Our Board |
Sara L. Stewart, RN,MSN, Board President and Executive Director
574-315-4361. [email protected]
In 2008, Sara saw the need for fresh, barrier-free food in our community and decided to grow a garden. This spout of an idea has grown and spread throughout our region providing opportunities, resources, and life-long relationships. Her passion for connecting people to healthy food and each other keeps her striving to make this "outrageous" idea the standard everywhere.
574-315-4361. [email protected]
In 2008, Sara saw the need for fresh, barrier-free food in our community and decided to grow a garden. This spout of an idea has grown and spread throughout our region providing opportunities, resources, and life-long relationships. Her passion for connecting people to healthy food and each other keeps her striving to make this "outrageous" idea the standard everywhere.
Don Inks, Treasurer Board Member – Redevelopment Commission, City of South Bend
574-485-3054 [email protected]
Don completed his bachelor degree from IUSB with a concentration in accounting and worked for over 2 years in public accounting with Coopers & Lybrand. He moved to South Bend in 1981 and served as the Fiscal Officer for the Department of Redevelopment. He then proceeded to work with the Department of Community and Economical Development for over 28 years and recently served as the Director of the Redevelopment Commission. Don has been instrumental in guiding the Unity Gardens success through his work in aligning the Unity vision with the city plan. Don joined the board in August of 2010 as an expert in fiscal matters and economic planning. Don is retired from serving as the city of South Bend’s Redevelopment Commission’s President, and maintains a position on the City of South Bend’s Economic Development Board of Directors.
574-485-3054 [email protected]
Don completed his bachelor degree from IUSB with a concentration in accounting and worked for over 2 years in public accounting with Coopers & Lybrand. He moved to South Bend in 1981 and served as the Fiscal Officer for the Department of Redevelopment. He then proceeded to work with the Department of Community and Economical Development for over 28 years and recently served as the Director of the Redevelopment Commission. Don has been instrumental in guiding the Unity Gardens success through his work in aligning the Unity vision with the city plan. Don joined the board in August of 2010 as an expert in fiscal matters and economic planning. Don is retired from serving as the city of South Bend’s Redevelopment Commission’s President, and maintains a position on the City of South Bend’s Economic Development Board of Directors.
Drew Warden, Senior Director of Human Resources – Lippert Corporation Inc.
574-312-7573 [email protected]
Drew grew up in the suburbs of Chicago since he was 7 years old, originally born in Galesburg, IL. His family still resides in Naperville, mom/ dad/ 2 brothers and sister. He graduated from Indiana University with a degree in management. Shortly after graduating he found Lippert and started in 2012 as a manager in training then moved into HR. I t has now been 11 years going on 12 with Lippert. Drew has a passion for giving back to the community and also serves as the board president of big brothers big sisters of southern lake Michigan region. He also serves as a big and has been matched for almost 3 years! He states, “I am very excited to start down this journey with a new team to see how we can serve the community in creative ways and for me, I want to be as much of a help as possible to Unity Gardens. I value hard work and positivity for those I work closely with.” Outside of work, Drew enjoys staying physically healthy and spending time with his wife and dog Blue traveling to Naperville or Ann Arbor, where his wife is from, lounging around the house working on projects/ cleaning or watching sports.
574-312-7573 [email protected]
Drew grew up in the suburbs of Chicago since he was 7 years old, originally born in Galesburg, IL. His family still resides in Naperville, mom/ dad/ 2 brothers and sister. He graduated from Indiana University with a degree in management. Shortly after graduating he found Lippert and started in 2012 as a manager in training then moved into HR. I t has now been 11 years going on 12 with Lippert. Drew has a passion for giving back to the community and also serves as the board president of big brothers big sisters of southern lake Michigan region. He also serves as a big and has been matched for almost 3 years! He states, “I am very excited to start down this journey with a new team to see how we can serve the community in creative ways and for me, I want to be as much of a help as possible to Unity Gardens. I value hard work and positivity for those I work closely with.” Outside of work, Drew enjoys staying physically healthy and spending time with his wife and dog Blue traveling to Naperville or Ann Arbor, where his wife is from, lounging around the house working on projects/ cleaning or watching sports.
Marcia A. McCoy, Secretary Master Gardener, Philanthropist
574 344-3424 [email protected]
Marcia has a history rich in vegetable gardening and has completed her Master Gardening Class. Marcia has also volunteered the last number of years as the AARP regional tax coordinator. Marcia has been instrumental in starting the original Franklin Street Community Garden in 2008 and has been hands on labor for the Unity Garden at LaSalle Square. Her extensive knowledge base on gardening and finance combined with her inquisitive nature makes her uniquely qualified to maintain proper procedures and balance necessary to “grow” the corporation. Her dedication and financial support of Unity Gardens has helped propel new programs that build organizational sustainability.
574 344-3424 [email protected]
Marcia has a history rich in vegetable gardening and has completed her Master Gardening Class. Marcia has also volunteered the last number of years as the AARP regional tax coordinator. Marcia has been instrumental in starting the original Franklin Street Community Garden in 2008 and has been hands on labor for the Unity Garden at LaSalle Square. Her extensive knowledge base on gardening and finance combined with her inquisitive nature makes her uniquely qualified to maintain proper procedures and balance necessary to “grow” the corporation. Her dedication and financial support of Unity Gardens has helped propel new programs that build organizational sustainability.
Cara Lupa, Vice-President: Office Manager/HR & Billing Pediatric Cardiology
574-286-4579 [email protected]
From the first Unity Gardens horticulture class, Cara Lupa, Purdue Advanced Master Gardener, has been committed to helping Unity Gardens grow in multiple ways; teaching and volunteering at the weekly gardening classes, helping support the children’s programs, and in volunteering for the fundraising and community building events. Cara’s degree in science combined with years of employment in management, finance, accounting, human resources, and horticulture, will help add new dimensions of expertise to the organization. In her words; “I am very proud to say that I have been a part of Unity Gardens in some way or another for several years. It is such a great way to get out into the community and help educate people on how to grow their own food. Teaching young children about how to grow food is a way to ensure a successful and sustainable future!”
574-286-4579 [email protected]
From the first Unity Gardens horticulture class, Cara Lupa, Purdue Advanced Master Gardener, has been committed to helping Unity Gardens grow in multiple ways; teaching and volunteering at the weekly gardening classes, helping support the children’s programs, and in volunteering for the fundraising and community building events. Cara’s degree in science combined with years of employment in management, finance, accounting, human resources, and horticulture, will help add new dimensions of expertise to the organization. In her words; “I am very proud to say that I have been a part of Unity Gardens in some way or another for several years. It is such a great way to get out into the community and help educate people on how to grow their own food. Teaching young children about how to grow food is a way to ensure a successful and sustainable future!”
Brent F. Spring Hospitality Administration Program Chair Ivy Tech Community College
574-259-6037 [email protected]
Chef Brent Spring has been an avid volunteer and supporter of Unity Gardens in a variety of ways; introducing his students to the realities of locally grown food, leading service projects, teaching cooking classes and helping with chef demos and fundraising events. Previously the President/Owner/Executive Chef FEAST banquets and Catering (2001-2012), Chef Brent comes to sere on the Unity Gardens Board of Directors with broad base of expertise in business management, entrepreneurship, and food health guidelines. His business expertise and knowledge of food guidelines will help Unity Gardens’ next stages of growth. Brent co-hosted a mutual fund raiser: “Perfect Pairings” with Unity Gardens to the delight of both organizations. Chef Brent has demonstrated congruent values to Unity Gardens in implementing service learning and sustainable practices within the hospitality curriculum.
574-259-6037 [email protected]
Chef Brent Spring has been an avid volunteer and supporter of Unity Gardens in a variety of ways; introducing his students to the realities of locally grown food, leading service projects, teaching cooking classes and helping with chef demos and fundraising events. Previously the President/Owner/Executive Chef FEAST banquets and Catering (2001-2012), Chef Brent comes to sere on the Unity Gardens Board of Directors with broad base of expertise in business management, entrepreneurship, and food health guidelines. His business expertise and knowledge of food guidelines will help Unity Gardens’ next stages of growth. Brent co-hosted a mutual fund raiser: “Perfect Pairings” with Unity Gardens to the delight of both organizations. Chef Brent has demonstrated congruent values to Unity Gardens in implementing service learning and sustainable practices within the hospitality curriculum.
Alexander Gorden, Corporate Attorney - Barnes & Thornburg LLP
574-237-1216 [email protected]
Alex is a corporate attorney with the South Bend office of Barnes & Thornburg LLP. Calling upon a decade of prior experience as a Director of Marketing and Business Development, Alex combines his unique entrepreneurial, sales, and international sourcing experience with his legal knowledge to advise businesses of all sizes on corporate and real estate matters. His passion for Unity Gardens stems from his conviction and support of its mission to improve community health by increasing accessibility to fresh fruits and vegetables. He's a strong advocate for community resources and educational programs that emphasize the importance of everyday nutrition and the impact it has on physical and mental health. Alex joined the Board in 2025 to assist with business and legal matters.
574-237-1216 [email protected]
Alex is a corporate attorney with the South Bend office of Barnes & Thornburg LLP. Calling upon a decade of prior experience as a Director of Marketing and Business Development, Alex combines his unique entrepreneurial, sales, and international sourcing experience with his legal knowledge to advise businesses of all sizes on corporate and real estate matters. His passion for Unity Gardens stems from his conviction and support of its mission to improve community health by increasing accessibility to fresh fruits and vegetables. He's a strong advocate for community resources and educational programs that emphasize the importance of everyday nutrition and the impact it has on physical and mental health. Alex joined the Board in 2025 to assist with business and legal matters.
Barb Sutton CPA, Garden Leader, Adjunct Faculty University of Notre Dame
574-315-3843 [email protected]
Ms. Sutton has served with Unity Gardens for over 10 years as a garden leader, as our accountant, and as a volunteer. Barb Sutton is a South Bend native who grew up on the far west side of the city. Barb served as one of the Unity Garden’ first garden leaders for years before we discovered she is a CPA with over 30 years of experience in non-profit accounting. Her commitment to Unity Gardens and her community is strong as barf also serves as president of the NorthShore Triangle Neighborhood Association. Barb also volunteers as a docent and usher at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center at University of Notre Dame.
574-315-3843 [email protected]
Ms. Sutton has served with Unity Gardens for over 10 years as a garden leader, as our accountant, and as a volunteer. Barb Sutton is a South Bend native who grew up on the far west side of the city. Barb served as one of the Unity Garden’ first garden leaders for years before we discovered she is a CPA with over 30 years of experience in non-profit accounting. Her commitment to Unity Gardens and her community is strong as barf also serves as president of the NorthShore Triangle Neighborhood Association. Barb also volunteers as a docent and usher at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center at University of Notre Dame.