Meet the Team
A Connecticut native with a background in nonprofit work, emergency management, and education, Alexandria guides Bridgeport youth through hands-on urban farming and leadership training — grounded in a belief that the next generation of food justice leaders is already here.
Youth Leadership Program Coordinator
Andres Torres
Board Member
Rooted in a lifelong connection to growing food, Ben brings a versatile background in carpentry, technology, and project management to Reservoir Community Farm, where he supports daily operations with a grounded, resourceful approach.
Community Farm Assistant Manager
Eileen O'Reilly
A nonprofit communications professional with a background spanning NYC media, arts administration, and community fundraising, Eileen leads GVI's board with a focus on partnerships, community engagement, and bringing more people to Reservoir Community Farm.
Board Chair
Jane Himmel
Board Member
Karen Sussman
One of GVI's founding team members, Karen helped build 23 community gardens across Bridgeport in the organization's first years and continues to bring financial expertise and deep institutional knowledge to the board.
Board Member
A chef with over 25 years in the West Coast food industry and deep roots in the farm-to-table movement, Kathleen connects community gardeners to the land and to each other at Reservoir Community Farm.
Community Garden Coordinator
Mae Tompong
Bookkeeper
Penny Cook
A nonprofit management professional who chose Bridgeport as her home and GVI as her cause, Penny contributes expertise in grant writing, institutional planning, and organizational strategy to advance GVI's food justice mission.
Board Secretary
Pippa Bell Ader
An occupational therapist and environmental advocate with over a decade at GVI, Pippa brings a long-term perspective on the organization's growth and a steady commitment to food justice, sustainability, and the communities GVI serves.
Board Member
Valeria Bisceglia
A strategy and marketing consultant who teaches entrepreneurship and has founded nonprofits of her own, Valeria brings organizational clarity and a genuine commitment to community-led change to everything she contributes at GVI.
Board Member
An agricultural engineer with 25 years of international experience across three continents, Diego leads GVI's programs, operations, and strategic direction with a conviction that urban farming is one of Bridgeport's most powerful tools for food justice and community resilience.
Executive Director
Grow With Us
Every voice on our board shapes the future of urban agriculture and food justice in Bridgeport — from the governance decisions that keep GVI strong to the community relationships that make our work possible.
GVI's Board of Directors is a group of committed individuals who believe that access to fresh, locally grown food is a right, not a privilege.
Board members provide mission-based leadership, organizational oversight, and active support for GVI's programs and people.
If you are ready to put your skills and passion to work for Bridgeport, we want to hear from you.