About Carla: I am an HR leader, currently working for Organically Grown Company. I have a deep passion for alternative ownership and businesses doing good in the world. I am a creative spirit and bring innovation and creativity to everything I do. I believe in leading with kindness, courage, and empathy. 

Why are you interested in serving on the People’s Food Co-op Board of Directors? What do you want to get out of it? : I believe in what the Co-op does and am a strong advocate. I am interested in expanding my knowledge of boards and gaining additional experience in areas outside of HR. 

What do you want to give to the Co-op? What skills and experience do you have that’s relevant to the board?: I will bring deep knowledge of people processes, company culture, strategy development, and leadership principles. I have relevant experience working with Boards and developing business strategy.

About Raymond: I have been a People's Coop member for 27 years, including four stints as a Hands-on-Owner. I have also been a member of four other food co-ops over the years. I am married to another member and have a grown daughter. Emily and I shop at People's several times a week--we live in the neighborhood--and buy approximately 95% of our groceries there. I am vegan, Emily is a lacto/ovo vegetarian. We try to pay close attention to a healthy, environmentally responsible lifestyle. I am a retired Registered Nurse. I have been helpful to family and friends with health problems, enabling them to avoid prolonged hospital stays, and I have served as a useful source of health information.I love reading, film, binge-watching, gardening, and the outdoors (especially birding). 

Why are you interested in serving on the People’s Food Co-op Board of Directors? What do you want to get out of it? : I would like to be of service to the members and help uphold the mission. I hope to arrive at a deeper understanding of People's, co-ops in general, and the organic grocery industry. 

What do you want to give to the Co-op? What skills and experience do you have that’s relevant to the board?: I want to offer continuity with the Co-op and the neighborhood/community. I am a respectful listener and have long experience with problem-solving in committees. I can put my head down and focus on the job at hand. I have 40 years experience in health care and a deep knowledge of the threats to and benefits of a healthy lifestyle, especially diet. I write clearly and concisely.

About Eleanor: Hi! I am a lifelong Portlander and food justice enthusiast. There is an aspect relating to food in many of my hobbies: cooking, trying new foods, traveling to explore new cuisines, collecting vegan cookbooks, and serving on the People's Board! 

Why are you interested in serving on the People’s Food Co-op Board of Directors? What do you want to get out of it? : I have served two terms on the Board of People's Food Co-op since 2019. I have made lifelong friendships, learned about Policy Governance, worked to improve Board-CM communication, and gained knowledge of direct communication/conflict resolution techniques. In a third term I would like to contribute to a strategic visioning process for People's next decade in business--grappling with our Ends, market realities, and our Member Owners' thoughts about People's future. 

What do you want to give to the Co-op? What skills and experience do you have that’s relevant to the board?: I would like to give the Co-op an element of [recent] institutional knowledge about the Board and its strength, challenges, and opportunities over the last six year. I have a persistent passion for food justice and access to healthful foods Portlanders can trust. I have an education in public health with an emphasis on health-related social needs. I have spent the last thirteen years in healthcare administration, witnessing firsthand how the healthcare and health insurance industries fail to support the daily habits of food, rest, and connection which nurture our inherent vital life energy. All of these experiences shape my Board work. 

About Fran: I am a retired journalist. I worked as an editor and reporter for The Oregonian for 32 years. I now write weekly on Substack, frangardner.substack.com. I live in Buckman with my husband, Robert Jaffe. I have had a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis since the mid-90s. I use a walker indoors and a power wheelchair outside. I ride the bus all over town, nearly every day, in that chair. Then I write about my adventures. 

Why are you interested in serving on the People’s Food Co-op Board of Directors? What do you want to get out of it? : I believe wholeheartedly in the values of co-ops, back to being a member of the Berkeley Co-op when I was a student there in the early 1970s. I come from Minnesota, a hotbed of dairy co-ops. I want to keep the concept fresh and fruitful. I am also deeply committed to sustainable agriculture. 

What do you want to give to the Co-op? What skills and experience do you have that’s relevant to the board?: Mostly, I write. But I’m also known for kicking at the underpinnings of corporate structure, as I did for four years on the board of Cedar Sinai Park. In those days I was a resident of Rose Schnitzer Manor assisted living, for which CSP was the nonprofit until it was sold to a private party in 2023. I moved home before the sale went through. I’m on the vestry (governing body) of St. David of Wales Episcopal Church and have held similar positions at other churches.

About Alexis: I’m an engineer by trade, a board member by passion, and an nature enthusiast by heart! I’ve spent the last eight years working as a quality engineer in the medical device industry, honing my problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and love of process improvement—skills I’ve enjoyed applying while serving on the People’s Food Co op Board for the last three years. 

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me gardening, cooking up new vegan recipes, or exploring the outdoors with my two energetic dogs, Bowsette and Hufflepuff. I love rock climbing, hiking, backpacking, and camping. I also take aerial circus classes (specifically lyra)! 

Why are you interested in serving on the People’s Food Co-op Board of Directors? What do you want to get out of it? : Serving on the People’s Food Co-op Board of Directors has been a deeply rewarding experience, and I am eager to continue contributing to this vibrant community in any way I can! During my term, I have gained valuable insight into policy governance, consensus decision-making, and the shared values that unite our members. Working alongside fellow directors in a collaborative environment has strengthened my appreciation for the cooperative model and our collective commitment to sustainability, equity, and mutual support. 

Together, we developed the co-op’s first iteration of self-monitoring to enhance accountability and growth and are currently undertaking a major update to our policy register to ensure our governance framework continues to reflect our evolving needs and values. As we embark on a new strategic planning process, I look forward to contributing to a shared vision that strengthens our community and helps guide the co-op toward a thriving, collaborative future! 

What do you want to give to the Co-op? What skills and experience do you have that’s relevant to the board?: I bring a structured approach to problem-solving, strong attention to detail, and process improvement skills from my background in engineering and quality assurance. These strengths have been valuable in my work with the Board, particularly in refining our self-monitoring process to make it more efficient and effective. I’m excited to continue building on this work to help ensure accountability while keeping the process streamlined and accessible. 

Beyond my professional skills, I am deeply committed to sustainability and minimizing waste. As a vegan and budding environmental advocate, I strive to live as close to zero waste as possible, researching ways to recycle, repurpose, and reduce my consumption. Recently, I’ve been working to get my backyard habitat certified, focusing on native plants that support local wildlife and conserve water. I look forward to bringing this same dedication to the co-op, helping strengthen its commitment to environmental responsibility and community support!

climatecafe.co
Climate Cafe offers monthly plant-based community meals paired with climate education focused on regenerative agriculture. Rooted in a gift economy, it promotes climate resilience and builds community around sustainable, low-carbon food practices.

equitablegivingcircle.org
Equitable Giving Circle funds culturally specific food delivery and support for BIPOC families in Portland. They aim to close racial health gaps with a focus on mutual aid and food sovereignty.

greenlents.org
Green Lents cultivates a thriving, resilient, and environmentally just community in Lents.” This grassroots group runs a tool and seed library, monthly plant swaps, and manages a community orchard in East Portland. They also work with schools to green their campuses and build air-purifying green walls near I-205.

oregonorganiccoalition.org
OOC supports Oregon’s organic farmers and industry through advocacy, education, and public policy. Despite a shoestring budget, they’ve helped secure major funding for OSU's organic extension services and protect organic farmland from GMO contamination.

portlandfruit.org
Portland Fruit Tree Project reduces food waste and food insecurity by harvesting surplus fruit from Portland trees and distributing it to those in need. They're facing significant funding cuts that threaten the sustainability of their food access programs.

wapatoislandfarm.com
An Indigenous-led nonprofit on Wapato Island (Sauvie Island), Wapato Table offers multigenerational ancestral skill-sharing programs. Funding would help grow their Ancestral Herbalism program, supporting community health and cultural restoration.

cscoregon.org

CSC provides food, showers, laundry, and hygiene services to low-income and houseless people in Portland and Clackamas. They’re a vital lifeline for many in our community.

cultivateinitiatives.org
Cultivate provides transitional housing, workforce development, and wraparound support for people experiencing houselessness. Their work helps residents build self-sufficiency and long-term stability.

pdxfp.org
Family Promise supports families experiencing housing instability with shelter, case management, and community-based support. Their work is critical in helping families transition into safe, stable housing.

pearmentor.org
PEAR empowers houseless and transitional youth through art, education, and mentorship. Their creative, youth-centered approach builds confidence and life skills.

sunnysideshowerproject.org
This volunteer-run nonprofit offers free hot showers and hygiene supplies to Portlanders experiencing houselessness.

rentersactionnetwork.org
This tenant-led organization fights for renters’ rights with a strong focus on queer and trans inclusion. They support communities facing housing insecurity with organizing, advocacy, and solidarity.

friendsofoutdoorschool.org
Friends of Outdoor School’s purpose is to connect, support, and advocate for all of Oregon’s diverse students to learn at inclusive and accessible Outdoor School programs that contribute to educational development, inspire youth, promote personal growth, and embrace justice.

Inherent Wellness is a new non-profit corporation whose mission is (a) to provide affordable holistic health and wellness services to individuals with financial need, and (b) to provide practical, hands-on training and continuing education to holistic health and wellness students and practitioners. We aim to increase access to natural medicine for patients as well as quality continuing education for natural medicine practitioners.

plannedparenthood.org
Provides essential reproductive healthcare and education, much of it to low-income patients on Medicaid. With federal threats to funding, support helps ensure continued access to care.

royalrosefoundation.org
A Black woman-led nonprofit focused on empowering BIPOC communities through youth leadership and harm reduction. Their Youth Ambassador Program trains young BIPOC leaders to address the fentanyl crisis through education, advocacy, and community empowerment.

marieequi.center
The Center’s mission is to “enrich the health of the trans, queer, intersex and gender diverse communities through trauma-informed care, culturally affirming services and social justice advocacy.” They are facing harmful funding cuts that threaten their services.

sirennation.org
Siren Nation uplifts women and marginalized gender artists through performances, festivals, and workshops. Their events support diverse artists across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.

traction-project.org
Founded by local artist Scout Tran, this program offers trans adults skills in motorcycle repair, personal safety, and community building. It empowers queer people with joy, confidence, and practical skills.

columbiariverkeeper.org
Protects the Columbia River and its communities from fossil fuel infrastructure and water privatization. Their advocacy keeps our ecosystems and drinking water safe for future generations.

mazamas.org
Mazamas promotes safe, inclusive access to climbing and outdoor recreation. They offer classes and events that build community and encourage stewardship of Oregon’s natural spaces.

kittydreams.org
House of Dreams is a no-kill shelter for cats in need of long-term care. They provide love, medical support, and a safe place for vulnerable animals. They are one of the only area shelters with facilities for Feline Leukemia positive cats.