Posted Oct 07, 2022
In 2021, Deloitte became a partner and sponsor of Green City Market. Since then, Deloitte has been conducting a number of pro bono projects to support our strategy development across our marketing, fundraising, programming and volunteer management.
As part of this partnership, Deloitte was a sponsor for Green City Market’s 21st annual Chef BBQ last month. In celebration of their sponsorship, we chatted with members of the Deloitte team about their experience working with Green City Market. Keep reading to learn what they said about being a part of the team and learn more about their GCM strategy support projects.
Angelica Escuadro
The first member of the Deloitte x GCM team that we interviewed is Angelica Escuadro. Take a look at Angelica's responses below:
Why were you interested in joining the GCM + Deloitte Team?
I loved the idea of partnering with an organization that hosted one of my favorite Saturday morning activities (Green City Market Lincoln Park) and wanted to improve access to local agriculture. It was an awesome opportunity to leverage my data strategy experience from other industries and projects with a local non-profit.
Tell us a little bit about your GCM + Deloitte project
An awesome team of Deloitte Practitioners and I have been evaluating GCM operations to find opportunities for automation, and evaluating program success and impact.
What have you learned based on your experience with GCM / Deloitte?
Before working closely with GCM, I did not realize how much the organization ran programs beyond the Market like GCM for All and Club Sprouts that support local farmers, increase accessibility to food, and promote education.
What were you most looking forward to at Chef BBQ?
As a huge foodie, I was excited to try all of the food featuring food produced nearby!
Jordan Skowron
We also got the chance to hear from Deloitte x GCM team member, Jordan Skowron. Check out what Jordan had to say about their experience working with GCM.
Why were you interested in joining the GCM + Deloitte Team?
As a longtime patron of the market, I jumped at the opportunity to be able to take what I have learned from past work experiences to make an impact at my favorite place to go every Saturday morning. Being passionate about sustainability and equity efforts in the Chicago community, I wanted the chance to get exposure to a different part of GCM I hadn’t seen before.
Tell us a little bit about your GCM + Deloitte project
Deloitte partnered with GCM to examine the volunteer experience at the market. During an 8-week project, my awesome team and I assessed the current state to provide recommendations for future volunteer initiatives involving recruitment, roles and responsibilities, and volunteer recognition.
What have you learned based on your experience with GCM / Deloitte?
During my project with GCM I had the opportunity to volunteer on a Saturday at the market. I learned a lot about the chefs, vendors, and patrons - it was so fun! I also have learned a lot about the many ways that GCM is educating and impacting the community through activities like GCM for All and Club Sprouts.
What were you most looking forward to at Chef BBQ?
I was excited for an opportunity to try a variety of food from so many amazing Chicago Chefs!
Rebecca Sredni
The next member of the Deloitte x GCM team is Rebecca Sredni. Rebecca, is also a Green City Market Associate Board member. Take a look at what Rebecca had to say about her experience working with GCM.
Why were you interested in joining the GCM + Deloitte Team?
As a long-time market shopper, I was excited about the opportunity to learn more about GCM's mission and programming outside of the weekly markets. Based on my experience as part of the Pro-Bono Project team where we worked to develop a broad marketing and communication plan to engage market patrons, I decided to join the associate board!
Favorite part of being on the Associate Board?
Being able to volunteer at events such as this year's "Peak Season Celebration" at Mick Klug Farm to get a better understanding of where our food comes from and be able to support our local farmers.
Darren Gest
The final member of the team that we are introducing today is Green City Market Board Member, Darren Gest. Darren shared that he “is a Principal at Deloitte Consulting where he has spent the past 17+ years serving clients across the Food and Beverage, Retail, Consumer Products and Agriculture sectors.” Darren also shared that “As a Green City Market Board Member, [he] is energized to strengthen farmer/consumer/restaurant partnerships and advance how food is sourced, accessed and understood in Chicago.”
When asked about the partnership between Deloitte and Green City Market, Darren said, “Deloitte and GCM have shared values rooted in equity, sustainability and community. I’m proud of our partnership and the unique opportunity to advance the future of food and access to it, together.”