LAMPa is delighted to welcome Daniella Garber as the Hunger Advocacy Fellow for 2025-2026! The Hunger Advocacy Fellow program is made possible by the generous donations and mission support to ELCA World Hunger. Hunger Advocacy Fellows are placed at state public policy offices (SPPOs) throughout the country and the ELCA Washington Office for a year-long transformative experience that combines leadership development and faith formation with advocacy that moves us toward an end to hunger and a just world where all are fed.    

Garber earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a minor in religion from Bryn Mawr College in May 2025, where she also served as an Interfaith Living Community Fellow at the college’s Intercultural Living & Learning Center. At Bryn Mawr, Garber was active in advocacy groups, religious life, and interfaith programming, experiences she is excited to bring to her fellowship role. 

The Rev. Mike Bennethum, chair of LAMPa’s Policy Council, said, “I was impressed by Daniella’s experience working with a coalition of people from various faith backgrounds to address food insecurity, and her sense of call to continue in that work.” Reflecting on the gift of the program in bringing people from diverse perspectives, he continued, “Daniella does not come from a Lutheran background. She applied for the position because she is passionate about working for justice – and having read the ELCA’s social statements, she realized how closely her faith aligns with the teachings of this church.” 

Garber has a background in hunger relief and data analysis, including policy research and analytics internships with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank (2023) and Feeding Pennsylvania (2024). Her work in the anti-hunger space focused on data storytelling, dashboard creation, and report writing. She is also passionate about LGBTQ+ inclusion and clean energy and has completed data-focused internships with Constellation Energy and Ahold Delhaize USA. 

“I am always amazed by the gifts our fellows bring to LAMPa’s ministry!” said LAMPa Director, Tracey DePasquale. “I look forward to learning from Daniella and seeing the ways in which her expertise and her curiosity help shape the church’s public witness in Pennsylvania. She is eager to visit our ministries across the Commonwealth, and we are eager to introduce her to the communities and advocates whose discipleship inspires our work.” 

A Pennsylvania native, Garber grew up in Altoona and has since lived in the Harrisburg, Carlisle, and Philadelphia areas. Having experienced life in different regions of the Commonwealth, she brings a broad understanding of the diverse needs and strengths of Pennsylvania’s communities. She now lives in Camp Hill and enjoys spending time with her four siblings, volunteering, and hiking local trails.