Meet the Grow Better Solutions Team
Welcome to the Grow Better Solutions team! With over 200 years of combined expertise across healthcare, nutrition, public health, wellness, longevity, education, housing, public relations, branding, cybersecurity, and insider risk management, our diverse backgrounds fuel our mission to uplift communities. We prioritize effective communication and collaboration, crafting innovative, tailored strategies that drive sustainable outcomes and empower clients to thrive in today’s complex market.
Laura Pensiero is a pioneer at the intersection of nutrition and culinary arts, with a current focus on longevity, healthy food education, and brand building. Her work blends clinical expertise with culinary creativity, empowering individuals and businesses to embrace nutrition as a powerful tool for health and well-being. Laura’s journey began as a registered dietitian at premier teaching hospitals, where she witnessed firsthand the limitations of traditional nutrition intervention, often arriving too late to make a meaningful impact. Driven by a desire to bridge this gap, she trained at The French Culinary Institute, merging her clinical expertise with culinary creativity to become a chef who not only nourishes but empowers through food. As the founding chef/nutritionist of Just Salad and owner of Gigi Hudson Valley, Laura has built influential food brands from the ground up, shaping a new standard of healthy, accessible eating. She has authored or contributed to over 20 cookbooks, sharing her philosophy of food as a vehicle for health and longevity. Laura’s career evolved as she embraced preventive nutrition, recognizing food as a vital tool for disease prevention and long-term health. Today, she is at the cutting edge of personalized nutrition, integrating technology and epigenetics to develop tailored wellness strategies that address individual health needs.
Mark Vaughn’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to innovation have made him a leader in the fresh foods industry for over three decades. From an early age, Mark was drawn to the world of fresh foods and agriculture. In 1988, he founded Vaughan Foods, transforming a small family business into a NASDAQ-listed company with a national reach. His “aha” moment came when he realized the profound impact that innovative food products and processes could have on people’s lives and the industry as a whole—a realization that fueled his drive to continually seek out new opportunities. Mark brings hands-on experience, having built a company from the ground up and led it to national prominence. A marketer at heart, he is always focused on finding the right fit for customers and developing creative solutions that truly meet their needs. His leadership style is grounded in collaboration, innovation, servant leadership, and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in the fresh foods space. Currently, Mark is passionate about addressing the challenges of concentrated food production and the vulnerabilities of legacy agricultural regions. He champions dynamic, optimized regional and local fresh food supply solutions to ensure long-term food security. Mark sees major opportunities in technology-driven logistics and production, the growing demand for healthy and convenient meal solutions, and the expansion of fresh, regionally produced foods across North America. Throughout his career, Mark has worked with regional and national restaurant chains, foodservice distributors, and retail brands across the US, Mexico, and Canada. He also serves as an advisor to the Robert S. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center at Oklahoma State University. Mark’s core values are integrity and service, and he believes that staying close to customers and building lasting, trust-based relationships are key to long-term success.
Toby Usnik is driven by a lifelong curiosity for the world and a passion for global collaboration. He has built a career at the intersection of purpose, innovation, and social impact.His cross-cultural experiences and strategic insight have enabled him to work with leading organizations such as American Express, The New York Times Company, Christie’s, and the British Consulate General New York. Toby is dedicated to catalyzing joy in the workplace, embracing the transformative potential of AI, and bridging divides in business and society. Guided by a deep sense of service and a commitment to uplifting others, he encourages clients to engage with emerging technologies and pursue noble, purpose-driven goals. Toby’s work is defined by his ability to connect people, ideas, and opportunities across borders, inspiring positive change at every level.
Myrna Haskell’s journey to leadership began with a passion for storytelling and a drive to effect positive change. From her early days of captivating classrooms with her writing to leading successful grassroots initiatives, Myrna has always believed in the power of words and collective action. As a published writer and editor whose features appeared in national and international publications, she brings both creativity and conviction to every project. In 2016 she founded Sanctuary, an online lifestyle magazine for women that supports the arts, philanthropy, wellness and community. Myrna’s commitment to honesty, hard work, and enthusiasm sets her apart as an advisor and collaborator. She is especially passionate about helping clients stand out authentically in today’s crowded digital landscape and addressing the pressing needs of an aging population. As a board member of the National Association of Women Artists, Myrna continues to champion the voices and values she holds dear, inspiring others to believe in themselves and make a meaningful impact.
BJ Carter’s career in preventive medicine and health education was sparked by an early opportunity to work alongside industry pioneers, launching the first national program to identify cardiovascular and cancer risk factors in children. Her collaborative spirit and belief that “the impossible is always possible” have guided her through partnerships with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the NIH, and MetLife. BJ’s expertise spans program development, grant review, and national health initiatives, including her current work on the Child Health Initiative, Healthy Children Healthy Futures. She is driven by a passion for innovation at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and education, and is dedicated to creating solutions through teamwork and vision. BJ inspires those around her to see every challenge as a catalyst for progress and positive change.
Jean-Luc Ahouangonou’s journey is a story of resilience and growth. Originally from Benin, West Africa, Jean-Luc arrived in the United States with limited English skills and began his career as a dishwasher. Through hard work and determination, he worked his way up through every role in the hospitality industry, ultimately becoming General Manager of a high-end restaurant in New York City. During this time, he earned both his undergraduate degree and an MBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management, solidifying his expertise in leadership and operations. Now, as General Manager at Gigi Trattoria, Jean-Luc brings a wealth of experience from his NYC journey, blending his global perspective with a commitment to genuine hospitality. He prioritizes active listening, emotional intelligence, and long-term relationships, believing that trust and connection are key to sustainable success. In addition to his role at Gigi, Jean-Luc seeks entrepreneurial and consulting opportunities in Africa, leveraging his diverse background to create value and foster growth. Fluent in English and French and experienced in international consulting, Jean-Luc exemplifies the power of perseverance and the importance of community-building in the U.S. and across Africa.
Virgil Capollari is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience in the national security space, specifically within human and technology risk management. Currently serving as the founder and president of Adaptive Risk Strategies LLC, he provides strategic consultancy to organizations in the private, academic, and nonprofit sectors. Virgil’s extensive background in cybersecurity and program management equips him with the skills to help people navigate compliance, privacy, and operational risks aligned with B Corporation standards. His commitment to community service and stakeholder engagement positions him as a key advisor in fostering sustainable practices and driving social impact across various industries.