Our Staff
Usha Gongal
Executive Director
Usha is a Bakery Bootcamp graduate who came to The Bread Project as a student in 2013, became a part time employee following graduation, and joined the team full time two years ago as Instructor, Production Manager, and more recently as Operations Manager. A native of Nepal, she is an internationally acclaimed entrepreneur, ‘green’ manufacturer, and
scholar dedicated to improving the lives of women through meaningful self-sufficient work. She is Founder and Proprietor of Young WoW Craft in Nepal, an organization that employs 35 women and produces, markets, and distributes natural, fiber-based cloth and clothes from Lokta Paper globally. Usha speaks six languages and has a wonderful combination of spirit, passion, and direct experience for helping the unemployed acquire new skills and jobs.
Alain Delangle
Chef Instructor
Born in France, Alain graduated from the world-renowned Ferrandi culinary school (E.S.C.F) and began his career as a sous-chef in a one-star Michelin restaurant in Paris before moving to San Francisco. In 1994, he opened Le Charm bistro, named a Top 100 restaurant by the San Francisco Chronicle and a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin guide. In 2009 Alain opened La Bedaine, a French traiteur in Berkeley, where he experimented with new techniques and recipes. He has over 40 years of experience in the kitchen, including 24 years as a chef-owner. At this point, he wants to give back to the community the support that he received from them over the years. Alain is grateful to be with The Bread Project and hopes to transmit his knowledge and make a difference in the lives of
others in the culinary field.
Lynn Luckow
Chief Development
& Strategy Officer
Lynn Luckow is a senior advisor, consultant, coach, and four-time CEO. He served as President & CEO of Craigslist Foundation, Northern California Grantmakers, and Jossey-Bass Publishers, and more recently LikeMinded, Inc. Over the past four decades he has acquired expertise in and practiced organization leadership, strategy, change, nonprofit governance, philanthropy, education, and youth and adult development. Lynn has served on or consulted to over 50 nonprofit boards, including chairing the national boards of Chanticleer, the Kinsey Institute, Project Open Hand, and National 4-H Council. Currently he serves on the board of Delta Upsilon International Fraternity and on the advisory boards of Project Open Hand, QuarterZero, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Camp, Smuin Contemporary Ballet, and World Arts West. He has also served in Interim Executive Director roles for Chanticleer, Sunflower Wellness, and The Bread Project in the Bay Area.
Rebecca Solomon
Employment Services Manager
Rebecca Solomon is a graduate of The Bread Project and is excited about the journey, opportunities, and impact of making good, artful, accessible food from scratch. She finds fulfillment in connecting people to resources, education, and partnerships that can elevate their growth and contribution in the world. Rebecca brings 10+ years of expertise as a leader and teacher in Youth Development, having taught more than 1,000 kids and 300 adults in recreation activities and leadership, and how to embrace challenges, take risks, and grow. She also has experience increasing
financial literacy and confidence as a licensed financial professional and business owner. Rebecca is passionate about supporting breakthroughs in multiple areas of one’s life and using play as a tool for strengthening community, building leadership capacity, and achieving results. She looks forward to assisting The Bread Project’s team and participants in achieving joyful success with positive long-term results.
Arion Chapman
Program Services Manager
Arion received his first round of culinary training in New Orleans where he was born, and where he developed a true love and skill for cooking authentic New Orleans cuisine. He continued to advance his culinary training at Treasure Island Job Corps in the areas of baking and fine dining. Arion also received an Associate Degree in Science and Business Administration at Colorado Technical University. Over time, he turned his focus to supporting and empowering underprivileged youth and especially those who had been adversely impacted by the social justice system. "I believe everyone deserves a second chance" is a saying that he believes in and lives by and why he supports those in need. Arion brings a wealth of compassion, excitement, lived experience, knowledge, understanding, and a love for cooking and baking to the Bread Project.
The Board of Directors
Jacqueline ‘Jackie’ Karkazis, MSW
Board Secretary
Community Volunteer
Keith Morris
Architect & Principal
Studio KDA
Our Leadership Council
Our History
The Bread Project was founded as a California nonprofit 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation in December 2000. Lucie Buchbinder and Susan Phillips, specialists in subsidized housing, created the organization to help low-income housing tenants obtain job skills training and become self-sufficient. After a successful beginning at the San Francisco Baking Institute in South San Francisco, The Bread Project transferred to the East Bay and partnered with Berkeley Adult School and Oakland Unified School District Adult and Career Education.
With growth came the opportunity for The Bread Project to operate its own training facility and wholesale bakery. In 2010, we moved to Emeryville. In 2015, we moved again to our current facility – zoned for both retail and wholesale operations –in Berkeley, California. Since 2000, we have served over 2,200 low-income individuals. Today 80-85% of graduates find jobs, and average time to employment is 30-60 days.
Contact Us
For questions or correspondence, please contact our Executive Director Usha Gongal at Usha@breadproject.org or 510-594-1702.