My name is Kai Fogelson and I am the Founder and PresidenI of the Hydroponic Venture Project. I am an incoming freshman at the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business planning to concentrate in Finance, Strategy and Sustainability. I started the HVP as a means to explore the intersection between my interests in culinary arts and service. I am extremely proud of the work we have accomplished so far, and I look forward to seeing us grow throughout Chicago.

I’m Oliver Krzeczowski, a junior at Walter Payton College Prep. At the Hydroponic Venture Project, my position is Vice President. I’m very interested in finance and wanted to expand my exposure by managing the finances of a non-profit organization. Along the way I have gained a passion for helping my local communities. Outside of school and hydroponics, I enjoy playing the piano and rowing crew.

Hi I'm Ernest Gontarz, a junior at Lane Tech College Prep. I'm a treasurer and secretary here at HVP and look forward to grow the organization and reach out. My background in business management and customer service helps me in assisting to manage the organization's finances and sustainability goals to ensure we can reach as many schools as possible. My passion for finance helps drive me to working to ensure the successful future of this non-profit. Outside of my work, I love to work out and play sports, along with hanging out with my friends.

I’m Nadia Williams, the Director of Curriculum Development and Communications for the Hydroponic Venture Project. I am a junior at Walter Payton College Preparatory High School. I am interested in healthcare, especially community health. HVP’s work with sustainable agriculture and my love for gardening inspired me to join. While working with HVP, I have become increasingly interested in sustainable food practices. I hope that we wil contine to educate and positively impact many students and teachers in the future.

Hi, my name is Leeza Golubchik and I am one of the Heads of Communication for the Hydroponic Venture Project! I am passionate about sustainable food practices and how they can help protect the environment. I hope to educate and inspire others through hydroponics! I love being able to see the difference that HVP makes in school communities!

Hi, my name is Owen Zolner and I am the Secretary for the Hydroponic Venture Project. I work to combat issues that I care about such as food insecurity and food deserts, and help promote equity in school communities. I am passionate about public policy, and through the foundation I am able to explore that interest and its intersections with sustainable environmental practices. The foundation enables me to directly make an impact by helping to promote innovative practices in an urban environment.

My name is Douglas Fogelson and I am one of the Directors of the Hydroponic Venture Project. I am involved in numerous philanthropic causes and am extremely passionate about advocating for environmental sustainability, improved equity within food systems, and helping spread sustainable practices to students throughout the Chicagoland area. Outside of the HVP, I am a professional photographer who loves music and creative arts.

Hello, I am Filip Zakrzewski, a junior at Northside College Prep. I am the Director of Marketing and Digital Design at the Hydroponic Venture Project. I joined the Hydroponic Venture Project to combine my interests in marketing/media with sustainability and education. My passion for design helps me in creating the best framework for HVP’s outreach to other communities and schools. I believe in the importance of maintaining our public image that shares our mission to the world and protects our credibility.  Outside of school, I love photography and am involved in soccer and volleyball.