FUNDRAISING MANAGER

Kerri-Simone is a seasoned communicator who specializes in telling stories that drive results. As a communication consultant, Kerri-Simone supported her clients in educating, influencing behavior, driving and managing change in target audiences. She developed and managed the delivery of communication strategies for several Fortune 500 companies including, Kraft, Allstate, Goldman Sachs, Wolters Kluwer and Supervalu. She also worked with clients in the healthcare and education industries, including her alma mater, Northwestern University. In the development space, she has supported organizations in telling their stories, growing their donor base and gathering resources that will enable them to work their mission and make an impact. Kerri-Simone is excited to support the mission and work of Evanston Grows as part of the Development team. kerri-simone.a@evanstongrows.org

BOARD MEMBER

Philip Buchanan is Director of Research Operations at Euromonitor International, where he leads operational strategy for the company's global consulting team and helps ensure excellence across research projects worldwide. With more than 15 years of experience in market research and consulting, Philip specializes in B2B supply chains, government partnerships, and export market development, advising clients across a wide range of industries. Prior to joining Euromonitor, he worked on economic development initiatives spanning agriculture, artisanal enterprises, and the shipping sector. Based in Evanston, Philip brings a global perspective and deep expertise in research, strategy, and sustainable economic growth.

URBAN FARMS MANAGER

Emily's passion for sustainable agriculture began during her time working with a CSA in Brewster, NY, and she's been committed to farming and eating seasonally ever since. After moving to Chicago, Emily brought her enthusiasm for sustainable practices to organizations like Green City Market and Growing Solutions Farm. Alongside her agricultural work, she’s also pursued a creative career as a freelance theater lighting designer and electrician.

Originally from Ohio, Emily studied Drama, French, and Spanish at Kenyon College. She spent her summers soaking up the sun (and occasionally the rain) as a program director at a summer camp, further honing her leadership and organizational skills. Email: emily.b@evanstongrows.org

BOARD MEMBER

Kim became connected with Evanston Grows through her work with volunteers at the Levy Center community gardens and later through helping develop and design the Evanston Grows website. Learning more about the organization’s impact inspired her to become more involved, especially in sharing its mission and story with the broader community.

Kim brings a background in art, design, and creative communication. She earned a degree in Art History from the University of Michigan and has worked in museums, galleries, retail, and design consulting. A resident of Evanston for more than 25 years, Kim has volunteered with organizations including the YWCA, Connections for the Homeless, and the Garden Club of Evanston. She currently serves on the Garden Club of America’s Common Ground Committee, supporting efforts around diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Inspired by Evanston Grows’ gardens, Kim is also cultivating her own backyard garden and looks forward to sharing her harvest with the community.

BOARD PRESIDENT

Jean Fies has a marketing background, which she employs to promote many of the great entities in Evanston. Integrating organizational skills she has honed from leadership positions with Willard and Haven PTAs, ETHS Boosters, and endless volunteer hours for the YWCA and a multitude of other organizations, Jean activated a production-oriented garden at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center. This garden is not only the flagship garden of Evanston Grows but also the seed that inspired the collective.

BOARD TREASURER

Bozana is an accomplished, results-driven executive with more than 25 years of progressive experience in finance, operations management, human resources and IT for a variety of public, closely held companies and non-profit organizations.

Bozana, an Evanston resident and Fractional CFO and Boz Consultants, was drawn to Evanston Grows through her belief in the power of a plant-based diet. As a vegan, she values nutrition-focused food systems, and her connection to farming runs deep—her family has a rich history as farmers in Serbia. She is excited to reconnect with the land and contribute to the community.

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Dr. Utica Gray is a seasoned nonprofit executive based in Bolingbrook, Illinois, with over two decades of experience in human services, healthcare, and education. Dr. Gray holds a PhD in Business Administration with a concentration in Public Administration from North Central University, along with degrees from Northwestern University and Spertus College. Beyond her professional roles, she is passionate about advancing health equity, an active community leader, Girl Scout troop leader, and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Email: utica.g@evanstongrows.org

BOARD VICE PRESIDENT

Liz brings more than 25 years of experience in advertising, marketing, and communications to Evanston Grows. Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, she has called Evanston home for more than two decades, where she raised three children who developed a deep appreciation for community gardens and local food. Liz is passionate about the impact Evanston Grows is making to increase healthy food access and is excited to help position both Evanston and Evanston Grows as models for communities working to address food insecurity.

BOARD MEMBER

A proud lifelong Evanstonian, Linnea was raised in the beloved 5th Ward, where her deep connection to the community began. Growing up in Evanston shaped her commitment to service, equity, and ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to be heard and supported. Her lifelong ties to the community continue to guide her work and advocacy.

With a professional background in Finance and Information Technology, Linnea brings a unique combination of analytical expertise, problem-solving skills, and a passion for using systems and data to create positive impact. She currently serves as an Analyst for the City of Evanston and is also a lecturer at Oakton Community College, where she shares her knowledge and experience with the next generation of leaders.

Beyond her professional roles, Linnea is deeply engaged in community service and advocacy. She is committed to standing alongside neighbors, amplifying voices that are often overlooked, and working toward a more inclusive and equitable Evanston. Through her dedication, leadership, and love for her hometown, Linnea continues to contribute to the strength and resilience of the community she has proudly called home for a lifetime.

BOARD MEMBER

Elacsha Madison is elevating the Evanston Public Library’s teen outreach efforts through her work from and beyond the library’s teen Loft space. She has brought an abundance of innovative STEAM programs and resources to marginalized communities, including building technology, DIY cosmetics, community gardening and more. Elacsha has a strong commitment to ensuring that all residents have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, learning that a lot of residents do not have the space to house a full garden bed, Elacsha developed a hydroponic program so that residents can grow their own food year round with very little space. Elacsha can be found out in the community driving the Book Mobile to help educate students about food justice and how they can grow on their own. At home, Elacsha has over 10 hydroponic machines and 2 garden beds in the front of her house that her toddlers and neighbors all help tend to. Although she is originally from Chicago, Evanston has welcomed her with open arms. Elacsha is also the 2023 receipent of the "I Love My Librarian Award". “Elacsha Madison is not just a librarian. She is first and foremost a community builder and friend to all she meets, and more than that, there’s nothing about this librarian that the community doesn’t love.”

BOARD SECRETARY

As a retired pediatric nurse practitioner specializing in sickle cell disease, Jocelyn understands the vital connection between nutrition and overall health. With more than a decade of community gardening experience, she shares her passion for growing food by volunteering with Evanston Grows. As a University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener, she coordinates the Emerson Square Garden Partner Garden in the 5th Ward, and also supports the farm team at Eggleston and Vineyard Farms. Jocelyn is inspired by Evanston Grows' commitment to increasing healthy food access through locally grown produce, nutrition education, and community connection, believing that everyone deserves access to fresh, nutritious food.

BOARD MEMBER

Supporting local food systems and the people who grow food has always been a priority for founding Board Member, Ann McMahon. Ann has been a longtime supporter of the Evanston Farmers Market, attending since its first year and considering Saturday mornings at the market one of her favorite times of the week. She helped establish Friends of the Evanston Farmers Market, served on the Board of The Land Connection, supported the development of the Edible Acre at ETHS, and helped champion the launch of The Talking Farm. She has also been a longtime member of the Civic Improvement Committee of the Garden Club of Evanston.

A lifelong Evanston gardener, she has always grown vegetables and now maintains a smaller herb garden. Evanston Grows holds a special place in her heart because of its commitment to providing fresh, locally grown produce to neighbors experiencing food insecurity.

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Lily has been a community member of Evanston her whole life, a factor that has nurtured her love for the community from a young age. Choosing to study at Northwestern to remain engaged in the Evanston community, Lily joined Evanston Grows as an intern in 2022, later transitioning to managing social media and creating content for the organization. In college, Lily has made it a goal to guide her fellow students and the broader Northwestern community to engage in the space in which they reside. She initiated the creation of a new community garden in partnership with EG and Northwestern, one of the many ways she has created bonds to bring together two traditionally opposed communities - all while remaining committed to caring for the place she will always call home.

BOARD MEMBER

Debbie O’Connor is a Human Resources Manager at Marshall Investigative Group. Debbie brings experience not only in HR Administration, but Food Service, Transportation & Logistics, and Community-focused non-profit organizations. A lifetime Chicagoland native and Evanston resident, Debbie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Loyola University and an Associates Degree in Culinary Arts, Kendall College. In her free time, Debbie enjoys cooking with her family, traveling and volunteering, focusing on Nutritional Education at various schools and organizations throughout the Chicagoland area.

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Jennifer joined Evanston Grows as our Volunteer Coordinator where she leads volunteer groups, coordinates our Saturday CSA, and supports farm operations. With a background in land restoration, sustainable agriculture, and youth education, Jennifer has worked with organizations including Lake Forest Open Lands Association, Mariani Landscape, Beloit Urban Garden, and After School Matters. She is passionate about regenerative urban farming and believes in growing food in harmony with nature to benefit both people and the planet. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys camping, spending time at the lakefront, and gardening. Email: jennifer.p@evanstongrows.org

FINANCE ASSOCIATE

Carmen Razo serves as Evanston Grows' Finance and Advancement Associate, bringing more than 12 years of experience in nonprofit finance, bookkeeping, and administrative operations. Before joining Evanston Grows, Carmen held finance and accounting roles with The Renaissance Collaborative, Combined Resources, Insight Enterprises, and the Institute of Cultural Affairs, where she developed extensive expertise in financial management, reconciliations, reporting, donor support, and nonprofit operations. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Carmen is passionate about supporting mission-driven organizations that strengthen communities. Beyond keeping our finances running smoothly, Carmen is also a gifted photographer with a remarkable ability to capture the authentic personalities and stories of the people she photographs.

DIRECTOR OF FARM OPERATIONS

Matt has over a decade of professional experience growing food in urban areas organically and sustainably. He has helped to design, build and manage many urban farms and garden sites throughout Chicagoland. He has extensive experience in designing and teaching Garden Educational Training Programs for youth and adults. Matt is the founder of Interseed, a company that works to empower communities to grow food efficiently, locally and sustainably. Email: matt.r@evanstongrows.org

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Laurell Sims (she/her) is a food systems strategist with a two-decade commitment to empowering communities through dynamic educational and job training initiatives rooted in urban agriculture. Currently, as the Executive Director of Evanston Grows, she continues her dedication to cultivating vibrant and healthy neighborhoods. Previously, Laurell co-founded and served as the Chief Executive Officer of Urban Growers Collective (UGC). Prior to UGC, she dedicated eleven years at Growing Power Chicago, as the Production and Marketing Manager following her role as the organization's Education Coordinator. Earlier in her career, Laurell directed Victory Program's ReVision House Urban Farm, providing training for mothers experiencing housing instability in Dorchester, MA.

A 2023-2024 Castanea Fellow, Laurell has completed fellowships with the James Beard Women in Entrepreneurial Leadership Program and Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business. She also participated in the Bold Food Fellowship, collaborating with farmers from Uganda and Kenya through a State Department exchange to enhance urban farming programs. Since then, Laurell has led projects at urban farms in Port-au-Prince's Cité Soleil District in Haiti and across the United States.

Beyond her role at Evanston Grows, Laurell serves as the Treasurer for The Evolved Network's Board of Directors and has previously served on the boards of Slow Food Chicago, Green City Market, and Mentorship Pathway. Email: laurell.s@evanstongrows.org

FOOD ACCESS COORDINATOR

Isaiah Tolbert is committed to environmental science and food justice with a background in horticulture, ecology, and education. He is a champion of  food sovereignty in food sovereignty and is eager to serve the Evanston community through his work. Isaiah comes to Evanston Grows with experience with Growing Home in Englewood and from Evanston Community Fridges team, where he began organizing on NU’s campus to distribute food from campus throughout the Evanston community. His skills in scheduling and logistics while collecting community feedback are valuable to the Evanston Grows’ mission. Isaiah focuses on intent and process to ensure success and sustainability. Email: isaiah.t@evanstongrows.org

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS DIRECTOR

Daniela brings a rich background in education, yoga, wellness coaching, and culinary + functional nutrition to her work. After years of volunteering and teaching classes with Evanston Grows, she is thrilled to formally join the team. Daniela is deeply passionate about making nutritious food and holistic well-being accessible to all, and she looks forward to contributing her expertise to this vibrant community.

A lifelong Evanston resident, Daniela has raised two children and countless pets in the neighborhood she calls home. With roots in Argentina and Spain, she is excited to incorporate her native Spanish language into future programs and outreach efforts, fostering inclusivity and connection. Email: daniela.v@evanstongrows.org

BOARD MEMBER

Lisa is a local artist and yoga enthusiast with a lifelong passion for healthy food, wellness, and community connection. Her work with Evanston Grows and its mission to grow and share healthy food within the community has provided her with an opportunity to deepen her understanding of food access and explore meaningful pathways toward advancing health equity for all.

With a diverse educational and professional background, Lisa considers herself a true “generalist,” bringing a wide range of experiences and perspectives to her work. Her career journey has spanned clothing design, architectural product sales, and home care management for individuals living with dementia. Through each chapter of her career, Lisa has developed a strong commitment to creativity, problem-solving, caregiving, and improving the lives of others.