President
Learn More"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."
Vice President
Learn More"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."
Treasurer
Learn More"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."
Secretary
Learn More"I have served on the Gem City Market Board of Directors since 2024.
I am originally from Puerto Rico, and I moved to Yellow Springs from Philadelphia. I graduated from Temple University with a bachelor's in global security specializing in human security. My journey in food justice began after I authored different papers on food insecurity - including one on food sovereignty movements in Puerto Rico post-hurricane Maria.
I was an AmeriCorps Vista who worked to increase food security in the Miami Valley region and I continue to support food justice through my work with the Hall Hunger Initiative.
I have also studied food and agricultural cooperatives in Cuba, and I'm a founding member of the BIPOC Food and Farm Network."
Board Member
Learn More"I have served on the Gem City Market Board of Directors since 2017.
I wanted to serve on the Board because it was an excellent opportunity to practice good leadership and governance, serve my community, and help steer the future of our cooperative.
My favorite co-op principle is Open Admission. I hope to continue to build a cooperative that will not only represent the multi-faceted perspectives of our members, but also our rich and diverse local farmers and vendors.
My favorite product from the market is all of the fresh produce and sweet treats from the bakery.
My favorite part of the Market is the fact that the store is locally owned and community focused. This is so important now more than ever... highlighting the importance of Gem City Market and other cooperatives in our flawed economic system."
Board Member
Learn More"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
Learn More"I have served on the Gem City Market Board of Directors since 2021.
I wanted to serve on the Board to have a larger role in important decisions concerning the GCM and how the market impacts the community.
My favorite co-op principle is Education as it encompasses all of the principles- Educating the community, member-owners, worker-owners about co-ops, equality in the workplace and in the community.
My favorite product from the market is Organic Girl Super Salad Greens.
My favorite part of the Market is the 'teaching kitchen'. I'm excited knowing that it is used to educate the community with nutrition classes and cooking lessons."
Board Member
Learn More"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
Learn More"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."
