Surendra joins us as the Community Food Access Coordinator, bringing a blend of creative, educational, and agricultural experience to the role. Trained as a photographer and visual artist, Surendra spent many years working in the arts before transitioning into urban agriculture. He previously taught photography to undergraduate students at OCAD University in Toronto and facilitated numerous youth workshops focused on creative expression. He is the co-founder of the Toronto Nepali Film Festival, where he helped engage youth across the Greater Toronto Area in organizing and leading the festival.
Drawing on his background in teaching, youth mentorship, and community-building, Surendra now leads our food growing program at Iceland Teaching Garden. He brings five years of experience operating a regenerative vegetable micro-farm in Campbellville, Ontario, with a focus on South Asian crops and culturally relevant food production that reflects the diversity of Peel Region.
Born and raised in an agrarian community in the eastern hills of Nepal, Surendra carries a deep connection to land-based knowledge and food growing traditions. He is grateful for the opportunity to steward land that has long been cared for by its original custodians.