Neelam Sharma has served as Programs' Director for CSU for the past
eight years in what was until June of 2007 a volunteer capacity. Prior to
relocating to the United States she first became involved in community
organizing as a pre-teen in response to an attempt by fascists to
organize in Southall, London, where she grew up. Over the years she was involved
in the creation of an employee rights center, several campaigns against
police abuse and illegal deportations, and a campaign against spousal abuse
within her own community of immigrants from the Indian sub-continent. Neelam
has worked with CSU in various capacities since moving to Los Angeles in
1996.
As CSU's Programs' Director, Neelam has been largely responsible for
the development of CSU's food justice and youth training programs,
including the ACTION Food Assessment. In addition Neelam has been involved in
founding and working with the Healthy School Food Coalition, the LA Food Justice
Network and the California Food and Justice Coalition (CFJC). Her work with the
CFJC has created a Land Access Membership Action Team that seeks to make
land accessible for sustainable food production. Her responsibilities
include oversight of all CSU's Programs, staff and intern mentoring and
development, organizational capacity building and all programs at the Expo Center.
Dyane Pascal, Programs Associate, dyanep1(at)csuinc.org
Dyane Pascall first came to CSU in January 2006 to complete court
ordered community service; he stayed on as a CSU youth apprentice and is now a
full time Program Associate, in addition to pursuing a major in computer science!
Dyane¹s specific responsibilities include the Growing Healthy Program
at Normandie Elementary, troubleshooting staff computer and Internet access
problems and account keeping.
Heather Fenney, Programs Associate, heather(at)csuinc.org
Heather Fenney was recruited as a part time Program Associate in summer
2006. Her specific duties include the Growing Healthy Program at John
Muir Middle School and fundraising. Heather has a long history in
food/justice work including organizing a state wide umbrella organization and
lobbying efforts.
Lawrence DeFreitas, Program Assistant, LD(at)csuinc.org
Lawrence DeFreitas became CSU¹s first youth apprentice in 2004 and
helped to create the first CSU mini-farms. Since this time he has also worked
with Los Angeles Conservation Corps and for a chain home improvement store, but
has for the most part continued to work with CSU and is now a part time
Program Assistant. Lawrence¹s work includes site maintenance, the Growing
Healthy Program at John Muir Middle School, the Youth Empowerment Project and
filing.
Neelam Sharma, Programs Director, neelam (at) csuinc.org