Cooperative Power Unleashed: A Summit for Community Transformation

Registration Opens

Light Complimentary Breakfast

Kickoff Session: Collaborating for Change

• Thomas Beckett – Executive Director, CCE

  “Helping people work together to create something positive in their communities gives me the juice. This work is fulfilling, and with the tremendous variety of communities and types of co-ops, it never gets old.” —Thomas Beckett

  I have been a co-op member for most of my life, but I really became focused on cooperative development during the banking collapse of 2007-08. At that time, I was practicing small business law in Western North Carolina and had taken on incorporating some immigrant worker co-ops as a pro bono project. As the financial crisis unfolded, it became very clear to me that we need to redesign the economy at a local and human scale. The cooperative business model is just that.

  Education and Training
  • Duke University – B.A. in Public Policy
  • University of North Carolina School of Law – Juris Doctor
  • UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School – MBA
  • CooperationWorks – cooperative business development training
  • Kauffman Foundation – entrepreneurial development training

  I sit on the board of directors of a few co-op organizations, including Shared Capital Cooperative and the Weaver Community Housing Association. Board service is always a learning opportunity for me, and a way to contribute to organizations that do good work. My family and I sometimes take up opportunities to volunteer in the community.

  Cooperative development allows me to use all of my professional skills and experience to transform the economy. One motto of our movement is, “Co-ops Build A Better World.” And we’re doing that, changing the world one business at a time.

• Sara Coats – Executive Director, CCC

  Sara Coats is the Executive Director of the Cooperative Council of North Carolina. She first learned of cooperatives during her years at Local Government Federal Credit Union as a Membership Development Officer. Her passion and admiration for the credit union philosophy and cooperative business model was immediate. Prior to cooperatives, Sara served many roles in her 7 years within the nonprofit sector. Sara is a North Carolina native proud to advocate for cooperatives and communities in her home state. In her free time, Sara enjoys exercising, cooking, and spending time at home on the ICW with her family.

Carolina Common Enterprise Executive Director, Thomas Beckett, will welcome our guests. Sara Coats, Executive Director of Cooperative Council of the Carolinas will then join Mr. Beckett for a lesson on what Cooperatives are and why they are so important.

Breakout Session: Room 1 – Revolutionizing Housing through Community Ownership

• Ajowa Ifateyo

  In 2002, Ajowa Ifateyo attended the groundbreaking of the Ella Jo Baker Intentional Community Cooperative, a 15-unit housing cooperative community in Washington, DC. The day after that historic moment – the beginning of the first cooperative to be named after Civil Rights and Cooperative hero Ella Baker, Ajowa attended the founding conference of the EasternConference for Workplace Democracy, the gathering of worker cooperatives in the Eastern U.S. and at that time, the southern U.S. as well. Those two events lead to almost 23 years of experience in both the worker cooperative movement and a bit in the cooperative housing movement.

  In the worker cooperative movement, she was a member of the Eastern Coordinating Council of the ECWD, a founding board member of the U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives ,Chairwoman of the Democracy at Work Institute and a cooperative developer. Ajowa also served on the boards of the North American Students of Cooperation and the NASCO Development Services, both of which helps develop cooperative housing on college campuses and in communities.In 2022, Ajowa was the researcher who lead to Ella Baker’s induction into the Cooperative Hall of Fame as the first “Unsung Hero.”

  A former reporter for The Los Angeles Times and the Miami Herald, Ajowa has recently embarked on a new career as an Integrative Nutritionist. She hopes to use her cooperative knowledge and experience to build cooperatives to bring alternative healthcare to communities and people who are not fully served by the current nutrition and healthcare systems.

• Shoneca Kent

  Shoneca Kent is an experienced professional in community development and housing equity, currently serving as the Director for Housing Equity Programs at the National Institute of Minority Economic Development since January 2024. Previously, Shoneca held the position of Community and Rural Development Agent at North Carolina Cooperative Extension, where responsibilities included program organization, needs assessment, and collaboration with community organizations. Other notable roles include Catalyst Coordinator for Healthy Eating and Active Living at the Foundation for Health Leadership & Innovation, and Northeastern NC Organizer at Democracy North Carolina, where community engagement and grassroots mobilization were key focuses. Shoneca holds a Master of Public Administration from North Carolina Central University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and African American Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

• Micky Eilish

  Micky Eilish (they/them) is a teaching artist and facilitator whose work is rooted in cultivating right relationships between human and non-human creatives of Earth. They currently reside in Chapel Hill, NC, where they are a resident at the Northside Community House, a house with foundations in food sharing, cooperative governance, and social justice advocacy. As an artist, Micky is passionate about the intersections of community building, education, artistic expression, and social advocacy. With a background in community organizing and education, they currently serve as an arts advocate in the public school system; coordinating free, accessible arts-enriched programs across two school districts. Micky is committed to embodying values that dismantle cultures of colonization, capitalism, and scarcity, shifting instead to cultures of accountability, community care, and abundance.

  Read more about Micky’s work: https://mxmicks.com/

Ajowa Ifateyo has over 23 years of experience in worker and housing cooperatives. She co-founded the U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives, chaired the Democracy at Work Institute, and helped honor Ella Baker in the Cooperative Hall of Fame. Now an Integrative Nutritionist, Ajowa aims to bring cooperative principles to alternative healthcare. Shoneca Kent leads Housing Equity Programs at the National Institute of Minority Economic Development and has a strong background in community development. She holds an MPA from NC Central University and a BA from UNC-Chapel Hill. Micky Eilish (they/them), a teaching artist in Chapel Hill, NC, advocates for food sharing, social justice, and arts accessibility while fostering care and community.

Breakout Session: Room 2 – Cooperative Solutions for Homecare & Childcare

Break #1

Lunch & Table Discussions

Guided conversations on co-op models.

Keynote Presentation – The Power of Cooperatives in Eco Justice/Comm Transform

• Dr. Jessica Gordon-Nembhard

  Jessica Gordon-Nembhard, Ph.D., is Professor of Community Justice and Social Economic Development in the Department of Africana Studies at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York. Author of Collective Courage: A History of African American Cooperative Economic Thought and Practice aimed at chronicling African American cooperative business ownership and its role in the social movement for civil rights and economic equality. A study of African American history organizing various forms of cooperatives, “Collective Courage” adds the details of cooperative economic behavior to African American history resulting in an increased understanding of African American collective economic history and offers guidance for grassroots economic organizing.

  Dr. Gordon-Nembhard is a political economist specializing in community economics, Black Political Economy and popular economic literacy. Her research and publications explore problematics and alternative solutions in cooperative economic development and worker ownership, community economic development, wealth inequality and community-based asset building, and community-based approaches to justice. A 2016 inductee into the U.S. Cooperative Hall of Fame. A member of NCBA CLUSA’s Council of Cooperative Economists; and the International Cooperative Alliance Research Committee; as well as a member of the board of directors of Green Worker Cooperatives, Grassroots Economic Organizing Newsletter, and Southern Reparations Loan Funds; and past director of the Association of Cooperative Educators. She is the proud mother of Susan and Stephen, and the grandmother of Stephon, Hugo, and Ismaél Nembhard.

Keynote Q&A

Breakout Session: Room 1 – Worker Cooperatives: Fueling Economic Growth

• La-Tasha Best-Gaddy

  La-Tasha Best-Gaddy, Chief Strategist at Infinity Bridges Inc., 25+-year diverse career across Economic & Business Development, Accounting, Insurance, Financial Services, and Non-Profit sectors. An innovative thinker and dedicated entrepreneur, La-Tasha actively supports her two children’s business endeavors. Deeply involved in her community, she serves on several boards and committees, including Chairperson of the Black Business Alliance for Chapel Hill-Carrboro, Facilitator of Durham Business Collaboration, and Co-Facilitator of Triangle Entrepreneur Support Organization. Additionally, La-Tasha serves as Board Treasurer of The Collaborative, Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce Board Member, Durham Workforce Development Board, Durham Women’s Commission and Board Treasurer & Co-Founder of the NC Employee Ownership Center

  A committed lifelong learner, La-Tasha holds numerous certificates and certifications, including being a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional and a licensed NC Life Insurance Agent. Her accolades include the 2024 Sapphire Award Winner by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, 2020 Woman of Distinction by Chapel Hill Magazine and the 2019 SDG Honors Award by AgroBiz. La-Tasha is an alumna of North Carolina Central University with graduate and undergraduate degrees, and she holds a certificate from The College of Insurance in New York. She’s a graduate of the Pinnacle Mastermind 2.0 and 1.0, MWBEvolution, NC Rural Economic Development Institute, Leadership North Carolina, and Leadership Triangle.

• Ron Garcia-Fogarty

  Ron Garcia-Fogarty a citizen of Nicaragua, Guatemala and the United States, and identifies as multiracial, Latin and white. He grew up in Nicaragua, and moved to the United States for university studies. He works as an interpreter and trainer with tilde as well as Financial Manager for the cooperative.

  Before working with tilde, he worked for 20 years with nonprofit organizations and transnational networks in North Carolina, Nicaragua, Washington, DC and New York. He was raised bilingually, and his multiracial and multinational identity is an important reason for becoming an interpreter and working for language justice. In 2017 he was one of the founders of tilde Language Justice Cooperative.

• Firestorm Bookstore Co-op

  Firestorm Books is a queer, feminist collective featuring books and events that reflect that collective’s interests, and the needs of marginalized communities in the South. Founded in May of 2008 as a worker-owned and self-managed business, the collective aims to provide community space, critical literature and an alternative economic model based on cooperative, libertarian principles. Firestorm operates without bosses or supervisors, relying instead on well developed team structures. Decision making is achieved “horizontally,” using a formal consensus process in which each participant has equal voice. This collaborative environment creates a more empowering and enjoyable workplace while strengthening the business itself. Firestorm Books seek to sustain and nourish our collective through fulfilling work, personal empowerment and equitable compensation while providing a hub for anarchist thought and culture in WNC. Ⓐ Ⓔ Ⓥ

  Learn more at https://firestorm.coop

Dive into the transformative potential of worker-owned cooperatives in this session.Discover how these democratic enterprises drive economic development by creating equitable jobs,fostering community wealth, and promoting inclusive local economies. Uncover the challenges and opportunities they face in revitalizing economic systems. La-Tasha Best-Gaddy, Chief Strategist at Infinity Bridges Inc., has 25+ years in business development, chairs the Black Business Alliance, and co-founded the NC Employee Ownership Center. An NC Central alumna, she’s earned multiple awards and certifications. Ron Garcia-Fogarty, a multiracial citizen of Nicaragua, Guatemala, and the U.S., co-founded tildeLanguage Justice Cooperative in 2017. Raised bilingually, he works as an interpreter, trainer, and Financial Manager, driven by his passion for language justice and 20 years of nonprofit experience. Firestorm is a radical bookstore and event space in Asheville, NC, supporting grassroots movements with cooperation.

Breakout Session: Room 2 – Cooperatives as the Key to Food Security

• Gideon Adams

  Gideon Adams is the Food Bank’s Vice President for Community Health and Engagement.

  Previous positions include Senior Manager, Programs and Outreach at the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina and Operations Management of another of the Feeding America network food banks in the State. Prior to this he held operational and project roles in the private sector.

  Among other things, he is responsible for strategic planning and implementation of partnerships and programs that will work to “shorten the lines” of those living with food insecurity including medical and nutritional interventions through food, urban agriculture educational programming, workforce and economic development programs and nutrition education.

• Allanah Hines

  Allanah Hines is a passionate advocate for equitable food systems and a strategic consultant dedicated to fostering community-driven change. With over 17 years in the cooperative sector, she brings a wealth of experience in guiding food ecosystems toward inclusive, sustainable practices.

  As the former Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager at the largest food co-op in the Southeast, Allanah led transformative initiatives that embedded equity into every level of the organization—from daily operations to Board governance. Now, as an independent consultant, she partners with Boards of Directors, startups, and nonprofits to strengthen cooperative leadership, facilitate peer learning, and build resilient, community-centered food networks.

  Known for her ability to turn vision into action, Allanah designs engaging, results-driven workshops that empower leaders and entrepreneurs to tackle systemic inequities and expand access to fresh, nutritious food. Her work is rooted in a belief that food is more than sustenance—it’s a powerful connector that can drive economic vitality, cultural preservation, and collective well-being.

  When she’s not consulting or presenting, Allanah enjoys time with her family and exploring new places with friends. She lives by the question: “What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?”

• Janiqua Jackson

  Janiqua Jackson is a dedicated advocate for community empowerment and food justice. With over 20 years of experience in the grocery retail industry, she has held various leadership roles, including General Manager of Urban Greens Food Co-Op in Providence, Rhode Island. Her expertise in the food cooperative model and her passion for serving underserved communities have made her a trailblazer in her field.

  In 2024, Janiqua returned to Charlotte, North Carolina, to lead the development of the Three Sisters Market, a community-owned food cooperative in the West Boulevard corridor. This initiative aims to address food insecurity in an area that has lacked a full-service grocery store for over 30 years. As General Manager, Janiqua is committed to creating a sustainable, inclusive food system that uplifts the local community.

  Janiqua’s work is driven by her belief in the power of collective action and her dedication to dismantling food apartheid. Her leadership at Three Sisters Market is not just about providing fresh and affordable food but also about fostering a sense of community and economic empowerment.

Discover how cooperatives empower communities to ensure sustainable food security and build resilient food systems. Gideon Adams, Food Bank VP for Community Health, drives programs addressing food insecurity, including nutrition, agriculture, workforce development, and education. Allanah Hines, a food systems advocate and consultant, has 17+ years of cooperative sector experience. She specializes in fostering equity, strengthening leadership, and building resilient, community-driven food networks. Janiqua Jackson is a dedicated advocate for community empowerment and food justice with over 20 years of experience in the grocery retail industry. Her work is driven by her belief in the power of collective action and her dedication to dismantling food apartheid.

Break #2

Study Circles & Closing: Learning Together, Moving Forward