- Hometown: Lombard
- Owner #: 6
- Term: Elected 2017. 2nd term ends June 2023
Why are you interested in serving on the Prairie Food Board of Directors?
I am passionate about the well-being of our community and the environment. I see the Prairie Food Co-op as a vehicle for better and sustainable food as well as a community builder. I believe serving on the board of the PFC would allow me to be a part of that positive and progressive movement.
Employment: Please tell us about your Past or Present Employment
I am the Marketing Director for three boutique travel companies, Taste Vacations, Zephyr Adventures, and Montana Travel Company, as well as an adventure travel guide. Previously, I worked at several marketing agencies with experience in a variety of industries including beer, wine, and food tourism, hospitality, event planning and management, pharmaceutical, and financial industries.
Volunteer: Membership/Affiliations past and present
I am a current volunteer for the Humanitarian Service Project and the Morton Arboretum Heritage Trail Crew. In the recent past, I volunteered for the Yes, Helen! Library Referendum Committee and the Chicago Anti-Cruelty Society.
Volunteer: Leadership positions held past and present
I have been on the Prairie Food Co-op Board of Directors since 2017.
Volunteer: Honors/Awards Received
The Helen Plum Library referendum passed!
Which of the following areas do you have expertise?
Management, Marketing/Public Relations, Event Planning
Please provide details on any marked expertise below
Throughout my career, I have managed several teams of varying skill sets, ages, and personalities. I have over ten years of experience in Marketing and Event Planning. My experience includes: my current position as the Marketing Director for three boutique travel companies, my years at various non-digital and digital marketing agencies, and my time as a wedding and events coordinator.
What experience, education, and skills do you have that you feel will contribute to your effectiveness as a Prairie Food Director?
I am a passionate yet organized person that enjoys collaborating with others to achieve common goals. I believe my marketing, event planning, and management skills can assist the Prairie Food Co-op in reaching its ownership goal, open a physical location within our community, and beyond.
What are your personal goals for Prairie Food Co-op?
I would like to see the Prairie Food Co-op not only as a source for locally-grown, sustainable food but as a community center that offers a fun and educational environment
What experiences have you had with food co-ops in the past?
I have visited many incredible food co-ops during my travels and am excited to bring one into our own community.
What do you hope to achieve from your board experience?
I hope my involvement with the Prairie Food Co-op Board would help to achieve a functioning and successful co-op that continues to build a strong and healthy community. I am not looking to receive individual accolades by serving on the board but I personally believe in what co-ops stand for, want to shop at a local co-op, and care about my community thriving. My sincere hope is that by helping the co-op achieve its primary objective I'll directly accomplish those individual goals.