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Our Leadership.

Our young leaders are supported by a network of volunteers spanning over 10 U.S. states and 14 colleges and universities. 

Rachel Brooks

Rachel Brooks

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Princeton University

As Founder and CEO of SSF, Rachel leads the organization’s strategy, public relations, and national programming to expand access to allergen-safe foods in underserved communities. She oversees organizational direction, manages financial sustainability, and cultivates partnerships with clinical and industry stakeholders to improve medically tailored food options in food pantries. Rachel’s vision for SSF is shaped by her dedication to building equitable, reliable food systems for families facing dietary restrictions.

Avery Yun

Avery Yun

Director of Marketing & Communications

Cornell University

As Director of Marketing & Communications at SSF, Avery leads outreach strategy and develops communications that promote equitable access to allergen-safe foods. Her scientific background in chemistry and biological sciences strengthens her commitment to delivering accurate, engaging information for families navigating dietary restrictions. Avery’s focus on community health and accessible education guides her work supporting SSF’s mission.

Sreegouri Vangala

Sreegouri Vangala

Program Administrator

Shrewsbury High School

As Programs Administrator at SSF, Sreegouri supports the expansion of pantry partnerships and increases accessibility by translating SSF’s materials into Spanish. Her lived experience with multiple severe food allergies informs her dedication to improving support for multilingual and underserved families navigating dietary restrictions.

Sara Hantgan

Sara Hantgan

Chief Operating Officer

University of Michigan

As COO and a founding member of SSF, Sara directs organizational operations, oversees program execution, and manages partnerships across SSF’s national network of pantry, clinical, and industry collaborators. She leads grant development, internal team coordination, and strategic initiatives that ensure the delivery of consistent, medically tailored foods to communities facing dietary barriers. Her lived experience growing up with multiple food allergies strengthens her commitment to building systems that support families navigating similar challenges.

Danielle Huli

Danielle Huli

Director of Corporate Outreach

Tufts University School of Medicine

As Director of Corporate Outreach at SSF, Danielle leads partnerships with allergy-friendly brands and industry stakeholders to expand donor engagement and strengthen SSF’s national network of corporate and pantry collaborators. Her lived experience managing severe food allergies fuels her commitment to ensuring that families who rely on food pantries have access to safe, trustworthy food options.

Luke Evangelista

Luke Evangelista

Pantry Coordinator

Boston College

As a Pantry Coordinator at SSF, Luke supports distribution operations across partner food pantries and helps maintain relationships with community sites. His leadership and organizational experience from campus activities strengthen SSF’s on-the-ground impact and ensure smooth, reliable operations across the pantry network.

Gabriella DiGiovanni

Gabriella DiGiovanni

Head Food Pantry Coordinator

University of Vermont

As Head Food Pantry Coordinator and a founding member of SSF, Gabriella oversees donation management, distribution logistics, and the expansion of SSF’s national pantry network. Her personal experience with food allergies and oral immunotherapy drives her commitment to supporting individuals who rely on food pantries while navigating dietary restrictions. Gabriella ensures that medically appropriate foods reach families who need them most.

Jennifer Garza

Jennifer Garza

Social Media Specialist

Kean University

As Social Media Specialist at SSF, Jen creates content focused on allergy-friendly recipes, nutritional education, and inclusive eating. Her work supports families navigating food allergies by providing accessible, encouraging resources tailored to community needs. Jen’s creative approach strengthens SSF’s digital presence and expands awareness of safe food options.

Yijin Dong

Yijin Dong

Donor Relations Coordinator

Northwestern University

As Donor Relations Coordinator at SSF, Yijin manages donor partnerships, coordinates product donations, and strengthens SSF’s expanding network of brand collaborators and food pantries. Her dedication to community service and inclusive support systems drives her commitment to advancing safe, accessible food options for individuals with dietary restrictions.

Board of Directors.

Rachel Brooks

Board President, Founder and CEO

 

Priscilla Hernandez

Treasurer, President at Hollenbeck

Police Business Council

 

Raquel Durban, RDN

Registered Dietitian, Raquel Durban LLC

Marleni Albarran

Secretary, David Geffen School 

of Medicine at UCLA

 

Jyothi Tirumalasetty, MD

Allergist and Immunologist,

Clinical Assistant Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine

 

Michelle Bornstein

Pharmaceutical Marketing Communications Expert

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