Eugene Kwak is an architect, educator, and founder of Togather, a place-based initiative that connects land, food, and culture to advance a regenerative and just future. His work focuses on supporting beginning farmers through land access and housing, while also working closely with farmland owners to promote long-term land stewardship and collaborative agricultural partnerships. Through education, dialogue, and innovative land use models, he empowers landowners to become active participants in sustaining local food systems. He is also collaborating with chefs and culinary leaders to shift consumer behavior and strengthen local food systems.

With a foundation in architecture and a deep commitment to environmental justice, Eugene shapes the vision and programming of Togather, which is now home to a network of diverse farms. He is an associate professor at Farmingdale State College, SUNY, where he leads research and teaching in community-centered design, food systems, and sustainable development.

Togather has been recognized by The New York Times, Dwell, TEDx, Edible HV, HV Magazine, City-as-Lab, and Farmland for New Generation NY Story, and was awarded the Green Good Design Award. Eugene currently serves on the New York Advisory Council of the American Farmland Trust.

Claire Ko is an executive leader, speaker, and co-founder of Togather, where she combines her passion for people, food, and community to help build a more equitable and regenerative food system.

With more than 15 years of experience serving as a Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief People Officer, Claire has helped organizations ranging from high-growth startups to large consumer and food businesses navigate transformation, scale, and organizational growth. Throughout her career, she has advised founders, CEOs, and executive leadership teams on leadership, culture, talent strategy, organizational design, and employee engagement, believing that lasting success begins with investing in people.

That same philosophy inspired the creation of Togather. Recognizing that access to land and affordable housing are among the greatest barriers facing the next generation of farmers, Claire co-founded Togather to provide long-term, free access to farmland alongside affordable onsite housing. By removing these barriers, Togather enables emerging farmers to build sustainable businesses while strengthening local food systems and regenerative agriculture.

Claire is equally passionate about reconnecting chefs with the land. Through Togather, she has helped create opportunities for chefs to grow alongside farmers, cultivating ingredients, sharing knowledge, and building deeper relationships between agriculture and the culinary community. She believes that understanding where food comes from creates stronger businesses, healthier communities, and a greater appreciation for the people who grow it.

A recognized thought leader, Claire is a frequent keynote speaker and podcast guest, sharing insights on leadership, organizational culture, the future of work, and purpose-driven organizations. She was recognized as a 2026 Women of Influence in the Food Industry for her contributions to both business leadership and the broader food ecosystem.

Claire earned her Bachelor of Science in Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University. Whether working with executive teams or first-generation farmers, she is driven by the same mission: helping people thrive so communities can flourish.