Meet your
2025 Board Candidates

Voting will open March 24th

The board is planning to host a meet-the-candidate forum prior to the close of voting. Stay tuned for more details

Kelly Ryan

(she/her)

At-Large Candidate

How long have you been a member-owner of Mariposa Food Coop?
Our family frequented the co-op prior to our membership in I believe 2008.

Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Mariposa Food Co-op?
Our neighborhood stores are disappearing, and it’s crucial that we take action to support our community. By providing diverse and locally sourced products, while maintain convenience to our community. Moreover, continuing job opportunities within our community ensure a thriving future for our neighborhood.

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 Boards responsibilities
I have experience serving on various boards and cooperatives including the West Philly Cooperative School. My roles have included financial oversight and community engagement. I have successfully led initiatives that improved operational efficiency and fostered community support. My ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and communicate effectively would be an asset to the Board. I am committed to contributing to the organization’s success and supporting its original mission.

Is there anything else you would like our member-owners to know about you?
I became part of the West Philly community in 2004. Since then, my partner and I have been raising our two children, two cats, and our know-it-all dog. Although I don’t have a lot of extra time, I’m committed to maintaining the co-op’s vision and growth. I would like to help create a support plan for past initiatives that have not yet come to fruition. Additionally, I am interested in reviving community engagement activities, such as cooking classes and food-growing programs for all ages.

How long have you been a member-owner of Mariposa Food Coop?
17 years

Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Mariposa Food Co-op?
I have watched the co-op grow into something like no other co-op I've ever experienced. I've witnessed neighbors and friends work hard to make it the accessible, welcoming, diverse place it is and I don't ever want to see that go away. I think the co-op succeeds when people feel a personal attachment to it and that is want I want to keep strong at Mariposa.

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 Boards responsibilities
I have current experience on the board of a local girls leadership camp and I have past experience managing kitchen crews in restaurants.
Both of these experiences have taught me how to always listen and care for your fellow members like a family. Because you will always get the best support and cooperation from a person that feels cared for.
That is the most important job when it comes to most endeavors.

Is there anything else you would like our member-owners to know about you?
I used to run a small taco cart eatery on Baltimore Ave. and that experience made me feel connected to so many neighbors. I really love living in a place where people know their neighbors and small businesses become meeting places to keep connections in West Philly strong.

How long have you been a member-owner of Mariposa Food Coop?
1 year

Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Mariposa Food Co-op?
As a West Philadelphia resident, I want my family and other residents to have a quality local and community-oriented food source. Our Co-op is a bedrock institution working to fulfill this goal; I want to actively contribute to its success in sustaining our community. I’m confident that my technical and managerial experience prepares me for a Board role. Some of my goals on the board include outreach to our community, increasing communication with our membership, and increasing membership participation in the Co-op.

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 Boards responsibilities
I am currently Chief Technology Officer at a technology startup. I have a leadership role in both technical and organizational spheres to identify, advocate for and implement strategies to address our most pressing needs. My role includes managerial functions such as assessing employee communication flows and identifying potential improvements.

In past roles, I facilitated company wide open-source software (think software co-ops) contributions at a large (1000 people) technology firm. I was student president of MIT’s Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Competition Team; we raised approximately $30K annually to support our work. My leadership helped our team to win 1st and 3rd place at the national level.

Is there anything else you would like our member-owners to know about you?
I am father to a 3 year old and look forward to him growing up in this area. As such, I am committed to nurturing and contributing to his development as well as participating in and supporting the community in which he will grow up. By volunteering for the Mariposa Food Co-op Board, I hope to demonstrate to my son, as well as my neighbors, the importance of community involvement and what it entails.

How long have you been a member-owner of Mariposa Food Coop?
4 months

Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Mariposa Food Co-op?
I love working at Mariposa, i think i would bring a good perspective because I’m an employee as well as a shopper.

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 Boards responsibilities
Im really good at listening to everyone’s perspective and finding a common ground. As a union steward we advocate for our fellow workers and i would like to be able to advocate for all employees while on the board. I think sometimes board members don’t know what it’s like being an employee and working on the floor everyday and i could bring that knowledge to them.

Is there anything else you would like our member-owners to know about you?
I think Mariposa is such a special place in the neighborhood, it brings together so many different demographics & that’s something that’s so important especially in this neighborhood.