Team
Olivia started with DIG in 2013 with a vision for adapting and expanding our programs in Western Kenya. Her expertise is in sustainable agriculture, environmental management, community based agribusiness, gender equity, and monitoring and evaluation. She is a governing board member of PELUM Kenya, a network of organizations promoting agro-ecological solutions for small holder farmers. Olivia has brought immeasurable benefits to both the organization and our farmers in the region. She has a Bachelor of science in agriculture and a Masters in project planning and management. She is married and the mother of 2 exceptional boys who are proud to see their mother leading other women towards improved health and empowerment through nutrition sensitive agriculture.
Gloria is the Program Director for the Uganda DIG program. After graduating with a diploma in business from the Uganda College of Commerce in December 2017, she joined the DIG team as a facilitator the next month. Using lessons her mother taught her from childhood, Gloria’s skill and knowledge of organic agriculture made her a great teacher. Her ability to engage communities personally, commitment to high quality work, and strong leadership at staff meetings made her a standout choice for coordinator. She has seen 20 groups through farmer field schools and she is motivated to continue expanding the reach of the program to more communities
Seckou was trained in DIG’s Farmer Field School Program in 2019 and joined in 2020. Prior to joining DIG, Seckou was living and working in Senegal's capital, Dakar. Through his work, he started to become interested in community development and wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. Coming back to his birthplace, Ziguinchor, Seckou was eager to get involved in the community and joined DIG’s Farmer Field School. From farmer to facilitator, Today, Seckou is DIG’s Program Manager and leads our program in Senegal.
In 2006, while serving in the US Peace Corps in Senegal, West Africa, Sarah co-founded DIG. Her Peace Corps experience emphasized community-centered development which conflicted with more traditional Western development models she saw being implemented. Both offered important perspectives and fueled her determination to establish a different approach as a global development organization. Prioritizing trust and collaboration, Sarah's passion lies in empowering communities to lead their own solutions, while striving to connect our local and global stories and understand our collaborative role in generating positive change.
Sarah D joins DIG as our Director of Global Programs. Having previously served as a program specialist at the Carter Center and a consultant for the Foundation for Community Development and Empowerment in Uganda, Sarah holds a unique role on the DIG team. She ensures each program upholds the shared mission, vision, and values of the organization, and works closely with the country teams, providing support in tackling challenges and devising strategic plans for program growth, monitoring, and evaluation. Additionally, she collaborates with the development team to establish connections between funders and various program objectives. Sarah’s contributions are instrumental in driving the organization's impact and success.
Anita Hernandez joins DIG as our Marketing and Communications Manager, bringing a vibrant belief in the power of positive thinking to both her work and life. With a wealth of expertise, Anita develops and implements cohesive communications and marketing strategies that leverage digital storytelling. Her unique perspective bridges the gap between creative vision and impactful execution. Driven by a passion for empowering communities and connecting local and global stories, Anita's marketing acumen is instrumental in driving DIG’s visibility, engagement, and success.
Lauren Alexander brings over 15 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, donor engagement, and communications. At DIG, she works to cultivate meaningful partnerships and philanthropic support that help expand DIG’s impact, empowering marginalized farmers to grow food for themselves and their communities. Before joining DIG’s team, she returned to her roots in Central Virginia to support environmental conservation and community advocacy. She holds a BS in Cultural Anthropology, where she focused on indigenous storytelling and sustainable environmental resilience. Passionate about community building, Lauren serves on several boards supporting farmer’s markets, culture, and advocacy initiatives in Central Virginia.
