Board of Directors

We're seeking new board members!

Our Board of Directors is currently in a period of strategy and renewal. We're seeking new members with the following skillsets--get in touch if you'd like to join the team!

Current Board of Directors Needs:

Urban farming experience
Nonprofit financial management experience
Legal expertise

Email director@groundworksomerville.org to learn more!

2022 Board of Directors

Jessie DeLano

PRESIDENT

READ JESSIE'S BIO

Jessie grew up on a farm in Southeastern Minnesota, which sparked an early passion for sustainability and a love for nature. She has a BA in Global Studies and MA in International Politics and Human Rights. Prior to joining the board, Jessie worked in development for youth nonprofits. She has lived in Somerville for 6 years and loves its vibrant arts community, commitment to green spaces, and of course the farmer’s markets. In her spare time, she enjoys tending to her houseplants, live music, and traveling.

Saladin Islam

SPOKESPERSON & BRAND AMBASSADOR

READ SALADIN'S BIO

I love to play guitar, sing, and spend time outdoors. My first job was with Groundwork as a teenager and they gave me the tools to reshape my life in various ways. I wanted to join the Board of Directors because this organization has made me a better leader, an advocate for social justice, and a mentor to many generations of young people. These, and many other reasons, are why I continue to want to give back and be involved in Groundwork.

Corey Aguilar

CLERK

READ COREY'S BIO

As a researcher, resident of the greater Boston area, and volunteer, it is easy to see that Groundwork Somerville is the best place to make a difference. I'm currently a researcher in the neurology department of Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. Before COVID, I mentored and assisted the mentorship of students at all education levels in thinking like a scientist and applying skills into practice. Groundwork Somerville has plenty of like-minded individuals who see that mentorship, climate change, and an "it takes a village" mindset are essential components in promoting a healthy environment.

Vithal Deshpande

TREASURER

READ VITHAL'S BIO

Sanjeev Agrawal

BOARD MEMBER

READ SANJEEV'S BIO

I live in Somerville and Groundwork Somerville’s mission aligns very well with my beliefs. Like Groundwork Somerville, I also believe that environmental conditions are inextricably linked to the economic and social health of a neighborhood, and that individuals’ health can be directly affected by race and income level. I work for PwC Consulting Solutions and I consider myself a servant leader who cares about health, education, and equity in all aspects of our lives.

Jabir Ducasse

BOARD MEMBER

READ JABIR'S BIO

My name is Jabir (Nadler) Ducasse and I’m a former employee/supervisor for Groundworks Somerville. I’m a small business owner also located in Somerville Ma called Villeside Customs. Some of my interests are our annual toy drive, donating to the people that are less fortunate and serving my community. I went to BHCC for college and one of my reasons for joining the GWS Board of Directors is a great opportunity for myself to be involved with a non profit organization that really cares for the community and pride themselves on ways to improve the city by teaching farming and agriculture and also teaching how to live a Green lifestyle.

Stephanie Cordova

BOARD MEMBER

READ STEPHANIE'S BIO

Stephanie is a Somerville resident for over 20 years, attending and graduating from Winter Hill Community School and Somerville High School. She earned her BS from UMASS Amherst in Sustainable Food and Farming with an emphasis on community development and feminist studies. Stephanie is the former Youth Program Director for Groundwork Somerville and has maintained a love for the organization's mission and work over the years. She brings her passion for youth empowerment and BIPOC advocacy to the board of directors. In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys painting, playing video games, reading, and hanging out with her cat, Haku.

Jennifer Lawrence

BOARD MEMBER

READ JENNIFER'S BIO

Jennifer Lawrence is a Sustainability Planner at the City of Cambridge. Her career began at Groundwork Somerville 14 years ago as the Executive Director for 5 years. As ED, she created the Green Team and the National Park Preservers, two of her favorite milestones. She re-joined the Board of GWS in 2018. She is currently an Environmental Leaders Program Senior Fellow and an Advisory Board member for the Tufts University Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning Department.

Advisory Board

Eliza Kaltenberg

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER

READ ELIZA'S BIO

By training I’m a geologist/environmental scientist and currently work in environmental consulting in the area of water and sediment contamination. My hobbies include camping, hiking, and social dancing (including salsa and zouk). I am also passionate about sustainability and healthy eating. I joined the GWS Board of Directors so I can contribute to the wonderful things they’re doing, such as helping people with access to healthy food and while mentoring the youth.

Raf Viera

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER

READ RAF'S BIO

Board of Directors

We're seeking new board members!

2022 Board of Directors

Jessie DeLano

PRESIDENT

Saladin Islam

SPOKESPERSON & BRAND AMBASSADOR

Corey Aguilar

CLERK

Vithal Deshpande

TREASURER

Sanjeev Agrawal

BOARD MEMBER

Jabir Ducasse

BOARD MEMBER

Stephanie Cordova

BOARD MEMBER

Jennifer Lawrence

BOARD MEMBER

Advisory Board

Eliza Kaltenberg

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER

Raf Viera

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER

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