The Generation Gap

The Generation Gap ensures that programs, partnerships, and philanthropic support are held in a structure designed for long-term public benefit.

The nonprofit arm that supports the work of The Sage D Collective

The Generation Gap is the nonprofit structure through which The Sage D Collective’s initiatives are sustained. It exists to steward resources, maintain partnerships, and ensure that the programs we build with communities have a long horizon.

While The Collective develops leadership experiences, field convenings, and market-based initiatives, The Generation Gap provides the charitable framework that allows these efforts to grow through philanthropy, partnerships, and shared investment.

Together, this relationship allows us to move ideas into action while maintaining the relationships and accountability that make the work possible.

What We Power

Through The Generation Gap, The Sage D Collective is able to launch and sustain initiatives that build leadership capacity, strengthen market networks, and mobilize collective investment.

  • A community investment model that allows supporters to pool resources and direct funding toward projects that strengthen farmers markets and regional food systems.

  • Sage D’s leadership development initiative is designed to support market leaders, organizers, and practitioners who are shaping the future of community markets.

  • Programs and partnerships that help strengthen farmers markets as spaces of connection, learning, and regional economic exchange.

Meet the Board

  • Karla Blaginin, Board Chair

    The Joy of Pickleball

    A bilingual (English and Spanish) instructor and consultant, Karla helps leaders strengthen the mental side of their work using movement and mindful practices that support focus, resilience, and long-term performance. Her work connects research in health and wellness with practical tools people can use in everyday life. Based in Atlanta, Karla is passionate about introducing the sport to young people and families. She also serves as an ambassador with USA Pickleball and hosts projects such as Body by Pickleball and The Joy of Pickleball podcast.

  • Rachel Dekom, Board Secretary

    The Sage D Collective

    Rachel is a dedicated development and support specialist with a knack for maximizing the reach of social entrepreneurs. She manages the back-end of project planning, event planning, program management, and scheduling, while also providing intentional executive support to Sagdrina and Sage D partners. She also plays a key role in cultivating business connections and strengthening client relationships that sustain ongoing projects.

  • JuJu Harris, Board Member

    Writer, Activist

    Chef Juju Harris is a food insecurity advocate committed to highlighting the strategic ways that organizations and educators can collaborate on creating a healthier, stable food system. A culinary expert and organic gardener, she believes that food education is crucial to food accessibility and demonstrates h w healthy eating can be affordable in her cookbook, Healthy and Homemade: Eating Well on a Budget.

  • Lita Hooper, Board Member

    My Learning Pro, The Sage D Collective

    Lita Hooper-Simanga is a highly skilled professional in instructional design, training and development, course design and development, storyboarding, scriptwriting, eLearning, universal design, learning management systems, curriculum development, competency-based education, program management, and leadership development. With a B.A. in Communication, an M.A. in Creative Writing, an M.A. in Education, and a D.A. in English and Humanities, Lita brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to any project or organization she is involved with

  • Stacey Whitney, Board Member

    Farmers Market Coalition, MFMA, Academy for Global Citizenship, Altadena Farmers Market 

    Stacey Whitney is an experienced food justice advocate whose work is focused on facilitating the intricate connections that exist between food systems and communities.

  • Karla Forrest-Hewitt, Board Member

    East Lansing Farmers Market

    Karla Forrest Hewitt is a farmers market leader and community organizer whose work connects food, land, and neighborhood wellbeing. Born in Jamaica, she grew up in a family that grew much of its own food, shaping her lifelong commitment to local growing and shared stewardship. After moving to the United States and settling in Michigan, she became the first market manager of color in East Lansing and began reshaping market programs to better serve local families. Today, she collaborates with the Michigan Farmers Market Association and leads youth-centered gardening efforts, raising the next generation of growers, including her son, Eli.