2024 IMPACT Conference' Cooperative Leaders & Scholars Share their Stories by Everything Co-opOleh Everything Co-op

October 10, 2024Following Vernon Oakes' induction into the Cooperative Hall of Fame on October 3rd, the Everything Co-op team paused to celebrate his achievements and honor his contributions. Team members Justin Franks, Rob McClinton, and Pat Thornton interviewed Vernon to reflect on his cooperative journey, and to congratulate him on his Hall of F…

September 19, 2024In this episode Everything Co-op continues to honor the 2024 Cooperative Hall of Fame inductees, featuring an interview with Clifford (Cliff) Rosenthal. Cliff and Vernon explore his extensive contributions to the cooperative movement throughout his career.Cliff Rosenthal’s impact on community development finance spans decades. As …

September 26, 2024This episode of Everything Co-op continues the tribute to the 2024 Cooperative Hall of Fame inductees. It features an interview with Tony Bedard, CEO of Frontier Co-op. Tony and Vernon discuss his significant contributions to the cooperative movement over the course of his career.Tony Bedard joined Frontier Co-op in 1991 and becam…

September 12, 2024Vernon conducts live interviews with Mavery Davis, Treasurer of the Board of Directors at the U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives, and Zen Trenholm, Director of Employee Ownership Cities and Policy at the Democracy At Work Institute, during the 2024 Co-op Worker Conference. They discuss the services offered by both organization…

September 5, 2024Everything Co-op continues its series continue honoring the 2024 Cooperative Hall of Fame inductees, featuring an interview with Christina Clamp, the retired director of the Center for Co-operatives and Community Economic Development. Christina and Vernon explore her extensive contributions to the cooperative movement throughout he…

August 29, 2024 Noel Raboy, the President and CEO, along with Donna Dizon, the VP for Administration & Corporate Planning at CLIMBS Life and General Insurance Cooperative, explore the structure and benefits of Cooperative Insurance.CLIMBS Life and General Insurance Cooperative is a leading cooperative insurance organization based in the Philippines…

August 22, 2024Everything Co-op kicks off its commemoration of the 2024 Cooperative Hall of Fame inductees. As we approach the Awards Ceremony on October 3rd, Vernon interviews Jessica Gordon-Nembhard, Ph.D., a professor at John Jay College and social justice advocate. Dr. Gordon Nembhard discusses Nannie Helen Burroughs, who will be posthumously i…

Everything Co-op Broadcasts Live from the Federation of Southern Cooperatives Land Assistance Fund's 57th Annual Meeting. Vernon interviews Ben Burkette, Tremelle Sherman, and founding members John Zippert, Carol Zippert and Otis Williams. The guests discuss the Annual meeting, history and evolution of the Federation, and the Federation of Southern…

August 8, 2024This episode features an interview with Shevanthi Daniel-Rabkin, Senior Program Director of DAWI, and Theodora Rodine, Executive Assistant and Project Coordinator for the U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives. They will discuss the upcoming 2024 Worker Co-op Conference (WCC24), set to take place in Chicago, IL from September 12-14. C…

August 1, 2024This week's episode features an interview with Monica Armster Rainge, Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Vernon and Monica explore key insights from her experience as an advocate and advisor at USDA.Monica Armster Rainge is a globally recognized agricultural lawyer, mediator, and farm advocate. She is one of …

July 24, 2024Vernon interviews April De Simone, founder of the Practice of Democracy (PoD). Vernon and April explore how her initiatives, particularly in affordable cooperative-mutualist housing, have expanded and influenced the broader objectives of PoD.April De Simone, the founder of the Practice of Democracy, and curator of Democracy is..., is a…

July 11, 2024Vernon conducts an interview with Dr. Cynthia Pinchback-Hines, a Racial Justice Educator and Co-op Developer at Co-op Cincy. They delve into significant insights from Cynthia's work with cooperatives during the facilitation of "Power in Numbers: Black Co-op U," and discuss the experiences of the most recent graduating cohort.Dr. Cynthi…

July 4, 2024Vernon interviews Julian Hill, an abolitionist and lawyer specializing in the solidarity economy. Vernon and Julian explore key insights from Julian's experience working with cooperatives, collectives, nonprofits, and small businesses.Julian Hill is an assistant professor at Georgia State University College of Law. Hill is a teacher, li…

July 4, 2024Vernon interviews amaha sellassie, the board president of Gem City Market. amaha discusses the development of Gem City Market and its contribution to addressing food insecurity and building community. amaha sellassie is a peace builder, social healer, freedom fighter, network weaver and lover of humanity. amaha is a practitioner scholar…

June 20, 2024Vernon Interviews Matthew Epperson, Employee Ownership Domain Expert for Zolidar. Zolidar is a startup app company that is building the “easy button” for small to medium enterprises to convert their business to employee-owned enterprises.In 2017 Matthew founded the Georgia Co-op Development Center, the only statewide technical assistan…

June 13, 2024On June 13, 2024, during the live Broadcast from the National Conference on Black Cooperative Agenda titled "Economic Wealth: Power of Black Cooperative Enterprises,” hosted by the Network for Developing Conscious Communities, Vernon Oakes interviews Mayor Melvin Carter, Christina Nicholson and Jessica James.The conference was a contin…

June 6, 2024Vernon is host an interview with Mary Alex Blanton, Senior VP at National Cooperative Bank (NCB). During the interview Mary Alex discusses the 2024 Co-op Innovation Award.National Cooperative Bank in partnership with Capital Impact Partners, has sponsored the Co-op Innovation Award to empower organizations to increase economic opportuni…

May 30, 2024Vernon interviews Simon Vansintjan, a programmer and organizer in Washington, DC. During the interview Simon discusses his most recent venture to develop a music platform co-op called Mirlo, and how this platform is supporting musicians.Simon Vansintjan is a programmer and mutual aid, solidarity economy, and dual power organizer in Wash…

May 23, 2024 Vernon interviews Jamila Medley, Collective Courage Moderator at the Partnership Action Fund. During the interview Jamila shares insights from their personal cooperative journey, and discusses the Collective Courage Fund. Jamila Medley leverages experience working within the economic and racial justice movements to support organization…

May 9, 2024Vernon interviews Taryn Tymus and Andrea Tucker, who hold the positions of President and Vice President at the Champlain Court Cooperative (CCC) in Washington, DC. During the discussion, Taryn and Andrea delve into the cooperative’s role within their community and share insights from their own personal cooperative journey.Taryn Tymus, a …

4-22-2024Ron Hantz, Executive Director of the Network for Developing Conscious Communities (NDCC), discusses the upcoming 4th Annual National Conference on Black Cooperative Agenda, "Economic Wealth: Power of Black Cooperative Enterprises,” which will be held June 13 -15, 2024, at 214 4th Street E, Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55101.Ron has been instrume…

April 25, 2025Vernon interviews Michelle Roth, Senior Director of Governmental Affairs for the League of Southeastern Credit Unions (LSCU). Vernon and Michelle discuss LSCU's Advocacy, and Alabama's most recent legislative session.In the role as Senior Director of Governmental Affairs Michelle Roth directs the League’s lobbying and advocacy efforts…

April 18, 2024Vernon interviews Stacey Sutton Ph.D., Associate Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago. Dr. Sutton and Vernon will discuss her research on Real Black Utopias, and the Chicago Community Wealth Building Ecosystem (CCWBE).Stacey Sutton is an Associate Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago in the Department of Urban Pl…

April 11, 2024Micha Josephy, Executive Director, Carolyn Edsell-Vetter, Program Director, and Johan Matthews, Ecosystem Strategy Manager of the Cooperative Fund of the Northeast (CFNE) discuss CFNE's initiatives and programs.As Executive Director, Micha Josephy is responsible for executive leadership, program development, capitalization, and operat…

April 4, 2024 Vernon interviews Malik Kenyatta Yakini, Director of the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network (DBCFSN), and Lanay Gilbert-Williams, Board President of the Detroit People’s Food Co-op. Vernon and his guests discuss the Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network and the Grand Opening of the Detroit Food Commons. Malik Ken…

March 28, 2024 In honor of the 2024 Women's History Month theme of “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion,” Everything Co-op concludes its commemoration with an interview with Jessica Gordon-Nembhard, Ph.D., Professor at John Jay College, and social justice advocate. Dr. Gordon Nembhard and Vernon recognize women cooperators who ar…

March 21, 2024In honor of the 2024 Women's History Month theme of “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion,” Vernon interviews Renée Sattiewhite, President and CEO of the African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC). Vernon and Renee discuss the role AACUC plays in creating bridges between community-based organizations and consume…

March 14, 2024In honor of the 2024 Women's History Month theme of “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion,” Vernon interviews Attorney Renee C. Hatcher. Vernon and Renee discuss how she has used the law to address issues related to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.Renee Hatcher is a solidarity economy lawyer. She is an Assistant Prof…

March 7, 2024 In honor of Women's History Month's 2024 theme of "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion," Everything Co-op in collaboration with Co-op Leaders pay Tribute to a dear friend, Elizabeth (Liz) Carolyn Allen Bailey, who recently made her transition January 25, 2024. Liz Bailey, a native of Chippewa Falls, WI, grew up in a…

February 29, 2024In honor of the 2024 Black History Month theme of African Americans and The Arts, Vernon interviews Lauren Ruffin, Director and Lead Strategist of the Art Program at Michigan Central. Vernon and Lauren will discuss her cooperative journey, and her feelings about how "African Americans and The Arts" impacts lives and history.Lauren …

February 22, 2024 In honor of the 2024 Black History Month theme of African Americans and the Arts, Vernon interviews Janet Bennett-Cox, Board member of Ebony Care Cooperative. Vernon and Janet discuss a program being sponsored by Ebony Care Cooperative, that brings elders and youth together to learn the art of Batik making, and how she feels this …

January 4, 2024As the Cooperative Hall of Fame approaches the celebration of its 50th Anniversary in 2024, we at Everything Co-op celebrate our very own host, Vernon Oakes, who will be amongst this year’s inductees. Team members Justin Franks, Rob McClinton and Pat Thornton, share their thoughts about Vernon Oakes, including those shared with the C…

1-4-2024Elizabeth Carolyn Allen Bailey pays tribute to Vernon Oakes, on the occasion of the announcement of his induction into the Cooperative Hall of Fame.For much of her professional career, Liz held leadership positions with the National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International, including Interim CEO, VP for Public Policy & Cooperati…

2-15-2024In honor of the 2024 Black History Month theme of African Americans and the Arts, Vernon interviews Ashley Walden, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Unlock Creative. Vernon and Ashley will discuss the purpose and objective of In honor of the 2024 Black History Month theme of African Americans and the Arts, Vernon interviews Ashley Wal…

February 8. 2024Allen Kwabena Frimpong, Co-founder and principal cultural designer with ZEAL,, discusses Cooperative Economic Alternatives that Enable Artists and Creatives to Thrive.Allen Kwabena Frimpong is a cooperative entrepreneur, cultural designer, and conceptual artist. In addition to being a co-founder of Zeal, he is a founder of several p…

February 1, 2024In honor of the 2024 Black History Month theme of African Americans and the Arts, Vernon interviews Kali Akuno, co-founder and Director and Cooperation Jackson. Vernon and Kali discuss new initiatives of Cooperation Jackson, and how the organization has used "the Arts" to inform and promote co-ops.Kali Akuno is an organizer, educato…

January 25, 2024 Vernon interviews Devin Fuhrman, Chief Agriculture and Sponsor Relations Officer at Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Vernon and Devin discuss the evolution of Nationwide, from its beginning as a part of the Farm Bureau through its partnerships and innovation techniques it relies on today, to maintain its commitment to be a "Cus…

January 18, 2024Doug O’Brien, President and CEO of the National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA) discusses his cooperative journey, and the 2024 initiatives for NCBA CLUSA.Doug O'Brien works with the cooperative community, both domestically and internationally, to deepen their impact and influence. NCBA CLUSA is the…

December 14, 2023Everything Co-op continues to feature finalist from its Inaugural 2023 Holiday List, a thoughtfully curated list of products and services from the cooperative community. In this 3rd installment, Vernon will introduces his listeners to two of his picks for the "Body" & "Community". Nate Chittenden, Member/Owner at Cabot Creamery Coo…

12.7.2023Christina Jennings, Christina Clamp. Michael Peck & Kevin O'Brien Share Products & Services for the Mind from Everything Co-op's 2023 Co-op Holiday List.Everything Co-op continues its Inaugural 2023 Holiday List, a thoughtfully curated list of products and services from the cooperative community. In this 2nd installment Vernon introduces l…

LaKeisha Wolf, Executive Director of Ujamaa Collective discusses how Ujamaa has used the collective cooperative business model to address Community problems, and create generational wealth. This interview features selections from Everything Co-op's 2023 Holiday List, a thoughtfully curated list of products and services from the cooperative communit…

November 16, 2023Everything Co-op continues its observance of National American Indian Heritage Month, with an interview of Josephine Foo, executive director of Indian Country Grassroots Support, and project attorney with the Diné Nihi Kéyah Project, and Raymond Deal traditional counselor with Diné Bá Álchíní Yił Ádaaní Navajo Family Voices. Vernon…

November 9, 2023Everything Co-op's kicks off its observance of National American Indian Heritage Month, with an interview of Eva Seidelman, associate at Chestnut Law Offices, and Kevin J. Fort, Executive Director and CFO of Regenerative Business Institute (RBI). Vernon and his guests will discuss the role Lawyers and accountants play in representin…

October 12, 2023Vernon interviews Angela Marie Sayles, CEO of Little Africa Food Collaborative. Angela. Vernon will discuss her efforts to address land and food rights, and the topic of Rethinking Market Studies for Black Led Cooperatives.Angela holds the position of CEO for the Little Africa Food Cooperative. She advocates for local food systems a…

Everything Co-op features four Cooperative Leaders and Scholars who are participating in the 2023 IMPACT Conference. Vernon will discuss the co-op sectors they are involved with, and they will share their cooperative journey. Adrián Román is a Co-op Organizer at BCCO parallel to his work as a mediator and mindfulness instructor. His work as a co-op…

September 28, 2023 Sheldon C. Petersen retired governor and CEO of the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC), discusses his co-op journey, and projections about the future of the cooperative movement. Sheldon Petersen served as Governor/CEO of CFC for 26 years from 1995 until his retirement in 2021. He began his career in t…

September 21, 2023 Everything Co-op continues it's tribute to the 2023 Cooperative Hall of Fame inductees, with an interview of Leslie Mead, retired Executive Director of the Cooperative Development Foundation. Leslie discusses her co-op journey, and projections about the future of the cooperative movement with Vernon. After growing up in Indiana a…

August 14, 2021 Everything Co-op continues its tribute in honor of the 2023 Cooperative Hall of Fame Inductees, with an interview of co-op housing advocate, Linda Leaks. Linda and Vernon discuss her cooperative journey, and projections for the future. Linda Leaks, affectionately known as the "Godmother of Housing Co-ops," is a Co-founder of the Ell…

September 7, 2023 Everything Co-op has dedicated the Month of September to interview the 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees. Induction into the Cooperative Hall of Fame is the highest honor that the U.S. cooperative community bestows on the extraordinary men and women who have made genuinely heroic contributions in support of the cooperative form of enter…