Check out the candidate statements below then join us on Wednesday March 18th to hear more from the folks who are running in this year’s Board of Delegates Election.
See the events page for more info.
Sarah Peterson
Pronouns: She/Her
Member-Owner Since: 2012
Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Mariposa Food Co-op?
I have been on the Board since August 2025, when I was appointed to fill a vacancy. I am now seeking an elected seat to extend my service on the Board beyond June so I can continue to support the Co-op’s revitalization, sustainability, and pursuit of its values.
The Co-op has a considerable impact on daily life in our neighborhood as a local business, employer, and food retailer. I value that our local grocery store is open to everyone, collectively owned, and democratically governed with the stated, shared intention to prioritize social and environmental responsibilities over maximum profit. This does not happen by accident; it requires ongoing effort and intention from all of us.
I hope to continue working with the Board, staff, and membership to promote Mariposa’s long-term viability and positive impact in West Philadelphia. It has been rewarding – and educational! - to work on sustaining the Co-op through governance and member engagement over the last several months and I’m ready to pursue a full term of service with the experience and insight I’ve gained."
Briefly describe any experience you have at other cooperatives, boards, or other professional work that relates to Board service. If you don't have prior experience, let us know your skills and strengths in relation to the Board's responsibilities:
My primary professional skill set is strategic communication, and my organizational strengths come from my experience in nonprofit and government settings. For more than 15 years I have worked with many local agencies and organizations to promote mission-driven work, conduct meaningful outreach, and navigate challenges and changes as they come. This experience prepares me well for the board’s responsibilities of respectful and collaborative problem-solving, communicating effectively with membership, exercising judiciousness and discretion, and approaching decisions with a broad and strategic lens. My strengths include considering multiple viewpoints, creating clear and accessible materials and processes, and coordinating internal and external flows of information.
Is there anything else you would like our member-owners to know about you?
Over the last year I have served on the Board’s Member Engagement Committee, a group that is doing important work to organize regular meetings and develop new opportunities for member participation. I served on this committee before joining the Board, and I encourage members to join our committee if they are interested in this work and/or if they are contemplating Board service but would like to start out on a committee.
I know first-hand from my experiences as a working member and a Board member that engagement and participation make membership more rewarding. I’m committed to member engagement, knowledge, and trust as one of the critical steps towards a stronger Co-op.
Sakira Harris
Pronouns: She/Her
Member-Owner since: 2014
Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Mariposa Food Co-op?
I am running again because I believe my work with the Food Justice & Anti-Racism (FJAR) Committee is not complete. The committee is in a critical phase of its development, and I believe consistent leadership is important to ensure its work continues with clarity, purpose, and accountability. At this stage, I would not feel right stepping away without seeing this work through.
Briefly describe any experience you have at other cooperatives, boards, or other professional work that relates to Board service. If you don't have prior experience, let us know your skills and strengths in relation to the Board's responsibilities:
I actually don't shop at other cooperatives, but I am considering visiting different cooperatives around the city or out of state.
Is there anything else you would like our member-owners to know about you?
I care deeply about Mariposa Food Co-op. As a child, I used to walk past the old Mariposa and want to go inside, but my mother told me it wasn’t for us because we weren’t members. She once tried to buy milk for me and was not allowed because the store was not open to the public. That experience stayed with me.
Later, before I became a member, I remember the excitement of finally shopping there—even if it was just to buy milk in a glass bottle. Mariposa is part of my community, and I care deeply about my community. I believe Mariposa can be a true hub that supports, nourishes, and serves the people around it, and that belief is what continues to motivate my service.
David Hudson, Sr.
Pronouns: He/Him
Member-Owner Since: 2020
Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Mariposa Food Co-op?
I’m interested and currently serving on the board now. I have seen some great things happen on the board. I’m looking and believing in greater things and want to be apart of that.
Briefly describe any experience you have at other cooperatives, boards, or other professional work that relates to Board service. If you don't have prior experience, let us know your skills and strengths in relation to the Board's responsibilities:
I currently serve of Mariposa board and have served on a board at my church years ago.
Is there anything else you would like our member-owners to know about you?
I’m dedicated on Mariposa reaching the goals set forth and it would be a honor to sit on the board and help be apart of bringing our standards and goals come to life.
Hayley Tintle
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Member-Owner since: August 2025, but been shopping at the coop since 2013
Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Mariposa Food Coop?
My wife and I moved back to the Cedar Park neighborhood almost two years ago, and living around the corner from the co-op was one of the main reasons I was so excited to live in West Philly again. Now we regularly do our shopping at the co-op. Quality, sustainability, and affordability are important to me, so I love living just a quick walk from the store. As a community member, I have a vested interest in its growth and success. I think Mariposa could make improvements that would ensure it stays a necessary stop for residents in the neighborhood. A few ideas I have include: ensure a reliable stock of staples, diversify its sustainable seafood and protein section, stock exciting items from local businesses (like bagels from Cleo's, treats from Mighty Bread, empanadas from Jezebels, cheese from Third Wheel, Ethiopian food from Dahlak and others, donuts from Dottie’s), a fresh cut flower section, trendy merch, enhance the outside of the shop with flower boxes, highlight employees through employee of the month bulletin, live native plants during Spring and Summer, bring back optional volunteer shift options with an associated discount. I am excited about all the opportunities. For these reasons, I am excited to potentially serve on the board of Mariposa, a place that has meant so much to me for more than 13 years. I think Mariposa has a unique opportunity to expand its impact and I hope to be a part of that evolution!
Briefly describe any experience you have at other cooperatives, boards, or other professional work that relates to Board service. If you don't have prior experience, let us know your skills and strengths in relation to the Board's responsibilities:
I've worked in financial analysis, budget management, and process optimization roles for nearly ten years. I've served as a Fiscal Policy Analyst for the Senate Committee on Ways and Means in Massachusetts, Financial Advisor for Deloitte, Senior Budget Coordinator at Campbell's, and currently as a Senior Budget Analyst at the University of Pennsylvania. Given these experiences, I am very comfortable analyzing budgets and reviewing P&Ls for optimization opportunities.
In my personal life I’m passionate about food and sustainability. In addition, I am a creative thinker with a lot of energy and ideas. I am highly collaborative and a team player. Along with working full-time at the UPenn, I am a part-time Master of Social Work Student, so I am focused on community-centered ideas.
Is there anything else you would like our member-owners to know about you?
My wife and I have two perfect pups, Wallace and Birdie. When I'm not working or studying I love to paint, go for long walks at the Woodlands, experiment in the kitchen, garden, and explore new places (including new parts of Philadelphia).Thank you for consideration!
Ryan Kuck
Pronouns: He/Him
Member-Owner since: I was a member for 5 or 6 years in the late 2000s but let it lapse when I moved out of the area. I just rejoined now that I am back in Cedar Park and looking forward to getting engaged again.
Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Mariposa Food Coop?
I believe that collective ownership of community resources is a fundamental hedge against exploitative capitalism, and working with food systems has been a passion of mine for several decades. More importantly, it’s my neighborhood grocery store and I want to do what I can to make sure it succeeds.
Briefly describe any experience you have at other cooperatives, boards, or other professional work that relates to Board service. If you don't have prior experience, let us know your skills and strengths in relation to the Board's responsibilities:
I have served on the board of several food justice and food sovereignty organizations in Philadelphia including Mill Creek Farm, Philadelphia Orchard Project, Preston’s Paradise, PHS City Harvest Grower’s Alliance, and UC Green. I’ve also worked collaboratively with a number of organizations and community groups working to improve access to quality, affordable, healthy food including West Philly Fresh Food Hub and New Kensington Community Food Co-op. I have a working understanding of cooperative decision-making processes and experience with strategic business planning.
Is there anything else you would like our member-owners to know about you?
I’ve lived in West Philly for 27 years and care deeply for our neighborhood. And with 5 kids I know the value of Mariposa to families in our community. I look forward to working with other neighbors to steward its future.
Voting will begin Monday April 6th.
In order to be eligible to vote, member-owners must have their equity payments up to date as of Sunday March 15th.
This year we have SIX board delegate seats open
FOUR - Member-Owner at-large
ONE - Staff Member-Owner at-large
ONE - Staff-Elected; Member-Owner Confirmed
See who the current Board members are and read more about the board on our Governance Page.
For more information regarding Monthly Meetings & Time Commitments, Board Duties, Ends, and the Policy Governance Overview, check out the Board Candidate Packet.
If you have questions, please email the Member Engagement Committee at member.engagement@mariposa.coop