Tanner Burgdorf

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

As the Deputy Director for Groundwork Bridgeport I have had the opportunity to support staff and organizational operations aimed at changing the perception of the city and increasing stewardship of its physical environment. While earning my B.S. degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Connecticut (UConn) I helped manage UConn’s student run farm. This is where I first started to fall for being outdoors, growing, and managing a place.  More recently I earned a Master of Environmental Management (MEM) from Yale School of the Environment with a focus on cities and urban sustainability. I am thrilled to get back in the fold here at Groundwork Bridgeport where we contribute to urban sustainability while involving our local residents, especially youth, in the process!

Jessica Rosario

Youth Programs coordinator

Growing up in Bridgeport myself, I always knew this was a city with great potential. I graduated from UConn in 2022 with degrees in Sociology and Psychology and returned to coordinate a youth program at Reservoir Community Farm with Green Village Initiative. That time inspired my first children’s book, Harvest Heroes, and ignited my passion for educating and empowering youth in the city. As Youth Program Coordinator at Groundwork, I am excited to continue my journey of community building and bringing environmental education to the youth of Bridgeport. 

In my free time I love to stay outdoors any way that I can or relax inside with reading and lots of crocheting.

Andres Torres

Volunteer coordinator

Hi there! I’m originally from my beautiful island of Puerto Rico, but life's adventures have led me to Bridgeport since 2023.  I have a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico, and I'm currently pursuing a Master's degree in Public Health with a focus on Community Health at Fairfield University.

My journey has been shaped by a deep-seated passion for community engagement and advocacy. From coordinating volunteers in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, participating in food justice causes and managing community gardens, I've immersed myself in initiatives aimed at fostering healthier, more sustainable communities.

As a true Boricua, my roots are intertwined with nature. Whether it's soaking up the sun at the beach, exploring hiking trails, or just going for long walks, you'll often find me embracing the great outdoors.

With a heart fueled by a love for both people and the environment, I'm dedicated to making a positive impact wherever I go. Bridgeport holds a special place in my heart, and I'm eager to continue working alongside our communities, furthering the mission of Groundwork Bridgeport.

Nicholas Henckel

Americorps Vista

I am so thrilled to join Groundwork Bridgeport as an AmeriCorps VISTA member this year! I recently graduated from Vassar College in 2023, where I studied Geography and Political Science, and discovered a passion in urban revitalization and environmental justice.

Growing up in Shelton, CT, with family in Bridgeport, the city has always been significant to me. By collaborating with the amazing team at Groundwork Bridgeport, I can contribute back to this important city, exploring urban renewal and community organization through programs and projects that align well with my passions. I am very excited to be a part of the variety of work that defines Groundwork Bridgeport’s community-focussed mission, and to develop practical ways to create a more environmentally, economically, and socially just city.

Janet Ivaldi

Board Chair

Janet holds a BS in chemistry from the University of Connecticut and an MLS in library science from Southern Connecticut State University. She is the Head of Adult Services at the Mark Twain Library in Redding, CT. Born and raised in the Lower Naugatuck Valley and having previously lived in Bridgeport for ten years, she feels a connection to the city and has many fond memories of time spent at Seaside Park, the Beardsley Zoo and the Barnum Museum and having hot dogs from Tomlinson's for lunch. Janet looks forward to contributing to Groundwork Bridgeport's vision of improving, revitalizing and transforming this beautiful city.

Roversy Ventura

Vice Chair

I graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a degree in General Studies. After graduation, I began a career in Human Resources navigating enriching experiences via corporate, startup, and nonprofit organizations.

Building relationships and knowledge of human resource information systems enabled me to contribute to recruitment operations and human capital management across multiple industries.

I am passionate about my local community and making a difference. My hobbies include reading, trying new food and spending time with friends and family.

Ashley Torres

Secretary

As a Bridgeport native, I owe it to the community and myself to want better for the outside spaces I grew up in and still occupy today. I became connected with Groundwork Bridgeport in high school as I was a student in the program where I fell in love with the city I called home and grew admiration for the people I met along the way. Since graduating high school, I have experienced a handful of adventures and opportunities thanks to Groundwork. I’m grateful to have built such a strong connection to the organization and hope to contribute as much as I can as a board member so that future participants can enjoy and take away from it as much as I did.

I have my B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Biology and soon to be pursuing my Masters in Social Work. Combining the passion I have for nature and the great outdoors with behavioral health is something I hope to do one day.

Chris Henderson

Treasurer

Having lived in Connecticut all my life, I love our cities, and I am so honored to be a part of Groundwork Bridgeport to help give back to the wonderful city of Bridgeport. I became familiar with Groundwork through the Pro Bono Partnership where I provided pro bono legal services to the organization. Through that work, I became inspired by Groundwork’s mission of revitalization, youth empowerment, and climate justice.

 I am currently a labor attorney primarily representing Connecticut’s municipalities in collective bargaining matters. I hold a B.S. from the University of New Haven in Legal Studies and a J.D. from the Quinnipiac University School of Law. In addition to Groundwork, I am on the Board of the Connecticut Foundation for Open Government and also serve as a co-chair of the Government and Public Sector Committee of the Connecticut Bar Association. Most importantly, I am the dad of two amazing boys. I hope my efforts with Groundwork inspire them later in life to serve their communities to make the world a better place.  

Nick Callegari

yale board member

Nick Callegari is currently an MBA student at the Yale School of Management and serving as a Nonprofit Board Fellow through Yale SOM’s Nonprofit Board Fellows program. He holds a MEng in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley and a BSE in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (Certificates in Sustainable Energy, Robotics and Intelligent Systems, and Entrepreneurship) from Princeton University. Prior to pursuing an MBA, Nick worked as a mechanical design engineer for SpaceX’s Dragon spaceflight program, helping design critical primary and interior structures for the Dragon spacecraft.

In addition to his MBA studies, Nick is also working on a social venture that aims to help tackle the global housing crisis. As a first-generation, low-income college student that was afforded an opportunity for higher education through the nonprofit QuestBridge, Nick hopes his work as part of the GWB board will give him a chance to give back to nonprofits that are making a difference in the world.   

Tsering Dickey

Being a part of Groundwork Bridgeport makes me so happy! While I was working, Christina invited me in, and we immediately connected over our love of helping and giving back to the community. I'm excited to join this fantastic organization as it is exposed to me.

To tell you a little bit about me, I enjoy getting lost and taking detours to my destination. I received a Bachelor of Business Management with a concentration in Accounting from Southern Connecticut State University.

I'm currently looking for my purpose and am a new mom to a stunning baby girl. I want her to be pleased with the effort I can make for her future.

Uyen Huynh

Uyen Huynh is a sustainability consultant with experience collaborating with NYC public schools, and residential and commercial clients towards achieving Zero Waste. She holds an M.S in Urban Sustainability from the City College of New York and a B.A in International Studies from Fairfield University. Uyen is humbled and grateful to be part of the GWB board in support of the next generation of environmental stewards and leaders in Bridgeport and Connecticut!

Michael Myers

Michael is thrilled to return to Bridgeport, his hometown, as a member of the Groundwork Bridgeport board. He holds a bachelor's degree from Southern Connecticut State University and a master's degree from Northpoint Seminary, focusing on personal character formation, curriculum development, and program implementation.

Formerly a clergy member, Michael established programs for youth and young adults before transitioning to higher education, specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion. At the Yale School of Management (SOM), he led diversity recruitment efforts and currently serves as a leader in Yale SOM's belonging efforts, directing the development of co-curricular DEI education and facilitating critical conversations among students, faculty, and staff.

His dedication to expanding access to quality education has defined his career, leaving a significant impact in higher education through fostering inclusive environments.