Regional Foundation Announces Hiring of Isel Otero-Vera as Program Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  July 19, 2023

Philadelphia, PA -The Regional Foundation today announced the hiring of Isel Otero-Vera as its Program Officer. 

“This is a BIG moment for us, as Isel joining the Foundation rounds out our talented team,” stated Kevin Dow, Regional Foundation Executive Director.  “Isel’s deep experience in program design and coalition-building will be a huge asset to the Foundation as we continue to develop and refine how we support our partners engaged in critical on-the-ground community development work in the region.”  

As Program Officer, Isel will support a portfolio of grantee partners, provide technical assistance, and collaborate with external partners to support the development of an equitable approach that advances the foundation’s strategic priorities across its 62-country region.

Isel joins the Regional Foundation after recently leading The Food Trust’s Farm to Early Childhood Education programs in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  She facilitated network building, community storytelling and resource sharing initiatives highlighting local food system leaders. Such regional projects included the promotion of local food procurement for school meals, community food vouchers, urban farming supports, policy advocacy, nature-based nutrition, and agriculture education programs.

“I am excited about the opportunity to support regenerative partnerships of community leadership, power, and learning,” stated Otero-Vera. “I look forward to meeting and working with our grantees!”

Prior to joining The Food Trust, Isel coordinated a local food access program in San Juan, Puerto Rico and a sustainable farming entrepreneurship program in Kerala, India. Isel, an appointed member of the Philadelphia Food Policy Advisory Council, earned a master’s degree in public policy and administration from Rutgers University. She is originally from Puerto Rico and has been living in the city of Philadelphia for over 9 years.

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