DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS

Hi everyone! I’m so excited to be part of the Loop community! My background is in program and data management, where I’ve spent over 15 years helping organizations strengthen partnerships, improve systems, and expand opportunities for others. What drew me to Loop Works is its heart — creating real pathways for families to find stability, purpose, and growth.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

As the Operations Manager, I oversee internal systems and onboarding processes that ensure our programs run smoothly across multiple states. With experience in nonprofit administration, I’m dedicated to improving organizational efficiency and collaboration by building accessible opportunities that strengthen families and communities.

TECH LEAD

I’m Sid, a recent Computer Engineering graduate from Binghamton University. I’ve loved computers for as long as I can remember, and I’m focused on turning that passion into real solutions that improve everyday life.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

I’m a Creative Director and Storytelling Strategist who blends editorial vision, brand strategy, and culture-forward creativity to build narratives that resonate and drive impact. With a decade of experience shaping content across beauty, entertainment, fashion, wellness, non-profit, and pharma, I specialize in transforming insights into cohesive campaigns that elevate identity, community, and purpose. I create work that feels human, culturally intentional, and designed for meaningful connection.

UI/UX LEAD DESIGNER

Daelan is a UX/UI Designer with a background in hospitality management. In the service industry, he learned how to anticipate needs and serve with empathy to curate personable, unique experiences and continues that work in a digital space creating thoughtful, human-centered interactions. Born and raised in Oakland, Daelan has worked with youth programs and is excited to work with Loop Roots Foundation to use UX design as a way to help support underserved communities to give voice to stories of those that often go unheard. 

UI/UX PRODUCT DESIGNER

Shrutika Varshney is a product designer who swapped runway sketches for design systems and hasn’t looked back since. With 4+ years shaping intuitive experiences across fin-tech, fashion, and AI, she blends sharp UX thinking with a love for storytelling, structure, while sipping chai. She's here to make pixels purposeful.

IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Hi, I’m Naga Dileep Garigapati, an IT Support Specialist focused on ensuring reliable, secure, and efficient technology operations. I provide technical support for hardware, software, and cloud-based systems, troubleshooting issues to minimize downtime and enhance productivity. With a strong foundation in systems, networks, and applications, I assist users with installations, configurations, and performance optimization. I’m committed to delivering responsive support, maintaining system stability, and helping teams leverage technology effectively to achieve organizational goals.

FRONT END DEVELOPER

Hey! My name is Lajoie (pronounced luh-jwah), I’m a Software Developer here at Loop Roots. I’m so excited and grateful for this opportunity to create digital tools to help connect and support families to their loved ones. As a lifelong activist and woman of color, working for Loop Roots means a great deal to me. I’m excited to help create real, positive change by building tools that empower communities impacted by the prison industrial complex.

UI/UX DEVELOPER

As a junior software developer, Tamara focuses on building purposeful solutions and learning something new every day. She is driven by the belief that technology should be a tool for equity and positive change. An activist and proud social justice warrior, she brings that same passion for advocacy into her technical work. When she isn't coding, she is likely deep-diving into podcasts - she is a fan of everything from investigative journalism to complex true-crime cases, always drawn to a good challenge and a powerful story. Tamara is thrilled to bring her energy to the team and is happy to be part of the loop!

HARDWARE INTEGRATION ENGINEER

Sunshin Jo recently graduated in Computer Engineering and has a strong background in AI, software development, and embedded systems. He has developed innovative solutions that bridge technology and real-world impact, including projects in wildfire detection and computer vision.

STAFF ENGINEER

I’m a Full-Stack Developer with a strong foundation in front-end and back-stack web development, recently served as a teaching assistant at an intensive coding bootcamp. My focus is on building responsive, accessible, and user-friendly applications using JavaScript, React, HTML, CSS, and Node.js, along with version control tools like Git and GitHub. Currently pursuing training in Networking, Cloud, and AI/ML.

With a professional background spanning survivor leadership, education, the arts, and customer experience, I bring a collaborative, empathetic, and solutions-oriented mindset to my work in tech. I thrive in environments where I can solve real-world problems, learn continuously, and contribute to meaningful projects.

In my free time, I enjoy gardening, creating art, and supporting community initiatives around harm reduction, LGBTQ+ advocacy, disability justice, and food justice. These experiences shape my commitment to equity, inclusion, and social impact in technology.

BACK END DEVELOPER & SQUARE SPACE SPECIALIST

I am a junior software developer eager to learn and grow in the tech field. I have a passion for helping others succeed and strive to better myself every day. I enjoy building new coding projects to explore and strengthen my skills, and I bring an open-minded, motivational, and team-oriented approach to everything I do. Outside of coding, I enjoy creative crafts, which inspire my problem-solving and creativity.

IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Hi, I’m a backend and full-stack developer with a passion for building reliable software and solving real-world problems. I recently earned my master’s degree in Information Technology from Arizona State University and currently work as a full-stack developer at LoopRoots. Outside of technology, I enjoy playing cricket and badminton, and I love cooking and experimenting with new recipes.

UI/UX DESIGNER

As the UI/UX Designer at LoopRoots Foundation, Habeebah designs and manages the foundation’s digital experiences across web platforms, internal systems, and community-facing tools. With a background in process organization and systems thinking, she creates intuitive, user-centered designs that make information accessible and workflows seamless. She focuses on building scalable, thoughtful interfaces that keep programs running efficiently while ensuring teams and community members can easily engage with the foundation’s resources. Passionate about design as a tool for empowerment, Habeebah believes that strong, human-centered digital experiences play a key role in supporting LoopRoots’ mission to bridge gaps, strengthen families, and connect communities to the resources they deserve.

JR TECHNICAL LEAD

I'm a software engineer passionate about building thoughtful technology that solves real-world problems. I recently completed my Master’s in Computer Science from Columbia University and previously worked at Microsoft developing enterprise solutions. I love Maths and Computer Science and enjoy turning complex ideas into practical and reliable technology that supports communities and organizations and drive meaningful impact.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Gregory is a graphic designer and creative storyteller with a passion for turning bold ideas into meaningful visual experiences. With a BFA in Graphic Design and an AS in Media Arts and Design from the garden state of New Jersey. Gregory specializes in brand identity, social media content, and concept driven campaigns that resonate. 

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER /CONTENT CREATOR

Jessica Royce is a digital content professional for mission-driven organizations. She has led awareness and advocacy efforts for racial justice, climate change, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, religious freedom, and refugee populations in Syria and the surrounding region. She has a particular passion for advancing reproductive rights and challenging systemic injustices such as mass incarceration, police brutality, and discriminatory practices.

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER /CONTENT CREATOR

Agugu Rita Bethrand is a social Media Manager/Content Creator who develops engaging digital content to connect brands with their audiences and drive online growth.

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR

Gabriela is an Art Director and a Master's student at the University of Florida with experience in marketing and advertising design, creative concepting, visual storytelling, and creative strategy. At LoopTroop she supports the Creative Director in developing and maintaining visual brand identity, contributes to storyboarding, photography direction, and campaign roll-outs, and translates strategic goals into visual concepts that inspire engagement and action. With a background in Philosophy and Art Direction, Gabriela uses her experience to create visually compelling assets with strong strategy to communicate LoopRoots' mission.

PROJECT MANAGER (TRANSPORTATION)

I’m Shweta, people-first and process-driven. I streamline onboarding, schedules, and communication so programs run on time and feel welcoming for everyone. I value dignity, boundaries, and clear follow-through. At LoopRoots, I’m excited to support day-to-day operations and outreach that strengthen families, bridge gaps, and make it easier for community members to access the resources they deserve.

OUTREACH SPECIALIST

As an outreach specialist, Maya has a background in community building and computer science. She is responsible for innovative outreach, events, and collaboration with other organizations that supports LoopRoots’ community, programs, and mission. She hopes through LoopRoots to help play a part in building community as well as make a positive difference in the lives of as many people as possible who are impacted by incarceration.

LGBTQ + COMMUNITY NAVIGATOR

I am a licensed Medicare broker and homecare consultant who works actively within the community to support and advocate for the elderly population. In addition, I serve as President of the Lambda New Jersey Chapter of Rho Zeta Phi, Incorporated, a non-collegiate, all-inclusive organization dedicated to making a positive impact in the community. Our founding principles are rooted in service, leadership, and meaningful community engagement.

VIOLENCE PREVENTION PROGRAM MANAGER

I’ve worked in post-secondary education and professional training delivery for over 20 years. My expertise includes curriculum management, course development, and online asynchronous instruction/e-learning. My content areas include criminal justice reform, behavioral health initiatives, juvenile justice, and Constitutional law. I’m a passionate advocate for due process protections and self-empowerment through education.

OUTREACH RESEARCH SPECIIALIST

Lindsay Baker is a social science researcher whose work centers on improving outcomes for people navigating the criminal justice system. Her interest in reentry began during her undergraduate studies in criminology and sociology, where she explored restorative justice and worked directly with individuals transitioning from incarceration. She has since built a career conducting national research on treatment courts, focusing on disparities, system-level barriers, and the supports that make reentry more successful. Lindsay is committed to using evidence-based insights to strengthen programs that help individuals and their families rebuild stability and connection after incarceration.

RE-ENTRY SUPPORT CO-ORDINATOR

I am a curious, hands-on problem solver who enjoys learning new things and figuring out practical solutions to every day challenges. Being an ex-felon myself, I understand how challenging it can be to get the support you need while offering support to your loved ones. With the helping hands I was blessed with, I was able to come home and successfully re-enter society with barely a hiccup! I hope that I can assist you, your family, and ultimately LoopRoots in anyway that I can so that we all can be successful in life. Together, we will understand how things work and keep moving forward - always looking for better ways to build, improve, and experience life.

RE-ENTRY SUPPORT CO-ORDINATOR

I'm a Criminal Justice major in my junior year at Pennsylvania State University. My studies and academic experiences have fostered a passion for supporting people and families navigating reentry and major life transitions, while peaking my interest in how community support and restorative conversations can help people rebuild stability, connection, and confidence. I'm so excited to do so through the LoopRoots Foundation!!

GRANT WRITER & RESEARCHER

Jiwon Jung is a Grant Writer and Research Analyst at LoopRoots Foundation, where she supports fundraising and program development to expand transportation, housing, and reentry support for families impacted by incarceration. With a background in ESG finance, she focuses on building data-driven strategies that transform community needs into sustainable funding. Jiwon is passionate about creating pathways that reconnect families and strengthen communities.

PRICING STRATEGY & REVENUE OPTIMIZATION ADVISOR

I'm Sahana Kuchangi, a recent graduate with a master's in business analytics.  I’m a data and business intelligence professional who loves turning numbers into stories that help companies make better decisions. I enjoy building tools and dashboards that make work easier, smarter, and more efficient.

F&PA Analyst

I am Sakshi from India, and I recently completed my Master’s in Accounting at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I am interested in roles that combine accounting, finance, and data analysis, where I can work with financial information to support decision-making and ensure accuracy and compliance. I enjoy learning new systems, analyzing data to identify trends, and collaborating with teams to solve problems and improve processes.

GRANT WRITER

I’m an award-winning content marketer with over 14 years of experience. In my career, I’ve helped get a president elected, been named a Top B2B Marketer by Chief Marketer, and created one of the most popular audio vampire stories of all time.