At Gaining Ground, we are grateful for the thoughtful, compassionate, and diverse voices and perspectives that support and guide the farm. This year, we are thrilled to welcome several new members to our board of directors who bring with them a wealth of creativity, passion, and meaningful insight: Sigmund Correa, Shilpi Desai, Sam Hiersteiner, and Yvette Philip. 

In our July and August newsletters, we’re going to take the opportunity to learn a bit more about these new members of the Gaining Ground team. This month, let’s get to know Shilpi and Sam.

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Shilpi Desai

How did you first learn about Gaining Ground and what made you want to get involved in what the farm does?

I first learned about Gaining Ground three years ago when I happened to meet Board Member Sue Mildrum for the first time at a work lunch. She mentioned how she was on the board at Gaining Ground and her enthusiasm for this wonderful organization sparked my interest, so I started to look into ways I could get involved. I was also a member of the National Charity League with my daughter and we started to volunteer on weekends with Gaining Ground’s Food for Families market and helping with Gaining Ground mailings. 

Last year, I met Board President Polly when I was volunteering with the Poetry Walk and I was amazed by her energetic, vibrant personality. I asked about how I could get more involved and make an impact, possibly as a board member, and here I am today: so excited to be working with the amazing Gaining Ground team to continue supporting our local community in bringing farm fresh, nutritious food to the tables of those in need.

Outside of your work on Gaining Ground’s board of directors, where have your professional interests and experiences taken you? 

I have been a customer success manager in the technology space for the past 15 years and, prior to that, I worked in a family real estate business. I have always had a passion for helping others as my initial studies were focused on psychology and biological sciences. 

Where do you call home and what do you enjoy doing with your free time?

I live in Carlisle and enjoy going for walks and enjoying the pool or beach on sunny and warm days. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family and, of course, volunteering at Gaining Ground and other local charities like Cradles to Crayons and the Carlisle Council on Aging and Human Services.

What is a favorite food or dish you like to make or simply to eat?

My favorite fun foods to eat are pizza and nachos. I also love making flavorful dishes from various regions of India and Italian pasta dishes with my homemade pesto sauce.

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Sam Hiersteiner

How did you first learn about Gaining Ground and what made you want to get involved in what the farm does?

I became friends with my fellow Board Member Lisanne Wheeler when my family moved to Concord in 2021, and she introduced me to the amazing work and people at Gaining Ground. 

Are there particular facets of Gaining Ground’s work—hunger relief, regenerative farming, working with volunteers, etc.—in which you’re particularly looking forward to engaging?

I’m incredibly inspired by the work Gaining Ground is doing to address critical food insecurity issues and alleviate hunger for families in our region. Operating the farm with sustainable practices, growing beautiful and nutritious food, and, most importantly, engaging the public about how the farming and food cycle works and how local food systems can be made stronger and more equitable are such important parts of the work of the organization as well. This more holistic approach is what fires up my passion and purpose. 

Outside of your work on Gaining Ground’s board of directors, where have your professional interests and experiences taken you? 

I work in the nonprofit sector for an organization called New Profit, which is modeled in some ways after a venture capital firm in the private sector. We seek out high-performing, emerging organizations, often led by people from marginalized and underprotected communities, and support them with unrestricted funding and other support to help them broaden their impact. I’m also a longtime food writer for the Boston Globe and other publications, as well as a cookbook author, fermentation obsessive, and grandson of a doting, food obsessed Jewish grandmother, so it’s safe to say my world revolves around food. Gaining Ground is a perfect extension of that!

Where do you call home and what do you enjoy doing with your free time?

I live in Concord with my wife, Jackie, and our three kids, Caroline (six), Rowan (two), and Nathaniel (one). I enjoy spending time with them, cooking, gardening, and exploring the woods.

What is a favorite food or dish you like to make or simply to eat?

Easy: whole belly fried clams from Woodman’s of Essex or any number of other great clam shacks in New England.