Garrison joined the Andando team in 2021.
Continuing in our series, we would like to introduce you to another member of our team who works hard to build resilient, thriving communities in Senegal. We think they are pretty amazing and are sure you will agree. (Click here to see others in this series.) Meet Garrison, Executive Director
Garrison holding a band trophy with this parents.
Garrison Harward joined the Andando team in 2021 as our Agriculture Officer. He grew up in the small town of Ojai, California and caught the gardening bug early from his Mom and Grandpa. When he wasn’t digging in the dirt Garrison spent most of his time in marching band, choir, and theater groups. The thrill of performing led him to California State University Chico where he studied theater and met his wife Hannah; they just celebrated 13 years together.
Hannah and Garrison at their wedding.
While Garrison is our newest state-side addition to the Andando Team he first met Andando 10 years ago during his service in the Peace Corps in the Fatick region of Senegal.
During his time there (2010-2012), Garrison lived in the rural community of Dassilame Serere (approx. 40 miles SW of Keur Socé) where he worked with farmers on a variety of agricultural projects. The Serer people are an ethnic minority in Senegal. One of the last projects Garrison worked on with his community was a water and sanitation project funded by Andando and during a recent visit back there he was thrilled to see that the infrastructure they built is still functioning and providing a real benefit for the community.
In the village of Dassilame Serer, Garrison made many life-long friends during his service with the Peace Corp.
“The Serer people are an ethnic minority in Senegal and getting to learn about their history and culture along with their incredible language is one of the greatest gifts I took away from my service.”
After returning home to the United States, Garrison and Hannah moved to New York City where Garrison worked as a Head Production Electrician working in Fashion lighting and has worked for almost every major brand in the industry along with countless theater productions including the initial run of Hamilton.
Garrison (pictured right) also was a Head Production Electrician working in Fashion lighting and has worked for almost every major brand in the industry along with countless theater productions including the initial run of Hamilton. He is pictured here with fellow team members.
One of Garrisons’ proudest accomplishments is founding a free community farm on his block in Brooklyn, growing free, nutrient dense, organic food for the community. He is passionate about helping farmers (both on his block and in Senegal) to sustainably improve the land while increasing production and the nutritional benefit of the food.
Garrison was recently featured as the New Yorker of the Week. Click on the image above to watch a short video.
In 2022 Garrison accepted the position of Executive Director when the current director, Lewis Kiker, moved up onto the Andando board. In his spare time you can usually find Garrison playing Petangue (similar to bocce ball) or snuggling his dog, Gabby.
Garrison presenting at the annual Auction Fundraiser in October 2022.
Garrison provides practical, hands-on, training and support to all of our Garden Technicians in Senegal.
Your support enables Garrison to help families in rural Senegal. Thank you for investing in their future.
We are excited and honored to introduce you to more of our team and share their hope for the future with you. Thank you for your support!