Annual General Elections
For printable versions of the ballot and supplemental information that may be downloaded, see the below links:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATES
Samantha Banchy
Personal statement and story about what connects you to the Co-Op and Tucson:
I am grateful to have been exposed to vegetable gardening through my grandmother when I was young. In her elder age, she visited a garden I helped grow with the Tucson Community Gardens. There they stood together under the 10ft tall sunflowers and corn, with the proudest smiles. I recalled her garden beds with squash, beans corn and chiles. This was my first year growing corn under A mountain. There was a monsoon flooding notice near the Santacruz river. I rushed to the garden and started to pack the bases of the Maiz beds with soil, to support and reinforce them. Thankfully, they didn’t get swept away by the heavy rain. The garden was our happy place. Home is where the heart is, and when we all learn to nurture our good habits, we find the magic in what nature offers. Let’s remember that Food is what brings us together.What motivates you to run for the Board?
I'd like to continue to provide the co-op and its board with support. I would like to run for another term seat on the Board of Directors, I have been on the development & election committee chair. The experience I’ve gained learning and navigating the co-op board of directors duties.What strengths, skills, or expertise would you bring to the Board?
With many years of site management activities responsible for ensuring efficiency, quality, I can help provide insights to improve compliance, quality of outcome and support collaboration to create solutions to resolve issues and prevent recurrences. Collaboration, just as food, farming and cuisine connect us all in a deeper way.What skills and experience do you have working cooperatively in a team environment?
"There is the Nahuatl word, In’ La’Kech; in Spanish it translates to mean, Tu eres mi otro yo; in English it means, you are my other me. Bringing knowledge with respect to all is a strength I can bring to the team and can collaborate with others. In’ La’Kech"Andrea Buttrick
Personal statement and story about what connects you to the Co-Op and Tucson:
Joining the Food Conspiracy Co-op was the first thing I did upon arriving in Tucson at twenty-six. Twenty-three years later I’m still here. Tucson, as it does for many, burrowed its way into my heart, and Food Conspiracy is a significant part of why. Like Tucson, the Co-Op intentionally cultivates community, makes visible our geography and culture, and gives small actions exponential power.
My first job was in a low-wage career. I refused to use my hard-earned dollar at businesses that profited off the labor of other people making a low wage. My dollar at Food Conspiracy is a vote for local and organic food, a healthy and sustainable work environment, and a commitment to our local economy. I have been a bike mechanic, a cabinet maker, an educator, and a two-time Food Conspiracy employee. Just like Tucson and this desert are my home, Food Conspiracy is my store.What motivates you to run for the Board?
There are clear chapters in my Tucson life. In the first, Tucson supported me: a young adult, exploring possibilities. Second, thriving as an educator, alongside young children. Third, discovering a second career in communications and fundraising. It’s time I offer, in turn, service as a potential Director to the FCC Board.What strengths, skills, or expertise would you bring to the Board?
In service to the Food Conspiracy’s Board, I offer skills and experience in community-building, project management, and thought construction. I bring my expertise in fundraising, including successfully facilitating FCC’s $1.5M capital campaign. I come with a commitment to nurturing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in Board work and the Co-Op community.What skills and experience do you have working cooperatively in a team environment?
From teaching to community-building to managing projects, my work and service has always been guided by collaboration. With a clear vision, and well-defined story, cooperative work allows us to fulfill our mission, and experience a sense of shared abundance such that results far exceed the resources at hand.Susan Miller-Cochran
Personal statement and story about what connects you to the Co-Op and Tucson:
As residents of the West University neighborhood, my family has found the Food Conspiracy Co-op to be an anchor for us and a connection to our community. We appreciate having access to healthy, organic foods that are affordable so close to home. We also value the presence the Co-Op has in the community.What motivates you to run for the Board?
I believe in the mission and values of the Food Conspiracy Co-op, and I want to see the organization continue to thrive and be a cornerstone of downtown Tucson.What strengths, skills, or expertise would you bring to the Board?
I am an experienced writer and speaker, and I have thirty years of experience working in non-profit organizations. I have also worked with fundraising and have significant work experience in food service (with ServSafe certification). I teach writing, and meditation and am a health coach.What skills and experience do you have working cooperatively in a team environment?
I have worked for six years at Dream Dinners, a locally-owned store that makes meal kits for customers. I have also led two different teams in administrative roles at the University of Arizona (the Writing Program and the Office of General Education)