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Our Board

  • Amaha Sellassie

    President

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    "I have served on the Gem City Market Board of Directors since 2017.

    I wanted to serve on the board because I believed in the mission that change is possible. I also wanted to experience the power of community through cooperative development.

    My favorite co-op principle is Participatory Management. I love witnessing spaces grounded in dignity and love where everyone is encouraged to place their gifts and talents at the center of the circle for the collective benefit of the market.

    My favorite product from the market is Wiley's salsa, artisan salad, and GCM popcorn!

    My favorite part of the Market is the produce section, seeing diverse people in the market building relationships and reconnecting."

    President
  • Carrie Scarff

    Vice President

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    "I have served on the Gem City Market Board of Directors since 2018.

    I wanted to serve on the Board because I wanted to be in the midst of this effort, I'd never seen anything like it! Witnessing how the varied talents of the people of West Dayton came together to dream of and then make reality of this Market inspired me to contribute what talents I had.

    My favorite co-op principle is Participatory Management. I love it because the staff is so qualified to do it! They're talented, thoughtful, and dedicated to the mission of the Market.

    My favorite product from the market is the Field Roast smoked apple and sage plant-based sausage.

    My favorite part of the Market is its friendly atmosphere. Visit the Market is like hanging out with friends."

    Vice President
  • Lela Klein

    Treasurer

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    "I have served on the Gem City Market Board of Directors since 2017.

    I wanted to serve on the Board because I was excited to work on a collaborative project led by and for Black and working class Daytonians.

    My favorite co-op principle is Instrumental and subordinate capital. We all come to the table as one member, one vote, regardless of the size of our wallet.

    My favorite product from the market is Simply Savory by Rachel Seasonings.

    My favorite part of the Market is running into friends and neighbors at the store; I love chatting with the employees and learning about their roles and experiences; and I love how easy it is to shop in a neighborhood-scale store that has everything I need."

    Treasurer
  • Kiya Patrick

    Board Member

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    "I have served on the Gem City market Board of Directors since 2022.

    I wanted to serve on the Board because of the Co-Op's creative approach to addressing the need for quality food options in this geography. The Market also represents the power of community and the amazing work that can be accomplished when we all pull together.

    My favorite co-op principle is Sovereignty of Labor. I strongly believe it is important to provide competitive and livable wages for employees.

    My favorite product from the market is the fresh produce and the deli.

    My favorite part of the Market is the design, colors, location and overall spirit and feel. I also love the popcorn and teaching kitchen."

    Board Member
  • Sheena Johnson

    Board Member

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    "I have served on the Gem City Market Board of Directors since 2024.

    I am the first Outreach and Engagement Specialist for Five Rivers MetroParks.

    I wanted to serve on the Board because I believe Gem City Market can be a staple in the community. The market will continue to be a blueprint for other co-op in surrounding states. I believe that the market can expand to a community used space while combating food scarcity in our area.

    I also serve on the board for Sunlight Village, Inc. I strive to empower community members and youth to get involved with the city. I believe in attending events, supporting others, and being educated on projects that affect your home base.

    I love our deli and salad bar at the Market!"

    Board Member
  • Marilyn Hickland

    Board Member

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    "I have served on the Gem City Market Board of Directors since 2024!

    I'm a Political Campaign Lead for my union, the IUE-CWA and a very active community member.

    I'm an active community member and President of the A. Phillip Randolph Institute. We focus on registering voters and supporting those who feel left out of the legislative system. I help empower people to understand our collective strength and inform them about positive changes in our community.

    Dayton has experienced the consequences of what happens when workers and community members aren't at the decision making table. GCM serves as a model for how Dayton can grow and rebuild - by empowering workers and community members to become the owners and decision makers ourselves."

    Board Member
Our Board
  • Amaha Sellassie
  • Carrie Scarff
  • Lela Klein
  • Kiya Patrick
  • Sheena Johnson
  • Marilyn Hickland

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Dayton, OH

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