Our Leadership.
Our young leaders are supported by a network of volunteers from institutions across the U.S.
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.
Melanie Toubin
Director of Corporate Outreach
University of California, Los Angeles
As Director of Corporate Outreach at Securing Safe Food (SSF), Melanie leads corporate partnership initiatives by building relationships with allergen-friendly food manufacturers and mission-aligned organizations. She coordinates product donations and develops long-term collaborations that expand access to safe, allergen-free foods for individuals experiencing food insecurity.
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.
Molly Kashiwabara
Outreach Coordinator
Pace University
As Outreach Coordinator at SSF, Molly identifies and connects with allergen-safe companies and food manufacturers to establish corporate partnerships around the globe. She communicates with college and university organizations, building campus collaborations and strengthening SSF’s volunteer network dedicated to expanding equitable access to safe food.
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
Director of Volunteer Engagement
Tufts University School of Medicine
As Director of Volunteer Engagement at SSF, Danielle manages the volunteer application, training, and onboarding process. 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.
Sreegouri Vangala
Program Administrator
Tufts University
As Programs Administrator at SSF, Sreegouri supports the expansion of pantry partnerships and increases accessibility by translating SSF’s materials into Spanish. Her experiences with multiple severe food allergies informs her dedication to improving support for multilingual and underserved families navigating dietary restrictions.
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.
Luke Evangelista
Bookkeeper
Boston College
As Bookkeeper at Securing Safe Food (SSF), Luke supports the organization's financial operations by maintaining accurate financial records and helping ensure responsible stewardship of donor resources. His work strengthens SSF's financial accountability and supports its mission to expand access to safe, allergen-friendly foods for individuals experiencing food insecurity.
Natalee Huli
Food Pantry Coordinator
Northeastern University
As Food Pantry Coordinator at SSF, Natalee assists with distribution logistics, partner coordination, and communication with community sites across SSF’s growing pantry network. Growing up with a sister who has a life-threatening food allergy, she understands the importance of food security for individuals with food allergies which has motivated her to join SSF.
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