at the Paper Store for 12 years in many different areas—from Store Associate in college, to Warehouse Picker and Packer in the summer, to making her way to the position of Controller in the accounting department of the corporate office. Throughout her career at The Paper Store, Katie improved system processes to better streamline the accounting and payroll departments. Now, after 12 years and two children—Lucas and Amelia—she has joined The Food Project in a part-time role, so that she can spend more time with her children. In her free time, Katie likes to hang out with her family, golf, and travel to new destinations. She and her family take many trips to Maine and enjoy hours out on their boat discovering swimming spots and places to picnic and make sandcastles.
Research and Evaluation Fellow
843-222-1894
he/him/his
Curtis Leonard joined The Food Project as the Research and Evaluation Fellow in August 2020 after graduating from Princeton University with a degree in Anthropology. His academic research focused on the intersections of identity, privilege, and representation in outdoor environmental spaces. At The Food Project, he analyzes youth and alumni evaluation data, brings environmental justice and policy curriculum to Root Crew youth on the North Shore, and is a member of the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) committee. When not at work, Curtis enjoys backpacking with friends, reading any and all types of books, and cooking spicy foods to share with loved ones.
Youth Development Specialist- Root Crew
781-346-6726 Ext. 570
she/her
Adesuwa began her journey with The Food Project in 2012 as a young person in Seed Crew. She then progressed onto Dirt Crew, then Root Crew, ending her youth experience as a Peer Leader on the North Shore. For Adesuwa, the sense of community that her experiences with the organization have given her has been a driving force both during and after her time in The Food Project’s youth crews. She is currently a Youth Development Specialist for Root Crew. Her philosophy includes creating spaces for young people to exist in their truth and creating spaces where unique conversations can be had about oppression and how young people can make a change in their own way. Adesuwa loves to think about new ways that people can build relationships with the land that are healing and restorative.
Deputy Director
781-346-6726 Ext. 650
he/him/his
John joined The Food Project in May 2005 and helped start The Food Project’s North Shore site—based in Lynn, Beverly, and Wenham—as the Youth Programs Manager. Currently, he serves as The Food Project’s Deputy Director, where he is responsible for the oversight and development of the organization’s program portfolio, ensuring that it aligns and delivers on The Food Project’s vision and mission. He works collaboratively to define and execute the strategic plan, working towards the organizational goals and objectives across both regions. John is a graduate of the International Health Policy and Management program at Brandeis University’s Heller School and holds a B.Sc in Microbiology and a M.Sc in International Health Policy and Management. John’s experience in youth advocacy spans education, literacy, HIV-AIDS prevention, and community service promotion. When not in the office, you can find John cooking – a lot, spending time outdoors in the fall, backpacking and discovering new places, and reading books next to fires or swinging in hammocks.
Community Programs Manager
she/her/hers
Anika Dinna Whitmore serves as the Community Programs Manager for the North Shore region. She recently returned to the North Shore after attending Spelman College in Atlanta, GA where she studied Economics. While attending Spelman College, Anika worked as a student archival assistant and developed a passion for historical preservation and archival studies. She has had the opportunities of working in the archives at Spelman College, the Brown vs. Board of Education National Historic Site, and Heritage Werks. Anika is an alumna of The Food Project’s Seed Crew and Root Crew and worked with the organization in those capacities from 2008 to 2012. In her free time, you can find her hanging out with friends and family, catching up on the latest documentary series, and everything in between.
Associate Director of Development
Office: (781) 259-8621 ext. 250
Cell: (781) 261-0245
she/her/hers
Rachel joined The Food Project team in April of 2020, bringing with her a passion for building relationships with donors, managing events, and creating communications that connect readers to work they care about. As The Food Project’s Associate Director of Development, Rachel works to ensure that our supporters are able to make meaningful change in the lives of youth and our local food systems, and feel the rewards of giving back to their community. She brings with her a deep-rooted love of the natural world and respect for the capacity youth have in making positive and lasting impact in their communities. When Rachel is not forging connections throughout The Food Project network, she can be found running, gardening, or reading a good book.
Boston Farm Manager
617-422-1322 Ext. 130
she/her/hers
Danielle Andrews has worked on and off at The Food Project since the summer of 2000, where she started as a grower’s assistant on The Food Project’s Lincoln farm. In the fall of 2000, Danielle returned to her hometown of Toronto to finish a master’s degree in Environmental Studies with a focus on agriculture-based education and work on urban agriculture projects. In 2002, she returned to The Food Project as the Boston Urban Grower. Following a maternity leave in 2008, she returned to The Food Project to head up the Dudley Greenhouse. In her current position, she enjoys working with and supporting neighbors and neighborhood organizations that are working in partnership with The Food Project to strengthen our neighborhood food system. Danielle loves to grow, cook, and appreciate vegetables; ride bikes; and explore Boston’s free events, pools, and skating rinks.
Communications Manager
781-259-8621 Ext. 150
she/her/hers
Kim joined The Food Project in 2018 as the Grants Manager and transitioned to Communications Manager in 2019. She came to The Food Project from the Asperger/Autism Network (AANE), where she served as the Associate Director of Development and managed fundraising events and communications that promoted neurodiversity awareness and helped people living on the spectrum build meaningful, connected lives. Kim received her B.A. in Anthropology from Haverford College and holds a masters degree in Chinese Medicine. She appreciates how the Chinese model of nurturing the body and spirit reflects a sustainable farmer’s holistic ethos of tending to ecological systems to promote the health and wellness of plants. When she is not busy collecting and sharing stories from the field, you can find Kim running along her favorite wooded trails or shaping useful objects at a potter’s wheel.
Evaluation Specialist & Volunteer Coordinator
781-259-8621, ext. 850
she/her/hers
Madison Beehler serves The Food Project as the Evaluation Specialist & Volunteer Coordinator. Madison joined the team in 2016 and since then has filled a variety of roles in the Greater Boston Region—from farmer to youth supervisor. For the last two years, she has supported the logistical work of the Greater Boston youth crews as the region’s Operations Specialist. Madison brings her love for logistics, her years of experience working alongside youth and farmers at The Food Project, and her academic background in public health to her new role as Evaluation Specialist & Volunteer Coordinator. Prior to The Food Project, Madison worked as the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Dickinson College Farm, where she coordinated farm-based opportunities for the campus community. She graduated from Dickinson College in 2015 with a B.S. in Environmental Science and is currently pursuing a Masters’ of Public Health from the Boston University School of Public Health. When not working or studying, Madison can be found lacing up her sneakers for a trail run or working on a sewing project.
Lincoln Farm Manager
781-259-8621 Ext. 370
he/him/his
Alex Pogany began volunteering for The Food Project in 2009 and came on board full-time as a Grower’s Assistant in 2010. After three full seasons as a Grower’s Assistant, he became the Lincoln Farm’s Field Manager in December of 2012. Alex held the Field Manager position for three years until the winter of 2015 when he became the Lincoln Head Grower.
Some of the many roles Alex is responsible for include vegetable production and planning, soil fertility, compost operation management, maintaining and operating field equipment, leading agriculture workshops, and guiding youth and volunteers in meaningful and valuable work. In 2009, Alex returned home to Boston after an eight-year sojourn in Washington state where he worked as a forestry technician for the U.S. Forest Service. His interest in sustainable agriculture is an extension of his long-held concern for the protection of the environment.
Wenham Farm Manager
781-346-6726 Ext. 510
she/her/hers
Miriam returned to The Food Project team in 2017 after a four-year absence from our Lincoln farm, where she worked for 9 years in various roles—including as a grower and CSA manager. Miriam started her farming career with The Food Project after graduating from Middlebury College with a B.A. in Geography. Since then she has worked with several farming businesses and non-profit organizations throughout New England. She loves the vision on The Food Project and is thrilled to return this season as a Farm Manager on the Wenham land.
Youth Development Specialist- Seed Crew & Dirt Crew
617-442-1322 Ext. 550
he/him/his
Omar Carranza currently serves as The Food Project’s Youth Development Specialist for Seed Crew and Dirt Crew in the Greater Boston region. Omar has been active in the organization since 2011, when he first joined us as a young person in Seed Crew. He has remained active with The Food Project through Dirt Crew, as a Seed Crew Peer Leader, as an intern, and eventually as a staff member while attending college. Omar is a graduate of Salem State University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. When not at work, you might find Omar immersing himself in old school R&B, including his favorite group Boyz II Men.
Director of Development and Communications
781-259-8621, Ext. 330
she/her/hers
Youth Development Specialist- Root Crew
781-259-8621 Ext. 81
he/him/his
Marvin first joined The Food Project as a Seed Crew member in the summer of 2013. He went on to join Dirt Crew and Root Crew, eventually working as farmers market consultant in the summer of 2017. After graduating from college, Marvin returned to The Food Project as the Youth Development Specialist for the North Shore. In this role he oversees the incoming youth in Seed Crew and Dirt Crew. Marvin graduated from Providence College with a Bachelors in Public and Community Service Studies with a Youth Development concentration and Global Studies core focus. When Marvin is not at The Food Project, he loves hanging out with friends and family.
Lynn Grower’s Assistant
she/they
Charline joined The Food Project in the spring of 2020 as our Lynn Grower’s Assistant. Her role provides her with the opportunity to work on the Ingalls School Farm, maintain the greenhouse at North Shore Community College, and co-manage the many ways The Food Project distributes food across the City of Lynn. Charline earned her BFA in Art Education and Sculpture from Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She also comes to us with a background in garden and health education, facilitation, and growing food. When Charline is not working the land, she is working in integrative medicine, at the intersection of Eastern and Western practices.
Wenham Grower
978-886-2394
she/her/hers
Susan joined The Food Project in 2015 as the Beverly Field Manager. She came to the position already having ten years of experience in farming and farm education. When Susan is not nurturing North Shore land, she spends as much time as possible connecting with the sea—surfing is her love. She is also an artist at heart. Susan studied photojournalism and creates movement and installation pieces in her free time.
Boston Grower’s Assistant
386-503-6147
she/her/hers
Liz joined The Food Project in April 2020 as the Boston Grower’s Assistant, after training with the Urban Farming Institute of Boston. Having previously worked as a Site Coordinator at a human services nonprofit, she transitioned to farming in order to develop a stronger connection to the earth and to explore the ways food can address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of both people and communities. Driven by her passion for place-making and community investment, Liz is now committed to working a full growing season on The Food Project’s Boston farms. Outside of growing, Liz is involved with anti-displacement work, a start-up food co-op, and an environmental justice working group. You can also find her experimenting with kombucha and repurposing food scraps!
Lincoln Assistant Grower
240-715-5642
she/they
Yun-Yun joined The Food Project in July 2017 as the Organizational Learning High Meadows Fellow focused on supporting evaluation of the youth learning and community gardening experience. She now works on the Lincoln Farm as an Assistant Grower. She brings her passion for learning about agricultural models around the world, her concern for ecological and social justice, and her interest in both transformative and experiential learning to her position at The Food Project. Yun-Yun graduated from Princeton University with a B.A. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and a certificate in Ethnographic Studies. In addition to her love of climbing rocks and making music, she has discovered—to the despair of her housemates—a new passion for making pungent fermented CSA veggies.
Managing Director
339-234-1286
she/her/hers
Jen James has been working in non-profits since 2000. She’s worked in farm-based organizations including The Food Project, Farm Aid, and Codman Community Farm. Her passion and her strength is found in supporting others to do their best work. Returning to The Food Project as the Managing Director allows her to combine her skills in leadership, group facilitation, organizational development, and strategic thinking to foster organizational sustainability. Jen is a voracious reader who also enjoys running and being outdoors.
Northeastern University Co-op
781-259-8621
she/her/hers
Julia is a fourth-year journalism major and environmental studies minor at Northeastern University, and is just coming back from a semester studying the environment in Costa Rica. She joined the Food Project’s Boston team in 2020 to work with Dudley Farm Manager Danielle Andrews and to help out with The Food Project’s communications. Previously, she has interned as a reporter at The Boston Globe, The Chautauquan Daily in western New York, and two community newspapers in Connecticut. She is passionate about learning about all aspects of food systems. Outside of the office, she enjoys hiking, watching stand-up comedy, and baking.
HR, Finance, & Operations Associate
781-259-8621 Ext. 38
she/her/hers
Nasarah joined The Food Project in 2019 as the Development and Finance Associate. Prior to joining our team, she had experience working as Program Coordinator for a non-profit in Baltimore and a Sales Manager at Verizon. Nasarah’s engagement with The Food Project goes back to 2010, when she joined our team as a Seed Crew Member. During this time, Nasarah learned how nutrition is important to the health and wellness of our communities. She is passionate about eradicating food deserts and serving youth in her community by advocating for their access to resources. Following her involvement with Seed Crew, Nasarah, returned to The Food Project in 2015 as an Assistant Grower on the Lincoln land. Nasarah received both her BA in Sociology (2016) and MBA (2017) from Loyola University in Baltimore, MD. In her spare time, Nasarah loves to enjoy nature walks, meditate, and read.
Youth Development Specialist – Root Crew
617-792-6076
he/him/his
Tu began working with youth at Northeastern University where he studied Cultural Anthropology and International Relations. During that time, most of his work was focused in the Dorchester and Roxbury neighborhoods of Boston. After college, Tu both trained as a Farm Apprentice with the Urban Farming Institute in Boston and a Grower’s Assistant under Danielle Andrews at The Food Project—starting in 2018. Tu now supervises Root Crew throughout the year, supporting The Food Project’s most experienced youth cohort as they tackle advanced farm tasks and collaborate directly with community members to better the local food economy. Tu works with young people to establish strong roots as they begin to figure out their future careers. In his spare time, Tu travels to distant continents. “Traveling is escaping. It makes me feel small and insignificant and yet feel so connected to the wonders of the world.”
Grants Manager
781-259-8621
she/her/hers
Nichole is a dedicated food system professional with an interest in healthy food access, equitable food systems, sustainable local agriculture, and nutrition education. Nichole joined The Food Project’s development team in January 2020 as the Grants Manager and is responsible for the strategy, management, and writing of all grants to the institutional funders of The Food Project. Nichole has previously served as a project manager for The Food Trust’s Farmers Market Program, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit committed to healthy food access. In her free time, you can find her roller skating, playing roller derby, at the gym, or at home curled up with her two super sweet cats!
Marcy Dorna
Manager of Finance and Operations
781-259-8621 Ext. 18
[email protected]
she/her/hers
Marcy joined the Food Project in 2019 as the Manager of Finance and Operations. Marcy handles payroll, benefits, on-boarding, payment of invoices and cutting checks, and facilities management (including all offices). Marcy holds a B.A. from McGill University and comes to The Food Project with an extensive history of working in financial management in the nonprofit sector. She is thrilled with the opportunity to work for The Food Project. Marcy resides in Weston with her two children. She enjoys perusing cafes and bookstores with her daughter, hiking and running with her son, and generally being active outdoors. In the early mornings she can be found rowing on the Charles River.
Community Food Fellow
540-230-3261
she/her/hers
Emmy Bender joined The Food Project as the Community Food Fellow in June 2019 after graduating with an Ecology degree from Princeton University. Emmy’s past experience includes agricultural research, anti-carceral advocacy work, and a lifetime of growing vegetables, flowers, and animals with her family in Virginia. At The Food Project, she facilitates farmers markets and corner store sales, and also acts as a Root Crew supervisor, spending lots of quality time with Greater Boston youth! Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, running and cooking delicious food with all the fresh produce grown at The Food Project farms.
Lincoln Grower’s Assistant/CSA Manager
781-996-8562
she/they
Ode joined The Food Project in 2018 as a Grower’s Assistant for the Lincoln farm and CSA Manager for the Boston region. She is graduate of The University of Oregon, where she studied Environmental Studies with a focus on Sustainable Agriculture and Ecological Restoration. Her thirst for knowledge and love for getting her hands dirty can be seen in the variety of farming experience she possesses from working as a Farm Manager at an Organic vegetable farm, interning at a goat dairy, farming with draft horses and leading a school garden program, among other experiences. In her free time, Ode continues her passion for the outdoors through playing ultimate frisbee, where she has won national championships and competed as a representative of the USA at a world tournament.
Marketing & Communications Associate & Graphic Designer
781-259-8621 Ext. 26
she/her/hers
Hannah joined The Food Project in March of 2018 as the Marketing & Communications Associate & Graphic Designer. Prior to joining The Food Project, Hannah held design and communications roles at the KITCHEN at the Boston Public Market, the Office of Health Promotion at Boston College, and ran her business as a freelance designer. Hannah is a 2018 graduate of Boston College, where she obtained her B.A. in Communications. In her spare time, you can find Hannah visiting farmers markets and craft fairs around New England, or engaging in creative pursuits including calligraphy and baking.
Youth Development Specialist- Greater Boston Root Crew
617-804-6549
she/her/hers
Keely started with The Food Project as a young person in the summer of 2008 with Seed Crew and participated in Dirt Crew and Root Crew throughout her high school years. Following high school, Keely ventured to Baton Rouge to serve as an Americorps service member with City Year. Since returning to the Boston area, she has continued to work with young people—teaching sex education with Action for Boston Community Development and working with The Food Project as a Crew Leader, Assistant Grower, and Root Crew Supervisor. After a year’s hiatus, as the Assistant Farm Manager at Brookwood Community Farm, Keely is excited to be back at The Food Project supporting Greater Boston’s Root Crew. Keely is a high-energy, sunshine-loving person who can be found planning adventures with friends, playing with small children, hiking a mountain, cooking farm veggies, or searching out the best food of Boston.
Manager of Finance and Operations
781-259-8621 Ext. 18
she/her/hers
Marcy joined The Food Project in 2019 as the Manager of Finance and Operations. Marcy handles payroll, benefits, on-boarding, payment of invoices and cutting checks, and facilities management (including all offices.) Marcy holds a B.A. from McGill University, and comes to the Food Project with an extensive history of working in financial management in the nonprofit sector. She is thrilled with the opportunity to work for The Food Project. She enjoys perusing cafes and bookstores with her daughter, hiking and running with her son, and generally being active outdoors. In the early mornings she can be found rowing on the Charles River.
Organizational Research Fellow
she/her/hers
Aparna joined The Food Project in August 2018 as the High Meadows Organizational Research Fellow, supporting the Lynn Grows initiative in building a local food system that works for everyone. She brings to this position her passion for food justice and public health, particularly for using food to promote holistic wellbeing and strengthen communities. Aparna recently graduated from Princeton University with a B.A. in Molecular Biology and minors in Global Health/Health Policy and Gender & Sexuality Studies. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring Lynn and experimenting with the many new varieties of squash she has been introduced to on The Food Project’s farms.
Director of Learning and Design
781-259-8621 Ext. 29
she/her/hers
Cindy joined The Food Project in 2012. Cindy works across The Food Project in the areas of designing, supporting and evaluating the learning experience for youth, staff and others interested in our work. A native southerner, Cindy received her BS in HPER at the University of North Alabama and MRE at Scarritt Graduate School. She has wide ranging experience in youth and community development in local communities, faith-based communities and organizations, and the academy. Among her interests are creating hospitable settings for sharing food and stories, making single signature jotters from found paper, threads and objects, and exploring the beaches and back roads of New England with Kirby, the wonder beagle.
Associate Director of Development
781-259-8621 Ext. 31
she/her/hers
Lucy serves on the fundraising team as the Associate Director of Development. In this role, she engages with a vibrant, inspired community of individuals who love The Food Project and are committed to keeping it growing strong. Lucy joined the team in 2014 as a Development Officer for Individual Giving & Events and was in charge of planning the Big Shindig, Farm Lunches, and other avenues for supporters to experience and connect with The Food Project. Previously, she worked as Project & Event Manager at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Lucy holds a B.A. in Spanish and Studio Arts from Holy Cross in Worcester, MA where she was first exposed to social justice and inspired by Jesuit values. A native of Cape Cod, Lucy loves clamming, swimming in the ocean, traveling, and experiencing other cultures whenever she gets the chance. Lucy’s favorite foods are basil pesto and ice cream (not together, although there’s an idea!) She is proud to work for an organization so deeply committed to young people and communities of color—and to fundamentally changing the systems and ideas that affect how we treat each other, our food, and the planet we share.
Looking to get involved and support The Food Project? Contact Lucy to learn more.
Events & Volunteer Manager
781-259-8621 Ext. 54
she/her/hers
Sarah serves on The Food Project’s fundraising team as the Events & Volunteer Manager. In this role, she is in charge of planning and executing inspiring and engaging events, such as the Big Shindig and Farm Lunch, for The Food Project’s community. Additionally, she coordinates group volunteers on The Food Project’s farms. Sarah’s passion for social justice and sustainable farming led her to join The Food Project in 2016. Sarah holds a BS in Business Administration Management from the University of New Hampshire and has a background in hospitality and research. In her spare time, you can find Sarah creating, reading, hiking with her dog Theo, or perfecting her sourdough bread.
Lincoln Field Manager
he/him/his
Brendan Murtha joined The Food Project as the Lincoln Field Manager at the start of 2016. He returned to Massachusetts from Pennsylvania where he attended college and worked on a diverse vegetable/livestock farm. As the Field Manager, Brendan shares many responsibilities with the Farm Manager to ensure the farm operates smoothly and produces healthy food. Brendan’s favorite parts of farming are troubleshooting mechanical issues, making compost, and eating the delicious produce. In his free time, Brendan enjoys biking, fermenting food, and scheming about efficient and sustainable ways to grow produce.
Director of Finance and Operations
781-259-8621 Ext. 95
she/her/hers
Susan Lowe is the Director of Finance and Operations and started at The Food Project in May of 2019. Her roles oversees finance, accounting, human resources, IT, and Facilities. For most of her career she served in leadership roles at various non-profits including those focusing on human rights, special education, and healthcare and serves on three boards of directors. She has an MSA from Bentley University, a BA from Bucknell University and is a licensed CPA in Massachusetts. When she is not working and volunteering, she can be found cheering for all Philadelphia sports teams, eating all of the great food her husband cooks, and playing with her cat.
Lynn Urban Agriculture Manager
781-259-8621 Ext. 9002
she/her/hers
Jenn served at The Food Project on the North Shore as a FoodCorps service member from 2015 to 2017, and got hooked on growing food for a living. After a year-long apprenticeship in organic vegetable production and livestock management at The Farm School, Jenn is thrilled to be back at The Food Project, combining her love of growing food with her love for community work and the city of Lynn. Jenn has a degree in social work and a background in outdoor education. In her free time, Jenn enjoys walking in the Lynn woods, laughing until she cries, and putting too much homemade hot sauce on breakfast food.
FoodCorps Service Member
978-886-7261
Ellie is currently serving as an Americorps FoodCorps service member for the 2018-2019 academic year. She is a graduate of Wheaton College in Massachusetts where she received her B.A. in Music and Anthropology with a focus on food and sustainable agriculture. Ellie is no stranger to farming. During and immediately after college, she interned on a variety of farms in Washington state, Maine, and Western Massachusetts. Ellie is excited to return to her homeland on Massachusetts’ North Shore and to be working with children. She hopes to engage and excite the young people she works with about the natural world, getting their hands dirty in the garden beds, and trying new whole foods! In her free time, you can Ellie playing the harp or striking a yoga pose.
Youth Development Specialist
617-442-1322 x55
Angel joined The Food Project during the summer of 2016 as a Seed Crew Leader. Prior to his work with The Food Project, he served as an AmeriCorps member and as a math tutor at Match Middle School in Boston. While working as a math tutor, Angel discovered a passion for engaging with young people that he brings to our organization. He holds a master’s degree in the History of International Relations from the London School of Economics and has a B.A. in Sociology from Princeton University, with minors in African American studies, Judaic studies, and Gender and Sexuality studies. Outside of the farm and office, Angel is a part of the CrossFit community and juggles reading three to four books at a time.