My name is Kai Fogelson and I am the Founder and President of the Hydroponic Venture Project. I'm currently a sophomore at the University of Michigan studying business, minoring in sustainability and philosophy. I started HVP as a means to explore my love for food but also to show others that they can connect with each other through healthy eating and sustainable agriculture. I am extremely proud of the work we have accomplished so far, and I look forward to seeing us continue to grow. 

My name is Oliver Krzeczowski, I’m currently a senior at Walter Payton College Preparatory and am the Vice President of the Hydroponic Venture Project. I have been developing our mission since December 2022 while exploring my interests in business, finance, and community engagement. I’ve greatly enjoyed the opportunity to work with many great teachers, organizations, and students to make positive change within my Chicago community. I’m proud of the impact we’ve had over the last four years and am extremely excited for our future.

Hi I'm Ernest Gontarz, a senior 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 financial future of this non-profit.

Hi, my name is Declan Parker, a current senior at Walter Payton College Prep and the Director of Finance for the Hydroponic Venture Project. I am particularly passionate about healthy eating and have had the amazing opportunity to promote such healthy eating habits through my work. I aim to turn our finances and funding into real impacts that can be felt throughout all of Chicago and follow students throughout the entirety of their lives.

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.

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 Nicole Volkov and I am a Junior at Jones College Prep. I am on the Executive Board for the Hydroponic Venture Project. I am passionate about sustainability, the environment, and public health. I joined HVP as I was inspired by their mission and I hope to truly make a difference in school communities. I hope that our work will continue to encourage students to practice sustainable agriculture, protect the environment, and inspire others. ion goes here

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.

Hi, I’m Leonidas Stratton, a senior at Walter Payton College Prep. At the Hydroponic Venture Project I serve as a garden technician. I am very interested in industrial/design engineering, and hydroponics has given me a hands on experience in creating functional systems. During my time in hydroponics, I gained a passion for teaching others about nutrition. Outside of school, I play baseball and I love watching football.