Meet Angel!
I am the Executive Director of Red Tomato, and a Boston native who came up through warehouses long before I ever led a food systems organization. I joined Red Tomato in 2001, when it was still a scrappy start-up, bringing a background in logistics, operations, and a love for building things from the ground up. Over the years, I’ve grown alongside the organization, learning the food system from the loading dock to the big picture. I stay connected to the broader food system through board service with Farm Fresh Rhode Island, the Growing Justice Fund, and the Food System Leadership Advisory Board, and as a member of the Rhode Island Food Policy Council.
Why Red Tomato?
I joined Red Tomato because I saw potential in an organization rooted in purpose, even in its earliest days. While I didn’t come from an agricultural background, I quickly learned the complexities of food systems, farming economics, and fresh produce logistics. What started as a warehouse role grew into a long-term commitment as I began to understand how deeply food connects to justice, community, and regional economies. Red Tomato became more than a job, it became a calling.
Tell us about you!
I’m driven by work that’s grounded in purpose and people. Growing up in a low-income family shaped how I see the world and why I care so deeply about fairness, access, and opportunity. At Red Tomato, I’ve held nearly every operational role along the way—an experience I like to sum up by saying, “I got lost in the sauce.” Outside of work, I’m a hands-on dad of four who finds balance in gardening, spending time with family, and caring for my chickens. I stay connected to the broader food system through board service and community involvement across the region.
What’s your signature dish at home?
A slow-braised pollo guisado with plenty of sofrito, onions, peppers, and potatoes. It’s the kind of dish that fills the whole house with that deep, comforting aroma that says you’re home. I make it without rushing, letting the flavors build the way good partnerships do — slowly, intentionally, with care.