Up N Coming: Women of Cooperation in The Co-op Nation.

One of the most exciting food Co-op Conferences in the co-op ecosystem. A must do for any co-op start-up, food co-ops, and co-op developers alike.

Every time I decide to close a chapter of my co-op journey and I think my co-op work is done, new doors of opportunity continue to open. Doors that invite me into the arms of evolution. I say evolution because with each door that I walk through, I'm pushed to a new growth edge, along the way something transforms inside of me, and I'm changed forever, I like to think for the better. Sometimes it happens while kicking or screaming and other times its effortless and organic. But one way or another evolution comes, if you're open and willing to accept its invitation. If not, I have found myself stuck emotionally, mentally, and in the physical world.

My co-op journey continues now with a two year transition from retail food co-op to cooperative development and consulting. which most recently led me to the Up & Coming Food Co-op Conference. Before I knew it, I was on my way. I think I finally get that this co-op journey may never end and may be one that I'm destined to walk until it's time to leave the planet. So I now say Cooperation is having it's way with me.

It's tough, it's inspiring, it's challenging, it's rewarding, it can take you to celebratory heights and to your knees. But in the end you know your life has made a difference and in some way contributed to creating a better world as you trod along and "reach" for that better place, thing, ideal, principle, value, etc. Along with the kicks and punches, there are also hugs and lots of love and a rewarding sense of accomplishment and positive meaningful impact.

17 years ago, my life would change in ways I couldn't even imagine and take a trajectory that would yield growth and transformation in my life and the life of others by default. Funny how one decision in one moment in time can create a ripple for years to come. I've had a few that led me to my first love, music, my second love, media, and my third humanitarianism and empowering others.

17 years ago I made a decision and it wasn't to meet a particular person, or attend a particular school, or travel to a new place. These things are sure to change your life in many cases, in profound ways. But mine was less elegant or grand. The decision I made was to join my local food co-op. And boy was I in for quite the ride! For the first time in 17 years, I attended the Up & Coming Food Co-op Conference.

Heading #1: Your First Impressions

Up & Coming had an inspiring energy about it and you could feel the cooperative spirit in the air. The organizers were very supportive and it felt like a safe space. Everyone was all a buzz from the excitement and anticipation of activities to come. From talks and workshops, to NBFJA black-led day to tours, and other special gatherings, we all were there for one reason, our love of cooperation and the ideals and potential impact it yields year and year. I could also say century after century. It was an amazing experience and did not disappoint attendees. Black-led starts ups like Gem City and Detroit Peoples Food Co-op received honors for their work at both CCMA and Up & Coming and it would appear that we are all truly Up & Coming together.

The purpose of this new body of work (ICM/CNN, Women in Cooperation) is for me to return to my path of purpose and to simply do one thing; fulfill my purpose to share information in a creative way and tell stories that can help to move this movement forward, to tell stories to the people who are moving the co-op story collectively, and for us to learn, grown, and share this model with those who care to know. With that we have done our part to create more equitable ecosystems which by default create the positive social impact co-ops were design to have. I hope you'll join us along the way! Congratulations and continued success to you all/us. Onward...