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 impassioned insight into the human condition and a profound empathy for humanity. Linkedin
John, a serial entrepreneur, has developed a stable of shovel-ready, water smart food & forest technologies that address water scarcity, climate change and food security issues worldwide. Linkedin
Tom has over 28 years of experience in product development, manufacturing, building construction and commercial management. He brings invaluable experience & expertise of material fulfillment for GTG. Admin
John Warren is an experienced attorney who has worked in numerous areas as sole practitioner, partner, in-house counsel, and pro bono counsel. He is passionate about environmental sustainability. 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. 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. Racine is deeply committed to end hunger globally. Linkedin
With over 17 years’ experience working in operations and senior product management in Saas and blockchain enterprises Heather is a result orientated team player and has a passion for protecting life on the planet. Linkedin
Avery, a nonprofit professional having held various leadership and internship positions, including the United Way of Washtenaw County, and Association President at the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. Linkedin
Alex has been supporting non-profit organizations forging strategic partnerships, community project support, and grant writing efforts. These skills intersect with his knowledge of sustainable farming systems. Linkedin
Kristen is a public health professional committed to improving health outcomes in low-income communities through community-based agriculture and nutrition interventions. She is an advocate for anti-poverty 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. 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. Linkedin
Stacey Alvarez de la Campa is a legal and educational consultant contributing to sustainable development, climate education, and human rights advocacy through roles in various global organizations and initiatives. Linkedin
Michelle Weng recently graduated from Cornell University, earning a degree in Biological Sciences. Her passion lies in sustainability and wildlife conservation, particularly focusing on ocean marine life. Linkedin
Reka Baltas experience encompasses finance and online marketing. She has a career spanning almost two decades in Europe and the US. Her passion lies in promoting organic food and healthier eating practices. Linkedin
Joanne Z. Tan is a strategist and global authority in brand building, branding, and marketing for organizations, and personal branding for individuals and leaders. She coaches, consults, and advises board members. Linkedin
Renee is a force in the Caribbean entrepreneurial community. As Cultural Ambassador for GTG, this young leader brings her ability to liaise across a multi-disciplinary landscape to her role with Growing to Give. 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. Linkedin
Born in Izmir, Turkey, Kaan is studying Political Science at University of Amsterdam in Netherlands where he promotes student organized sustainable forest and food security efforts throughout Europe. Linkedin
Mathebe has worked with Saharan Africa & East Africa medical ministries throughout the Continent of Africa. One of her greatest accomplishments was working with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Linkedin
Jan furthers our Growing To Give mission is South Africa working with more than a dozen community farm and gardens along the Garden Route. We value his skill as a consultative strategist and project leader. 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
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
Gabriel, who graduated in Marketing, helps people 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. 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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