Juliana Quaresma, Executive Director
Juliana (she/her) is from Northeastern Brazil, from the territory of the Cariri People. She is passionate to help connect people with food, farming and the environment. She believes that the food system is not disconnected from the natural ecosystem.
By connecting people to local food and farming, one of the ways to promote farm and food justice, we are shortening the gap between people and their local environment and community. There are so many barriers to becoming a farmer, where land costs are high, and conventional ways of running farms make it difficult or nearly impossible for people with fewer resources to build their own careers and farming business.
With almost ten years of developing and implementing a diversity of educational programs in food justice non-profit organizations in Recife, Brazil and New York, she has worked to support farmers by coordinating, training, and managing programs with agroecology, agroforestry, natural resources management in farming, wanting to build more equitable, diverse, sustainable food system.
Paw Pha, Farm Manager
Paw Pha is our farm manager, bringing with him seven years of dedicated farming experience. A proud member of the Karen community, Paw Pha plays a vital role in supporting fellow Karen farmers, fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge within the community.
He specializes in cultivating Southeast Asian vegetables, which he markets through wholesale, and local markets. A graduate of the Incubator Farm program, Paw Pha is known for his innovative practices and commitment to sustainability. Notably, he was among the first farmers in the state to grow Gotu Kola, a testament to his forward-thinking approach to farming. We’re excited to have Paw Pha on board as he leads our farm towards new heights!
Erika Yvonne Colquechuanca, Farm Education and Program Assistant
Erika has been part of Groundswell's Incubator Farm Program for the past three years, where she honed her farming skills and deepened her commitment to sustainable agriculture and community-based food systems. Now, she brings that same passion and experience to her role on staff.
A dedicated mother of two teenage daughters, Erika was first inspired to grow her own vegetables as a way to provide healthy, homegrown food for her family. She’s currently in her second year of growing garlic and enjoys preparing meals with fresh, local ingredients. Erika describes herself as a “cook” at heart and especially loves the abundance of summer produce.
She’s excited to help others find their place in sustainable farming—just as she found hers.
StEPHEN NUNLEY,
BOOKKEEPER
Many years ago Stephen (he/him) sidestepped a career as a junior high math teacher to become a modern dancer. Over the years he danced with a variety of companies and choreographers around the world, most notably with Rachel Lampert & Dancers during the 80's and early 90's, and Jane Comfort & Company from 1995 thru 2004. He arrived in Ithaca in 2004, serving as the the Managing Director of the Kitchen Theatre Company thru 2020. He has been working as the bookkeeper for Groundswell Center since January 2021.
Paloma palmer,
Community Education Coordinator
Paloma Palmer is our Community Education Coordinator! Paloma has a rich background in education and has dedicated her career to teaching and empowering others. She holds a master’s degree in special education and has a special connection to farming, inspired by her mother’s love for agriculture during Paloma’s upbringing.
Paloma believes that knowledge is power and is committed to fostering positive change through education. Her lifelong dedication to being an educator powers her drive to connect the community with sustainable farming practices. We look forward to seeing the impact Paloma will have as she inspires others to grow and learn!
Vera Martinoska,
NPVA (nonprofit virtual assistant)
Vera is a certified Nonprofit Virtual Assistant for The More Than Giving Co. For over 15 years, she has worked in the nonprofit sector, primarily on defending refugees’ and children’s rights and BIPOC rights in different capacities. Vera holds an LLB in Law, and her professional interests include international law, human rights, and organizational development. Several years ago, she started working remotely as a grant writer and data evaluation associate for a nonprofit in Massachusetts. Since then, she has been serving as a grant writer and admin for several organizations from different states. Vera lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons. She enjoys spending time with family, playing board games, cooking, doing yoga, and reading.
Ariana Taylor-Stanley,
INTERIM CO-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ariana (she/her) serves as Groundswell’s interim Co-Executive Director. She also co-owns and operates Here We Are Farm in Trumansburg, NY, where she raises vegetables and sheep. She brings fifteen years of experience in the food justice movement, most recently as Grassroots Co-Director of the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. Ariana holds a Masters of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from the University of Washington in her hometown of Seattle, WA. She is active in her community as a leader of Tompkins County Showing Up for Racial Justice and Jews for Mutual Liberation. She also loves swimming in lakes, arts and crafts, audiobooks, and kitty cats.