FREEING PEOPLE FROM HUNGER
Growing To Give is a registered 501c3 non-profit that
develops projects and partnerships to free people from
hunger across the country and around the world.
ON THIS PAGE
Creating an innovative, International NGO from scratch in the midst of a world crisis may not have been the best of ideas. Little did we know when the idea was hatched for Growing to Give that within a year a world pandemic would hit.
Yet, it was important to us to soldier through and do what we could to make an impact on the community we were growing food in. A virgin non-profit, whose registration for a 501c3 in the US came two months before the pandemic struck didn’t let that slam the book closed. Instead it made the read more interesting. The characters were up against so many challenges, yet progress was made as each new day dawned. Nutritious food was grown through unexpected frost, heatwaves that fried eggs on the sidewalk, wild windstorms and thick wildfire smoke. A small band of dedicated volunteers successfully grew food and donated it to local food banks throughout the crisis. 100 000lbs of food were donated from an acre of land!
Coming out the crisis, it was clear, the idea of food security projects was vital to reducing the effects of the pandemic on communities worldwide. Regions that were already suffering food crises before the pandemic were in even more dire straits. Places where food imports made up a majority of the food available were all of a sudden facing bare shelves and local agriculture wasn’t prepared to pick up the slack. North American food banks for the first time saw a massive drop in donations of food and money. No backup plan could have ever been conceivedfor what occurred
As the world rises from its unexpected slumber, so does Growing to Give. Having not raised any donations through the crisis, it was time to change that. How? Volunteers! People with the skills and talent to build and manage a world-class NGO! A volunteer opportunity was posted on LinkedIn for grant writers. The push to keep the dream alive had to begin somewhere. That was early December 2022. By mid-January, not only was there a team of grant writers, there were teams of fundraising campaign volunteers, operations managers, social media, public relations and media production professionals. Teams consisting of socially-conscious individuals from a variety of countries and backgrounds all determined to share their expertise and effort to fund a winning non-profit organization. Winning for the people who will benefit from the myriad of food security projects in que already and those that are yet to be known.
Meet the team! From our innovative thinking Co-Founders and Board of Directors to our impressive Advisory Board. All volunteers dedicated to changing the world one bite at a time.
Take a moment to read their bios and learn more about them. You will find the thread that has brought them together into a tightly-knit group is their love of people. Please send good wishes to them as they work together to end hunger globally on island nations, in Africa, and in marginalized communities across North America and beyond.
Siobhan, Co-founder and Chair of Growing to Give brings her passion for people to the team. An advocate for women in agriculture, she has years of experience in promotion in the social impact space which has given her impassioned insight into the human condition and a profound empathy for humanity. Linkedin
John, a serial entrepreneur, has developed a strong portfolio of intellectual property and a stable of shovel-ready, water smart food & forest technologies to address water scarcity, climate change and food security issues. His technology is both climate adaptable and scalable, ready for deployment worldwide. Linkedin
Tom has over 28 years of experience in agribusiness, agroforestry, renewable energy product development, manufacturing, building construction and commercial management. He brings invaluable experience & expertise of material fulfillment for GTG food & forest projects around the world. Admin
John Warren is an experienced attorney who has worked in numerous areas as sole practitioner, partner, in-house counsel, and pro bono counsel. In his early years, he lived and worked in farming communities and is passionate about environmental sustainability, especially renewable energy and water efficient technologies. Linkedin
With more than 25 years of experience as an attorney, Crystal Gothard is a forward-thinking business adviser, senior counsel, intellectual property and commercial transactions lawyer with global experience and expertise representation of Fortune Her areas of expertise are intellectual property. Linkedin
Racine is a compassionate lawyer with a wealth of experience and a passion for promoting human rights and women's empowerment across the world. As a New York barred and dual-qualified South African lawyer, Racine has worked with global non-profit organizations and is deeply committed to end hunger globally. Linkedin
Heather has over 17 years’ experience working in operations and senior product management in Saas and blockchain enterprises. She is resultsfocused and brings hands-on talent leveraging data analytics, process design, integrations, and team communication. She has a passion for protecting life on the planet. Linkedin
Jan founded the consulting group Experttech in 1998 and worked on numerous international development and consulting projects ranging from strategy to tactical levels, both as Consultative Strategist and Project Leader. We value his experience and passion for sustainable forest, and food security projects in South Africa. Linkedin
Global procurement leader with over 15 years of experience in strategic sourcing and supply chain management. Joseph is passionate about the South Pacific islands, their communities and culture. His mission is to bring corporations, governments, and people together to rapidly improve food security for South Pacific islands. Linkedin
Avery, a nonprofit professional, is a recent college graduate with a passion for communication and community service. She has held various leadership and internship positions, including Social Media Internship at the United Way of Washtenaw County, and Association President at the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. A Linkedin
Gillian has over 25 years of creative leadership. She thrives on building strategic communication processes that build mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their respective communities. Gillian is passionate about clean, holistic healing and as a resident of St. Martin in the beautiful Caribbean she is passionate about our GTG mission Linkedin
Over the last ten years, Jonathan has developed not just a hobby, but a passion for gardening, and plant science. His professional experiences have led him to discover a unique eye for graphic design and branding. Jonathan combines creative problem solving with a desire to utilize his skills to make a true impact on the world. Linkedin
Sonia has worked in and with non-profits for over 35 years. She has a heart for people and community. She believes we are stronger collectively than we can ever be on our own. “Seeing how the systems have blessed our community both environmentally and sustainably inspires me. Linkedin
Gillian has over 25 years of creative leadership. She thrives on building strategic communication processes that build mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their respective communities. Gillian is passionate about clean, holistic healing and as a resident of St. Martin in the beautiful Caribbean she is passionate about our GTG mission Linkedin
Over the last ten years, Jonathan has developed not just a hobby, but a passion for gardening, and plant science. His professional experiences have led him to discover a unique eye for graphic design and branding. Jonathan combines creative problem solving with a desire to utilize his skills to make a true impact on the world. Linkedin
Avery, a nonprofit professional, is a recent college graduate with a passion for communication and community service. She has held various leadership and internship positions, including Social Media Internship at the United Way of Washtenaw County, and Association President at the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. Linkedin
Gabriel, who graduated in Marketing, helps businesses through Digital Marketing to grow their business. He always was participating in volunteer groups in Brazil. For him, helping others is the most rewarding part of life. In his free time, you can find him continuing to volunteer helping others in the community. Linkedin
Musa is a South African-Congolese, Environmental Science graduate. Since childhood, Musa has felt being an Advocate for environmentally disadvantaged people was her thing. She has loads of volunteering experience with diverse spaces on different continents growing community farms and gardens. Linkedin
Mathebe has worked with Saharan Africa & East Africa medical ministries throughout the Continent of Africa. One of her greatest accomplishments was working on the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to register and equip smallholder farmers to end hunger in Africa so she sees the impact our agricultural technologies would have on food insecurity. Linkedin
Lungile holds a FET Certificate in Human Resource Management and is studying towards a Diploma in Public Relations. Her practice includes communications, public relations, interplay liaison, media relations, social media, advertising, and branding with a special emphasis on special events. Her mission is to help any way she can to eliminate hunger around the world. Linkedin
Joe is a freelance writer who lives on the Southside of Chicago. A graduate of Penn State University with a degree in history and an MBA from West Chester University in Pennsylvania, Joe held multiple positions in media and business. Prior to moving to Chicago in 2013, Joe worked as a sport editor and writer in Philadelphia and is a excellent wordsmith. Linkedin
Alex has been resourcefully supporting non-profit organizations for the past five years in forging strategic partnerships, community project support, and grant writing efforts. These skills intersect with his knowledge of aerated composting systems, sustainable soil building strategies, and below soil ecosystem development to provide community composting for organic farmers. Linkedin
Gillian has over 25 years of creative leadership. She thrives on building strategic communication processes that build mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their respective communities. Gillian is passionate about clean, holistic healing and as a resident of St. Martin in the beautiful Caribbean she is passionate about our GTG mission Linkedin
Over the last ten years, Jonathan has developed not just a hobby, but a passion for gardening, and plant science. His professional experiences have led him to discover a unique eye for graphic design and branding. Jonathan combines creative problem solving with a desire to utilize his skills to make a true impact on the world. Linkedin
Sonia has worked in and with non-profits for over 35 years. She has a heart for people and community. She believes we are stronger collectively than we can ever be on our own. “Seeing how the systems have blessed our community both environmentally and sustainably inspires me. Linkedin
Gillian has over 25 years of creative leadership. She thrives on building strategic communication processes that build mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their respective communities. Gillian is passionate about clean, holistic healing and as a resident of St. Martin in the beautiful Caribbean she is passionate about our GTG mission Linkedin
Over the last ten years, Jonathan has developed not just a hobby, but a passion for gardening, and plant science. His professional experiences have led him to discover a unique eye for graphic design and branding. Jonathan combines creative problem solving with a desire to utilize his skills to make a true impact on the world. Linkedin
Avery, a nonprofit professional, is a recent college graduate with a passion for communication and community service. She has held various leadership and internship positions, including Social Media Internship at the United Way of Washtenaw County, and Association President at the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. Linkedin
Eshness has over 10 years working experience in agriculture, management, training, marketing, partnerships, and market systems development. She builds sustainable safety nets that reestablish environmental ecosystems while developing livelihoods for underserved groups both on and off farm. Linkedin
Musa is a South African-Congolese, Environmental Science graduate. Since childhood, Musa has felt being an Advocate for environmentally disadvantaged people was her thing. She has loads of volunteering experience with diverse spaces on different continents growing community farms and gardens. Linkedin
Lungile holds a FET Certificate in Human Resource Management and is studying towards a Diploma in Public Relations. Her practice includes communications, public relations, interplay liaison, media relations, social media, advertising, and branding with a special emphasis on special events. Her mission is to help any way she can to eliminate hunger around the world. Linkedin
Lungile holds a FET Certificate in Human Resource Management and is studying towards a Diploma in Public Relations. Her practice includes communications, public relations, interplay liaison, media relations, social media, advertising, and branding with a special emphasis on special events. Her mission is to help any way she can to eliminate hunger around the world. Linkedin
Joe is a freelance writer who lives on the Southside of Chicago. A graduate of Penn State University with a degree in history and an MBA from West Chester University in Pennsylvania, Joe held multiple positions in media and business. Prior to moving to Chicago in 2013, Joe worked as a sport editor and writer in Philadelphia and is a excellent wordsmith. Linkedin
Kristen is a public health professional committed to improving health outcomes in low-income communities through community-based agriculture and nutrition interventions. She has trained wide audiences in sustainable agricultural practices and is a strong advocate for anti-poverty policies and programs. Linkedin
Kristen’s career has traversed the food and waste landscape and settled in regenerative stewardship. Her expertise spans sustainable operations, supply chains and food systems, and circular economy. Project and team orientated, she is as a dot-connector and creative systems-weaver. Linkedin
Over the last ten years, Jonathan has developed not just a hobby, but a passion for gardening, and plant science. His professional experiences have led him to discover a unique eye for graphic design and branding. Jonathan combines creative problem solving with a desire to utilize his skills to make a true impact on the world. Linkedin
Sonia has worked in and with non-profits for over 35 years. She has a heart for people and community. She believes we are stronger collectively than we can ever be on our own. The world will be blessed as Growing to Give continues to GROW around the world.” Linkedin
Gillian has over 25 years of creative leadership. She thrives on building strategic communication processes that build mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their respective communities. Gillian is passionate about clean, holistic healing and as a resident of St. Martin in the beautiful Caribbean she is passionate about our GTG mission Linkedin
Donna is a professional screenwriter and filmmaker. She is Founder and Director at Out of the Triangle Productions and is currently in production with a number of streaming series, including Divine Intervention, based on the book of the same name she authored. A creative powerhouse of her own life. Linkedin
Rocco has several years of experience in the energy industry. He has worked on solar, wind, and biogas projects ranging in size from residential to utility-scale. He also has experience in residential and commercial energy efficiency. He has spent some time in Costa Rica studying sustainable urban agriculture and renewable energy. Linkedin
Eshness has over 10 years working experience in agriculture, management, training, marketing, partnerships, and market systems development. She builds sustainable safety nets that reestablish environmental ecosystems while developing livelihoods for underserved groups both on and off farm. Linkedin
Musa is a South African-Congolese, Environmental Science graduate. Since childhood, Musa has felt being an Advocate for environmentally disadvantaged people was her thing. She has loads of volunteering experience with diverse spaces on different continents growing community farms and gardens. Linkedin
Mathebe has worked with Saharan Africa & East Africa medical ministries throughout the Continent of Africa. One of her greatest accomplishments was working on the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to register and equip smallholder farmers to end hunger in Africa so she sees the impact our agricultural technologies would have on food insecurity. Linkedin
Lungile holds a FET Certificate in Human Resource Management and is studying towards a Diploma in Public Relations. Her practice includes communications, public relations, interplay liaison, media relations, social media, advertising, and branding with a special emphasis on special events. Her mission is to help any way she can to eliminate hunger around the world. Linkedin
Joe is a freelance writer who lives on the Southside of Chicago. A graduate of Penn State University with a degree in history and an MBA from West Chester University in Pennsylvania, Joe held multiple positions in media and business. Prior to moving to Chicago in 2013, Joe worked as a sport editor and writer in Philadelphia and is a excellent wordsmith. Linkedin
Kristen’s career has traversed the food and waste landscape and settled in regenerative stewardship. Her expertise spans sustainable operations, supply chains and food systems, and circular economy. Project and team orientated, she is as a dot-connector and creative systems-weaver. Linkedin
Earielle is a college student at Southern University A & M majoring in Urban Forestry and Natural Resources. She is hardworking and is passionate about protecting and healing the planet and finding ways for humanity to coexist with nature. Keen to learn and happy to help, she is excited to join the Growing To Give team. Linkedin
Renee is a force in the Caribbean entrepreneurial community. As Cultural Ambassador, this young leader brings her ability to liaise across a multi-disciplinary landscape to her role with Growing to Give. Her ability to view a project from 30,000 feet and narrow that lens to connect the dots is her uncommon talent.” Linkedin
Gillian has over 25 years of creative leadership. She thrives on building strategic communication processes that build mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their respective communities. Gillian is passionate about clean, holistic healing and as a resident of St. Martin in the beautiful Caribbean she is passionate about our GTG mission Linkedin
Jan founded the consulting group Experttech in 1998 and worked on numerous international development and consulting projects ranging from strategy to tactical levels, both as Consultative Strategist and Project Leader. We value his experience and passion for sustainable forest, and food security projects in South Africa. Linkedin
Kaan is studying Political Science at University of Amsterdam in Netherlands where he is driver of the entrepreneurial educational club for students. He is actively participating in efforts to establish Growing To Give as an independent chapter in the EU and access grants and capital for European Union projects sustainable forest and food security projects. Linkedin
- PHIL JACKSON
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