Vanessa has called Central and South Etobicoke home since 2005. In that time she has built a community, family & career that refuses to stay in one lane — spanning design, community development, UX, population health research, and social enterprise. 

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With stints in London, Sault Ste. Marie and North Texas, the underlying need for equity in food is even more vital today. 

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She is currently Managing Director of CBASE, a research-based advocacy think tank advancing community-led solutions and equity-centered urban policy. 

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In addition whe works for The City of Toronto as the 2026 NCAC Lead for Ward 3.

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This fall she begins her MBA, adding to a foundation that already includes a Bachelor of Arts, an Honours Bachelor of Community Development, and postgraduate credentials in Content Strategy, Verticle Farming, Professional Book Publishing & Project Management. 

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A former partner at a design firm, a current member of PMI Toronto, and a writer completing her first non-fiction anthology, "b-sides: the stories we saved for later", through the Humber School for Writers Graduate Program — on track for publication this fall.  — Vanessa brings an unusually wide lens, deply curious approach to everything she does. 

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Her research interests centre on land equity and access — and on what becomes possible when urban agriculture, city-building, and complementary disciplines are finally allowed to inform each other.

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Gabi has been involved with the Gardens Pods since 2020 and most recently worksed for Humber's Office of Sustainability as their Communications & Engagement Coordinator.

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Gabi is responsible for the coordination of events and communications that promote sustainability and research support with the GAC. She seeks to bridge climate advocates and those passionate about sustainability at Humber with opportunities and with one another to build a connected community based on respect for the planet and its inhabitants.

Gabi is deeply interested in youth leadership, food justice, and urban agriculture.

Plant Queen Bio coming soon!

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She is the LAMP Community Health Centre representative for Community Ambassador and Pod Coordinator roles with The Gardens Lakeshore. A long-time Etobicoke Lakeshore resident, Dawn brings a strong background in planning and logistics alongside deep, hands-on community knowledge. She began her journey as a Pod Lead volunteer in 2022 and stepped into the role of Pod Coordinator in 2025.

Dawn plays a vital role in connecting growers directly with their community, supporting inclusive, on-the-ground participation across garden sites. Passionate about learning and collaboration, she continues to build her knowledge of urban agriculture to help ensure equitable access to fresh, local, and culturally relevant food for community members.

Bri Gardner Ford is a community developer and currently pursuing her Masters degree at the University of Toronto.

Bri was born and raised in Mimico and worked her first job as a youth leader at LAMP CHC.

Since then, Bri has a history of advocacy including as a founding member of the South Etobicoke Community Land Trust to push for solutions to the homelessness crisis in the Etobicoke. Bri is excited to join the advisory council of the GARDENS pod project to continue to support food security in the lakeshore.

Carly Spragg has been a resident of South Etobicoke since 2018. Looking to get involved with the community as well as support social and environmental initiatives, she was welcomed on to the Gardens Advisory Committee in 2021. Carly has a background in nursing and is passionate about gardening, local food and biking around the city.  

Bio Coming Soon