Please introduce yourself to our Co-op community

I grew up in the Northeast and moved to Maine in 2024 after living out west for many years. I spent the past nine years working at a vertical hydroponic farm whose mission is to provide meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities by growing local food. I have cultivated expertise in farming (especially leafy greens and tomatoes), food safety, operations, and team management. My work in farming and inclusive workplaces has instilled a deep passion for local sustainable agriculture and an appreciation for the way food brings community together. I am impressed and inspired by the mission of the Portland Food Co-op, and am excited about the opportunity to be considered as a board member for the PFC. I love shopping at the Co-op and being a member-owner because I gets to live my values everyday.

What are you excited about contributing to the Board?

I am excited to contribute my passion for local sustainable food, my knowledge of farming and operations, and my belief in building inclusive communities. I believe in the co-op’s work deeply and would like to be a part of ensuring its continued success. I will approach this work with energy, dedication, and a willingness to learn.

Please introduce yourself to our Co-op community

I would like to serve on the Portland Food Co-op Board so that this vibrant and important community resource may continue to provide us with a positive alternative to the harmful economic, environmental and health effects of large corporations. I was a farmer for twelve years, working in many aspects of food production including dairy, meat, vegetables, and value-added food processing. I have also spent the last 10 years caring for adults with disabilities and thinking deeply about how our environmental practices and our nutrition affects the health of those I am caring for. Throughout these experiences I have been a member of Food Co-ops, and these grocery stores have been a crucial tool in my ability to live out my personal values. Now that I am able, it seems right that I serve on the Board of this place that has had such a positive impact on my life.

What are you excited about contributing to the Board?

I am excited to be another active advocate for local food and economic systems and to learn from the Co-op Members and Leadership. And I’m excited to contribute the skills gained in my experience advocating in the field of care-work and disabilities, intentional communities and farming, to this amazing effort.

If you meet someone who has never been to the Portland Food Co-op, what would you say to them?

The PFC is a welcoming community grocery store that has a vested interest in fulfilling your needs, not the needs of Big Food Corporations. It’s a place where we can keep our dollars in the local economy, support local farmers, and have a more positive effect on our environment and health.

What impact do you want to see the co-op have on the community?

I want the Co-op to be a welcoming, friendly and safe physical space on Congress Street, where shoppers and staff feel a sense of community upon walking in the doors. I want the Co-op to play a role in bringing food equity to the city. And I want to Co-op to be a resource for local farmers and food producers.

Please introduce yourself to our Co-op community

I am an artist, designer, teacher, knitter, chef, farmer, & babysitter. I am originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, and I grew up visiting family in Maine. I moved to Portland in 2022 and worked as a cook in fine-dining. Among other things, I am is passionate about fermentation, ecology, and the local food economy. I hold a degree in Studio Arts from Bard College and a Master in Applied Gastronomy from the University of Gastronomic Sciences. I am the Communications Coordinator at Watershed Ceramics and I also work at Onggi on Washington Ave, where you can find me in the shop talking about sourdough and miso and sauerkraut. I see a position on the co-op board as an opportunity to learn about and connect with local producers, engage in cooperative economy, and work to bring the co-op's offerings to a wide audience.

What are you excited about contributing to the Board?

I am excited to bring a varied perspective to the board, informed by knowledge and passion about food and food systems. My academic background is in art and ecology and I have work experience on farms and in kitchens. Beyond this, I strive for clear and thoughtful communication, whether in writing or conversation.

If you meet someone who has never been to the Portland Food Co-op, what would you say to them?

I would tell them that by shopping at the co-op, they are supporting the local food economy and investing in local, community-based infrastructure. The co-op is a key mediator between the people of Portland and the nearby farmers. Without the co-op, accessing local produce year-round would be incredibly difficult.

What impact do you want to see the co-op have on the community?

I want the to see the co-op be a place for all community members to have access to fresh and local produce at an affordable price. I would like customers to feel welcome, able, and empowered to shop at the co-op, and understand the impact that their choice to shop at the co-op is important and has an impact within the immediate food system.

Please introduce yourself to our Co-op community

I’m a passionate community advocate who believes in the power of collaboration, sustainability, and shared success. Supporting local economies is part of my daily life—I’m a regular at the Co-op, where I fuel my passion for fresh, locally sourced ingredients and ethical consumption. I also give back through volunteering with youth sports programs that help create lasting impact. Professionally, I bring over two decades of experience as a business executive, specializing in retail development, sales and distribution, sales operations, marketing, branding, and go-to-market strategies. My strengths lie in business planning, financial analysis, and taking a budget-conscious, people-first approach to every project. I’m more than a strategist—I’m a hands-on problem solver who thrives in resourceful, values-driven environments. I believe that creativity, teamwork, and shared purpose can overcome any challenge. Most recently, I served as Chair of the Research and Statistics Sub-Committee at PeopleForBikes, where I contributed to shaping data-driven strategies to support small businesses. Now, I’m excited to explore new ways to contribute, using my expertise to promote sustainable growth, cooperative values, and economic resilience in the community. I’m committed to building a more connected, vibrant, and thriving community, and I’m always eager to collaborate with others who share these goals.

If you meet someone who has never been to the Portland Food Co-op, what would you say to them?

The Portland Food Co-op is more than a grocery store—it’s a community-owned hub for local, sustainable, and ethically sourced food. It supports Maine farmers, offers a fantastic selection, and keeps your dollars in the local economy. It’s a great way to eat well and do good.

What impact do you want to see the co-op have on the community?

I want the Co-op to grow as a catalyst for a healthier, more connected, and sustainable community. By expanding partnerships with diverse local producers and increasing access to ethically sourced food, we can deepen our impact. I believe the Co-op can be more than a store—a welcoming space for learning, connection, and shared values that promotes resilience, inclusivity, and long-term community well-being.

What are you excited about contributing to the Board?

I bring 20+ years in business strategy, retail, and community engagement to help guide the Co-op’s growth while staying true to its values. As a frequent shopper and local economy advocate, I’m passionate about sustainability, ethical food systems, and member experience. I thrive in collaborative, values-driven spaces and look forward to supporting the Co-op’s continued success, deepening community ties, and expanding its impact.