Everything Co-op With Vernon Oakes

March 27, 2025 Everything Co-op continues its Women’s History Month series centering on the theme “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” set by the National Women’s History Alliance. This episode features Renee Hatcher, Professor and Director of the Community Enterprise & Solidarity Economy Clinic at UIC Law. Vernon and Renee discuss the vital role of solidarity economy and cooperatives at this moment in history. Renee Hatcher is a human rights and cooperative lawyer and solidarity economy organizer. She is currently a Visiting Associate Professor of Clinical Law at GW Law School in DC. She serves as the Director of the Community Enterprise & Solidarity Economy Clinic at UIC Law in Chicago, a pro bono legal clinic that provides free legal support to community-based businesses, non-profits, cooperatives, and other solidarity economy enterprises. Recently, Renee served as the Co-Director of Chicago Community Wealth Building Ecosystem at CUPPA’s Center on Urban Economic Development

March 20, 2025 Everything Co-op continues its Women’s History Month series, that follows the theme “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations” set by the National Women’s History Alliance. This episode features E. Kim Coontz, Executive Director for the California Center for Cooperative (CCCD). Vernon and Kim discuss how her work continues to educate and inspire future generations. E. Kim Coontz is the Executive Director of the California Center for Cooperative Development (CCCD), a nonprofit dedicated to fostering and supporting cooperatives. With over 30 years of experience, she began her cooperative work at UC Davis’ Center for Cooperatives before co-founding CCCD when the program closed. Kim has helped launch cooperatives, led governance seminars, provided technical assistance, and conducted research to strengthen the cooperative movement. She has authored over a dozen publications including Bringing Families Together: A Guide to Parent Cooperatives, Steps to Starting a Worker Co-op

March 13. 2025 - Everything Co-op continues its Women’s History Month series with the theme “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” set by the National Women’s History Alliance. This episode features cooperative advocates Stacey Sutton Ph.D., Associate Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago, and Assata Richards, founding director of the Sankofa Research Institute. Stacey and Assata discuss the necessary components for building a solidarity economy and share their research findings related to social/economic justice Stacey Sutton Ph.D. is an Associate Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago in the Department of Urban Planning and Policy. She co-directs the Solidarity Economy Research, Policy & Law Project, which serves as the hub for the City of Chicago’s Community Wealth Building Ecosystem. This initiative aims to promote local, democratic, and shared ownership of community assets to create more sustainable and just economies. Her research focuses on solidarity ec

February 27, 2025 - This episode marks the conclusion of Everything Co-op's Black History Month series, focusing on the 2025 theme set by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH): "African Americans and Labor." This theme examines how different forms of labor—free and unfree, skilled and unskilled, vocational and voluntary—have shaped Black experiences throughout history. Vernon Oakes continues this discussion alongside three leaders from VOLTS (Village of Leaders Thriving in Solidarity): Camille Kerr, co-founder of Upside-Down Consulting, Edrinna Bryant, co-owner of ChiFresh Kitchen and Jumpstart Housing Cooperative, and Sharon Hopkins, co-owner of 6ix-cess Foods. VOLTS is a newly formed non-profit that builds on years of cooperative development work to create lasting economic justice for formerly incarcerated individuals, particularly Black women. By formalizing and expanding its model, VOLTS provides the structure and support needed to scale worker-owned businesses and c

March 6, 2025 - Everything Co-op launches its Women’s History Month series. The 2025 theme, set by the National Women’s History Alliance, is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” celebrating women leaders in education and mentorship. The inaugural episode of the series features cooperative advocates Jessica Gordon-Nembhard, Ph.D., Professor at John Jay College, and Ahzjah-Netjer Simons, Co-Executive Director of the Georgia Cooperative Development Center. Dr. Gordon Nembhard Ahzjah-Netjer Simons discuss the insights gained from their interviews with Black women cooperators, and their future plans. Author of Collective Courage: A History of African American Cooperative Economic Thought and Practice (2014) and 2016 inductee into the U.S. Cooperative Hall of Fame, Jessica Gordon-Nembhard, Ph.D., is a Professor at John Jay College, City University of NY. She is a political economist specializing in cooperative economics, community economic development, racial wealth inequality, Black

February 13, 2025 - Everything Co-op continues its Black History Month series, exploring the 2025 theme designated by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH): "African Americans and Labor." This theme highlights the diverse ways labor—free and unfree, skilled and unskilled, vocational and voluntary—has shaped the collective experiences of Black people. Vernon will continue his exploration of this history, shedding light on its impact and significance. In this segment, Vernon discusses the history of African Americans and Labor, and transitions to how cooperatives can be used to help communities push through this period where labor is at the center of economic survival. Vernon Oakes is a dedicated advocate for cooperatives who was inducted into the Cooperative Hall of Fame in 2024. He is the Past President of the National Association of Housing Cooperatives and has served on numerous boards and committees advancing cooperative interests. His contributions also extend to the

February 6, 2025 Everything Co-op inaugurates its Black History Month series. The theme for the 2025 Black History Month, as designated by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), is "African Americans and Labor." This theme emphasizes the significant and varied ways in which different forms of labor—both free and unfree, skilled and unskilled, vocational and voluntary—intersect with the collective experiences of Black people. Vernon begins his of African Americans and Labor in a discussion with Julian Hill, an abolitionist and lawyer who specializes in the solidarity economy. Julian Hill is an assistant professor at Georgia State University College of Law. Hill is a teacher, lifelong learner, community organizer, artist, and attorney who knows that the world we deserve, though both possible and necessary, is not inevitable. Hill regularly advises worker cooperatives, collectives, nonprofits, and small businesses on a range of matters, including governance, contracts, regul

January 30, 2025 Patton McDowell, the founder of PMA Nonprofit Leadership, shares insights into the firm's services and core principles. PMA Nonprofit Leadership is a consulting firm dedicated to helping skilled individuals thrive in nonprofit leadership through three primary offerings: providing valuable content and resources, offering personalized coaching and training, and delivering organizational consulting in areas such as strategic planning and fundraising. Patton also serves as Director of the Institute for Philanthropic Leadership, where he facilitates its two signature programs: Leadership Gift School and the Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy Program. He is also the host of over 300 episodes of the podcast "Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership," and the author of a book by the same title. He leads the Mastermind Leadership Development Program, a signature coaching initiative designed to develop nonprofit leaders across the country. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English Education as a Morehead Scho

January 23, 2025 amaha sellassie, the board president of Gem City Market and Vernon discuss the progression of of Gem City Market and the cooperative agenda of 2025, in the Year of the Co-op. amaha sellassie is a peace builder, social healer, freedom fighter, network weaver and lover of humanity. amaha is a practitioner scholar dedicated to building bridges of trust, healing historical wounds, and harnessing the unique gifts and talents of every human being as we press towards a just and equitable society. A dedicated community organizer, amaha champions the causes of marginalized groups, striving to amplify their voices in public policy. As a co-founder of the Gem City Market, amaha has been instrumental in a community-led initiative to address food apartheid by enhancing access to fresh produce in West Dayton. Additionally, amaha serves as the Director of the Center for Applied Social Issues, and is a Sociology professor at Sinclair Community College.

January 16, 2025 Malik Kenyatta Yakini, Director of the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network (DBCFSN). Vernon and Malik discuss the food sovereignty movement, and the Detroit Peoples Food Co-op's progress and challenges since its opening. Malik Kenyatta Yakini is an activist and educator who is committed to freedom and justice for African people in particular, and humanity in general. Yakini is a co-founder and the Executive Director of the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, which operates a seven-acre farm in Detroit and spearheaded efforts to establish the Detroit Food Policy Council. He served as a member of the Michigan Food Policy Council from 2008 - 2010. From 2011 - 2013 he served on the steering committee of Uprooting Racism Planting Justice. He is a co-founder and on the leadership team of the National Black Food and Justice Alliance.

January 2, 2025 Ron Hantz, Executive Director of the Network Developing Conscious Communities (NDCC), offers insights into the growth required in the co-op movement within Black communities and outlines plans for NDCC for the forthcoming year. Ron Hantz has been instrumental in advocating a new community development paradigm based on “conscious community development” He is a former Adjunct Professor, in the Africana Studies Department, at the University Maryland Baltimore County, and founded the Network for Developing Conscious Communities (NDCC) in 2014. He now leads the organization’s efforts on advocacy and building a sustainable ecosystem for Black governed community development organizations. Under his leadership, NDCC has emerged as a grass roots voice on promoting the use of principle-based practices to regenerate under-resourced Black communities. The Network for Developing Conscious Communities was founded 2014 as a 501 © (3) non-profit community development membership organization. Through implem

December 26, 2024 Everything Co-op continues to highlight choices from its 2024 Holiday list. This episode features an interview with Adrian Roman, co-owner of Colmenar Cooperative Consulting (Colmenar). Adrian discusses how the Colmenar team leverages their experiences as immigrants and their skills in navigating diverse cultures, languages, systems, and life challenges to promote democratic governance and civic participation. Adrian is a cooperative organizer and believes that prioritizing the culture of the team and relationship to the community leads to resilient organizations that can adapt and care for those involved. Adrián feels that art is a way to shift culture and speak clearly about the state of our times. He is a co-owner of Colmenar Consulting Cooperative, a co-owner of Dorchester Art Project, a certified mediator, an authorized teacher of Full Presence Mindfulness and currently sits on the board of the US Federation of Worker Cooperatives and the Greater Boston Chamber of Cooperatives. He is f

December 19. 2024 The program continues to highlight choices from its 2024 Holiday list. This episode includes an interview with Alicia Simmons, Senior Sustainability Manager at Frontier Co-op. Vernon and Alicia discuss Frontiers Co-op Market, Organic Certified Ceylon Cinnamon, and its Aura Cacia Relaxation Essential Oils Kit and Celestial Diffuser, all selections in the Holiday List. They also discuss other products and services provided by Frontier Co-op, and the many ways Frontier support its employees, partners and community. Alicia Simmons is the Senior Sustainability Manager at Frontier Co-op in Norway, Iowa. In this role, she leads environmental stewardship efforts across the cooperative, including managing the Zero Waste program and initiatives related to packaging, energy, emissions, and natural resource usage. Since joining Frontier Co-op in 2017, Alicia has also directed the co-op’s annual giving program, which exceeds $1 million, supporting community-building projects in sourcing regions, partner

December 5, 2024 "Everything Co-op" launches showcase of selected picks from its 2024 Holiday list. The premiere episode features an interview with Kevin O'Brien, founder and general manager of Worx Printing, and Matthew Epperson, Employee Ownership domain expert. Vernon and his guests will explore the "There's A Co-Op For That!" mug and delve into the workings of and benefits of the Co-op business Model. Kevin O'Brien is the founder and general manager of the worker-owned union cooperative Worx Printing in Worcester, MA. Worx is a third-generation evolution of the Union Co-Op Model codified in 1worker1vote by the United Steelworkers and the Mondragon Cooperative. For 29 years, Kevin has been dedicated to cooperating with others to advance anti-sweatshop movement policies and practices in the apparel industry. His experiences have helped thousands of Labor Unions, Nonprofits and Political Campaigns to lift awareness, advance campaigns and programs, and improve fundraising results using ethically manufacture

November 21, 2024 In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, Vernon interviews Pamela Standing, Co-Executive Director of the Minnesota Indigenous Business Alliance (MNIBA). Pamela shares strategies MNIBA employs to connect Indigenous business owners with resources. Pamela Standing's experience demonstrates that Indigenous-run organizations and businesses can thrive, achieve financial growth, and succeed within the mainstream business system without sacrificing cultural values. She is committed to bridging the disparity gap through cooperative efforts, collaboration, and establishing partnerships and alliances that lead to resource sharing. In 2019, through her partnership and contract status with Cooperative Development Services (CDS) she was able to participate in CooperationWorks’ co-op developer training series. It was through her participation in this program that inspired her exploration into how Indigenous language, Cultural Lifeways and practices aligned with Eurocentric cooperative practices.

December 12, 2024 Everything Co-op continues to highlight choices from its 2024 Holiday list. In this episode Vernon interviews Alex Keivahn Smith, the Senior Program Director at the Community Purchasing Alliance (CPA). Vernon and Alex explore how the CPA utilizes the collective purchasing power of community institutions to foster sustainability, equity, and justice. Alex’s professional journey reflects his passion for building relationships and driving change. He began in operations and strategy, solving complex problems for a national distributor. To enhance his quantitative skills, he studied data structures and algorithms. However, feeling a disconnect between his work and faith, he pursued theological studies and practical experiences as a hospital chaplain and tech start-up product manager. Now at CPA, Alex integrates his faith and professional expertise to support community institutions. Alex holds a master’s from Yale (Divinity), a master’s from UC Berkeley (Data Science), and a bachelor's from Princ

November 14, 2024 In this episode, an interview with Mike Houston, General Manager of the Takoma Park Silver Spring Food Co-op (TPSS), is featured. Mike discusses the complete remodeling process of TPSS, detailing how cooperative priorities were leveraged to preserve jobs, support the community, and enhance the modernization and efficiency of the space without resorting to loans. Mike Houston has 14 years of experience in the natural food industry, managing independently owned community stores. He is a graduate of Leadership Montgomery's Emerging Leaders program and serves as the chair of the Montgomery County Food Council. Mike is also on the National Cooperative Grocer's Advocacy Advisory Committee, the Member Advisory Committee, and the board of the Old Takoma Business Association. He holds a B.S. from the University of Missouri's College of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources. The Takoma Park Silver Spring Co-op has been serving the community since its inception in 1981 and has occupied its current lo

November 7, 2024 This episode features Doug O'Brien, President & CEO of the National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA). Vernon and Doug delve into election results and the implications for cooperatives. Doug O'Brien is the President & CEO National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA) He works with the cooperative community, both domestically and internationally, to deepen their impact and influence. NCBA CLUSA is the primary voice for cooperatives in the United States for using the cooperative business model to empower people in their businesses and communities. Doug has been with NCBA since 2016 and became president and CEO in January 2018. Before coming to NCBA CLUSA, he led the work of the White House Rural Council and served in top positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture focusing on rural economic development. Doug has experience working in the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House, and for two state governors. His academic career encompasses t

October 31, 2024 This episode includes an interview with Dr. Diane Kern, a psychotherapist, and Valarie E. Davis, JD, who are both ardent advocates for social justice. Vernon and his guests explore the development of Being Well While Black, an initiative established at the onset of the COVID pandemic to offer resources aiding the community in coping with COVID, and its progression to create the Nonpartisan 2024 Black Voter Guides for the Washington Metro Area. Dr. Diane Kern, a licensed psychologist in the Washington Metro Area, brings over 25 years of experience in psychotherapy, life coaching, workshop facilitation, and consultation across diverse groups. She frequently leads expert talks and workshops on mental health and wellness. Through her "Happy and Healthy U" series, Dr. Kern combines expertise with a personal philosophy to inspire positive life changes. Her warm interpersonal style combined with her expert facilitation skills encourage engagement, skill building and the motivation to embark on posi

October 24, 2024 Vernon Oakes, the host of Everything Co-op, conducts a comparative analysis of the cooperative values and principles of the presidential candidates.