HARLEM GROWN WELCOMES DAMION SAMUELS AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Seasoned Nonprofit Leader Joins Award-Winning Urban Agriculture and Youth Development Organization
Pictured (L-R): Damion Samuels, Executive Director; Tony Hillery, CEO; Joshua Strugatz, Chair, Harlem Grown Board of Directors
NEW YORK, NY – Harlem Grown, the Harlem-based nonprofit inspiring youth to lead healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability, and nutrition, is proud to announce the appointment of Damion Emile Samuels as its new Executive Director.
Samuels brings more than three decades of experience designing and leading programs that expand opportunity for youth, young adults, and families across New York City. His work spans after school education, youth development, workforce development, and college and career readiness—with a deep commitment to supporting individuals across a wide range of ages, achievement levels, and life circumstances, including those facing significant systemic barriers.
“Harlem Grown has always believed that access to healthy food, environmental education, and community leadership can transform lives,” said Joshua Strugatz, Chair of Harlem Grown’s Board of Directors. “We are thrilled to welcome Damion to lead the organization into its next chapter. Damion’s commitment to equity, youth development, and community-centered impact aligns deeply with our mission, and we are confident he will help strengthen Harlem Grown’s impact.”
Samuels joins Harlem Grown at a pivotal moment of growth and momentum. In fiscal year 2025–2026, Harlem Grown served more than 30,500 children and community members—a 30 percent increase over the previous year—while distributing nearly 214,000 pounds of fresh produce, an 81 percent increase from FY24. At the same time, the organization delivered more than 1,100 hands-on lessons in nutrition, agriculture, wellness, and environmental education, reaching youth and families throughout the community. Harlem Grown's afterschool program is expecting continued growth as well this coming fall, with two new DYCD Afterschool programs opening in Harlem. Operating across 14 urban agricultural sites, 5 partner schools, 3 afterschool programs, and 3 year-round farmstands, Harlem Grown is deepening its impact in a community where food insecurity and health disparities remain persistent challenges, while creating opportunities for young people and families to lead healthier, more connected, and more empowered lives.
Throughout his career, Samuels has partnered with government agencies, philanthropic institutions, and community organizations to expand access to opportunity and strengthen outcomes at scale. He is known for securing and managing public funding, developing cross-sector partnerships, and implementing data-driven systems to guide strategy and demonstrate impact. He serves on the Coordinating Committee of the New York Reentry Education Network and has been featured in The Envy of the World: On Being a Black Man in America by Ellis Cose. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies from the University of Virginia and a certificate from the Georgetown University Center for Juvenile Justice Reform.
"Harlem Grown is doing transformational work—using the power of urban farming and community connection to open doors for young people who face real and persistent barriers," said Samuels. "I am honored to join this team and this community, and I look forward to building on the remarkable foundation that has been established here."
About Harlem Grown
Founded by Tony Hillery, Harlem Grown inspires youth to lead healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability, and nutrition. Operating across 14 urban agricultural sites in Central Harlem, the organization serves over 30,000 community members annually through afterschool programs, summer camps, school partnerships, farm stands, mobile education, and workforce development initiatives. To learn more or to donate, visit harlemgrown.org.
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