Especially now, in our current national and state political climate, I am deeply  concerned about democracy. I am firmly committed to local, democratic  organizations. As a member-owned, unionized, community member, the Co-Op  exemplifies democratic values, and I want to be a part of steering Bloomingfoods  successfully into the future. 

I've been a committed owner-member since 2010, regularly shopping and voting in  every election. I value Bloomingfoods' products, staff, and community focus. As a  graduate student, I volunteered regularly at Common Ground Co-op in Urbana, IL, giving me hands-on cooperative experience beyond my Bloomingfoods  membership.

I serve as the chair of a committee that is tasked with providing technical advice to  an international organization. I also chair a national education committee. In the  community, I am a regular volunteer at the animal shelter where I foster behaviorally  challenged dogs and serve as a foster mentor. 

As a former Air Force bomb squad member, I made critical decisions under pressure  in male-dominated settings, building grit and tenacity. Volunteering at  ultramarathon aid stations strengthened my leadership, crisis management, and  commitment to supporting others in challenging environments – qualities directly  relevant to board service and contributing to our cooperative community.

I've been a vegetarian for 26 years – a personal expression of care for animals and  the environment, though I don’t expect others to make the same choice. I also grow  vegetables in summer and choose organic when possible, reflecting both  environmental values and belief in the co-op’s democratic, community-rooted  model.

BCS should be a sustainable, community-rooted alternative to chain supermarkets – where all are welcome, local producers receive fair prices, and owner-members  help shape a cooperative future. It should also be a gathering space for our  community to learn about healthful, responsible food systems that care for people,  animals, and planet.

Large supermarkets remain a challenge. Strengthening trust by repaying owner member debt is a key opportunity. So is engaging residents in new nearby  apartments. Bloomingfoods’ walkability, welcoming atmosphere, and community  orientation offer a strong competitive edge and a chance to deepen its role as a  neighborhood hub for ethical food choices.

I’ve been a co-op member in Albuquerque, Urbana, or Bloomington since 2000.  Everywhere I visit, I seek out the local co-op as a place where I know I’ll find a  friendly face, good food, and strong community values. I would be honored to help  shape Bloomingfoods’ future through board service.