Our organization is led by our community members from the ground up, using a community-centered philosophy that is tied to the principles of kaizen. Kaizen emphasizes continual improvement by all members of the organization, and we innovate on this by including community, knowledge, and skills in our approach. In our model, impacted community members and leaders are the driving force behind our work.

Our board, volunteer team, and site managers at Kaizen Food Rescue are recruited from the same community we serve - those who faced food insecurity, its multiplying effects and interested in changing the food system. These community members engage in joint decision-making, planning, and the implementation of projects and programs to advance a collective vision that transcends organizational boundaries.

If you have time, we encourage you to join us as a volunteer and be a part of our efforts to create positive change in the community!

Visionaries of Kaizen Food Rescue

Founded by Thai Nguyen and Shawn Traylor, Kaizen Food Rescue emerged from their shared dedication to combat food waste and nutrition insecurity. Shawn's early personal funding propelled the organization's growth, and Thai’s development efforts during the pandemic secured Kaizen's inaugural grant, a turning point in their mission to salvage surplus food and create enduring community change.

Board Directors

  • Aleka Mayr, Director - Food Services Assistant, Boulder Valley School District

  • Daniel Stange, Director - Peer Specialist, Fort Logan Mental Health Institute

  • Lt. Col. Vinnie Nguyen - Senior International Business Manager, Lockheed Martin

    Board recruitment is an ongoing process vital to the continued success of Kaizen Food Rescue. We are actively seeking individuals with diverse skills and a deep commitment to addressing food insecurity. If you have experience in board governance, food access work, and lived experience with nutrition insecurity, we strongly encourage you to apply. Your unique perspectives will enrich our organization and guide our mission.

Community Advisory Council Members

  • Aleah Traylor, Youth Community Member

  • Em Nguyen, Elder Community Member

  • Lah Say Wah, Student Intern and Youth Community Member

  • Nhan Nguyen, Veteran Community Member

  • Shawn Traylor, Community Member

Community Navigators + Site Leads

  • Airille Ogawa, Mercy Housing Site Lead

  • DeLori Norman, Southwest Denver Site Lead + Community Navigator

  • Mu Dah Di, East Colfax Site Lead + Garden Manager

  • Pam Jiner, Montbello Walks Executive Director

  • Sol Martinez, Edgewater Site Lead + Community Navigator