Leadership
Our leadership is committed to bridging the gap
between nutrition and accessibility to ensure wellness for every neighbour.
“Food access should never come with shame. Every family deserves fresh food, dignity, and choice.”
George Espinal
Founder & President
Founder of Verde Vida, a community driven initiative dedicated to expanding access to fresh, culturally relevant food across Northern Manhattan and the Bronx. Through volunteer powered pop up markets and community partnerships, Verde Vida connects families to fresh produce while promoting dignity, choice, and culturally relevant nutrition.
A civic and nonprofit leader, George began his career in city government where he served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director, helping advance equity focused policies and working across agencies to support underserved communities. His experience in public service shaped his commitment to building community centered solutions that address the root causes of food insecurity.
Under George’s leadership, Verde Vida has grown into a trusted grassroots network that mobilizes volunteers, partners with schools and local organizations, and distributes thousands of pounds of fresh produce to families each month. His work is grounded in the belief that food access is not only a basic necessity but a powerful tool for strengthening communities.
George holds an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration with a concentration in Public Policy from CUNY John Jay College. He continues to work at the intersection of community leadership, policy, and food justice to build sustainable solutions that uplift families and neighborhoods.
Miladis Flores Martir
Vice President
Miladis Flores Martir is a strategic leader and a resident of the South Bronx committed to dismantling systemic inequities that affect the health and housing of New York City’s most underserved communities. She leverages over a decade of leadership across government, political operations, and the nonprofit sector to drive institutional change.
She previously served as Chief of Staff, managing the distribution of $3.5 million in capital and discretionary funds to community-led environmental and social justice projects. While working in the Soundview area, she helped organize tenants with Legal Aid Society to fight injustices caused by negligent landlords. As a result, tenants received monetary compensation from their landlord. Miladis currently serves as the Chief of Staff and Director of Operations at Woodside on the Move, where she manages the internal systems and strategic partnerships.
Miladis believes that true health equity goes beyond simply providing services—it requires community-led efforts to address historical neglect and build a sustainable, nourished future where everyone can thrive. In her spare time, she takes walks at Starlight Park, tends her houseplants, and reads classical books.
"Equity is the heartbeat of a healthy community."
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Make an impact today—your support helps bring fresh, healthy food directly to families who need it most.
