Rucha Gadre

Strategic, equity-centered leader with 15+ years of experience driving systemic change across the nonprofit and public sectors. I specialize in designing and leading initiatives that center community voice, foster cross-sector collaboration, and build pathways to long-term, justice-oriented impact.

Currently serving as Director of Food Security at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, I manage a $300M portfolio advancing equitable food access through innovative, community-rooted public-private partnerships. My work brings together government agencies, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits to reimagine food systems that deliver not just nourishment—but health, wealth, and dignity in historically marginalized communities.

Previously, I led Strengthen NYC at United Way of New York City, a capacity-building initiative supporting over 200 BIPOC-led nonprofits through technical assistance, peer learning, and leadership development. I’ve also designed civic engagement campaigns, deployed emergency response programs, and facilitated collaborative strategies that shift power and resources to where they’re most needed.

My leadership style is adaptive and facilitative. I lead with curiosity, embrace experimentation, and consistently hold equity as both a guiding principle and a measurable outcome. I’m drawn to organizations that are reimagining systems through shared power, collective care, and bold, liberatory practice.

Director of Food Security

New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)
2021 – Present

Lead a $300M statewide portfolio advancing equitable food access through innovative, community-driven public-private partnerships.

Designed and implemented the FEED NJ Pilot Program and other grant/tax credit initiatives to transform food systems in designated Food Desert Communities.

Collaborate with cross-sector partners—government agencies, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits—to align investments with long-term systems change.

Champion community voice and lived expertise in program strategy; integrate data and storytelling to inform policy and decision-making.

Serve on state-level advisory committees to shape food security policy and equity-focused investment frameworks.

Senior Program Director, Strengthen NYC

United Way of New York City
2017 – 2021

Led a capacity-building initiative supporting over 200 BIPOC-led nonprofit organizations with technical assistance, peer learning, and leadership development.

Developed and managed a citywide nonprofit resilience strategy in response to COVID-19, including emergency grantmaking and virtual convenings.

Built collaborative infrastructure for cross-sector engagement between local government, philanthropy, and community-based organizations.

Elevated racial equity and community ownership as core principles in all programming and partnerships.

Master of Science, Food and Nutrition