1. Why are you running for the board, and what skill sets do you bring to the table?

I am a current BFC board member who was appointed to the board in February 2016 to complete the term of a board member who stepped down for personal reasons. I also co-chair the Communications Committee and have done so for the past two years.

I have a passion for buying local and supporting local businesses, as well as for the Lehigh Valley as a whole since I am born and raised here. And as someone who moved to downtown Bethlehem last year, I am excited to be playing an important role in making our community grocery store a reality!

I am a self-employed marketing professional who supports the co-op as a volunteer by managing its three social media platforms, coordinating public/media relations when needed, and assisting with email marketing.

2. What do you believe is the value of cooperative enterprise in today's economy?

During my time on the board I’ve twice attended the national CCMA conference on grocery store cooperatives and also attended a quarterly PACA meeting. These meetings and events have taught me a great deal about cooperative enterprise and how we are stronger, as a community as well as economically, when we all work together to make something happen, and that we all play an important role in making it succeed. When we have direct democratic control of something as important as our food source, it improves the quality of life for all residents.

3. What aisle can we expect to see you shopping in when our co-op opens?

All of them! I am a foodie and I like to eat and to cook. So I can see myself shopping in all of the aisles for ingredients I need to make fresh, healthy food at home. I’m particularly fond of fresh fruits and veggies, so if I had to pick just one section I suppose it would be produce.