Hannah Jensen
Why do you want to serve on the Eastside Food Co-op Board of Directors?
I’ve been a member of the Eastside Co-op for 5 years, and it’s like a second home to me and my family. It’s not just where we get the food we need (and love!) but where we see our friends and build community. Healthy, local food access and an inclusive space to gather, learn and celebrate are crucial parts of a thriving community, and I want to do my part to support, sustain and expand Eastside’s incredible impact long into the future.
Share any skills, interests, and experience you would bring to the board. Examples may be drawn from any personal, educational, professional, or volunteer experiences.
I’m a creative and strategic thinker who loves connecting and collaborating with others to get things done. I have 5 years of experience facilitating DEI initiatives in corporate spaces and I’m deeply committed to identifying inequities, working to repair harm, and fostering inclusive and equitable spaces that honor and celebrate our diverse perspectives and needs. I absolutely love food, art and kids and believe that they are the best ways to bring us together!
Eastside is founded on the 7 Cooperative Principles (https://www.eastsidefood.coop/about-co-ops). Choose one of the principles and describe how you think the board can encourage and foster this in our cooperative.
In a time of increased social, political and economic instability and fear, many people are looking to build community and better understand and participate in the systems that they need to thrive. I see an opportunity to put increased effort into (5.) Education, Training and Information for members and employees so that they can build the knowledge and connections to more meaningfully engage in the full cooperative process, helping to support themselves and Eastside.
One of the board’s main responsibilities is to plan for the cooperative’s future. Please describe any experience with long-term strategic planning and/or collaborative decision making.
I’ve worked as a creative and marketing professional for the past 15+ years, and know the importance of utilizing user/customer research and data to inform decisions. I have extensive experience in my previous role at Target building and leading teams, creating processes, setting goals and navigating change. My brain is wired to see connections and look towards longterm strategy and I genuinely love getting in the weeds with others to align on goals and work to bring them to life.
Eastside Food Co-op is “Here for Good.” What does that mean to you?
I love the sentiment of “Here for Good” and see it as a clear declaration that Eastside is here to DO GOOD for it’s members, employees and broader community of neighbors, suppliers and farmers for the long haul. It’s a welcoming and supportive message that can also serve as a call to action.