Each year, VEAP works to recruit engaged community members and leaders to strengthen our dynamic Board of Directors. We are pleased to formally welcome four new board members who joined VEAP this year: Christine Farazi, Kirsten Hiepler, Megan Schwalbach, and Lisa Williams.
Christine Farazi (top-left)
Christine brings a strong background in communications and a deep commitment to community connection to her role on VEAP’s Board of Directors. She has long admired VEAP’s “neighbors helping neighbors” philosophy and values the organization’s work to ensure everyone in the community can meet their basic needs with dignity. As a board member, Christine is especially excited to support event logistics and help keep VEAP’s communications clear and effective. She’s always ready to step in wherever there’s a gap and lend a hand. Outside of VEAP, Christine finds joy in traveling to new places, gathering with her big family for lively dinners, and taking quiet morning walks with her dog and a cup of coffee.
Kirsten Hiepler (top-right)
Kirsten brings her marketing expertise and passion for community service to VEAP’s Board of Directors. Seeing how much VEAP has grown — and how many neighbors it is able to support — inspired her to help carry that legacy forward and ensure families continue to have food on the table when they need it most. As a board member, Kirsten is excited to learn from her fellow board members and to help increase community awareness of VEAP’s work and the many ways people can support its mission. Outside of VEAP, Kirsten finds joy in many things, especially time with her black lab puppy, Dale.
Megan Schwalbach (bottom-left)
Megan Schwalbach is a Director of Product Development at Dairy Queen. As a Bloomington resident, she has seen firsthand the positive impact VEAP has on the community for many years. Her involvement has grown naturally over time — from attending VEAP’s annual gala and volunteering alongside her son to supporting school-based initiatives like the birthday bag program. Through her work in the food industry, Megan has also partnered with VEAP to help redirect large quantities of food that might otherwise go to waste, deepening her understanding of food insecurity and the importance of responsible food redistribution. Inspired by the way VEAP turns community support into meaningful action, Megan is excited to take a more active role in advancing the organization’s mission. Megan is especially interested in helping VEAP continue to adapt and innovate as community needs grow and change. With her professional background, she is passionate about ensuring the pantry consistently provides safe, high-quality, nutritious food to the families it serves. Outside of her board service, Megan enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and cheering on her son at his college lacrosse games.
Lisa Williams (bottom-right)
Lisa brings a powerful blend of lived experience, volunteerism, and advocacy to VEAP’s Board of Directors. With a long history of volunteering and preparing food for large groups, she understands firsthand how essential reliable access to food is. Having once relied on VEAP’s services herself, Lisa is deeply motivated to give back and help ensure others receive the same support when they need it. As a board member, Lisa is especially interested in VEAP’s policy and advocacy work. Her role with The Food Group has strengthened her passion for anti-hunger advocacy, and she is eager to use her voice through testimony, public speaking, and outreach to advance food equity for neighbors across the community. Outside of her work and advocacy, Lisa enjoys getting lost in a good book — especially mysteries by Agatha Christie or Brad Meltzer — spending time outdoors, and being with her dad, husband, and sons.
Please join us in welcoming Christine, Kirsten, Megan, and Lisa to VEAP’s Board of Directors! We look forward to drawing on their expertise and leadership as we continue advancing our mission.