morning workshops & presenters
alida peterson
research coordination consultant – local food switchboard
Alida Peterson is the Food Systems Coordinator for the Maine Farm & Sea to Institution Network at Healthy Communities of the Capital Area and the Research Coordination Consultant for the Maine Food Convergence Project’s Local Food Switchboard. With a background in farm to school programming, local food access, and food system research, she works to strengthen connections across Maine’s institutional food supply chain. Alida is also a master’s candidate in the Food Systems program at the University of Vermont, where she focuses on supply chain coordination and local food procurement.
Ana Martina
community organizer and facilitator
Ana Martina (she/ella/they/elle) is a chilenga community organizer and facilitator. Committed to principles and practice of Solidarity Economy and Feminist Economies, her organizing and early work couple decades ago was linked to the Indymedia and Zapatista Solidarity movements in Mexico. During her 5 years as Membership Director at the US Federation of Worker Cooperatives Ana Martina developed an in-depth understanding of the landscape of workplace democracy across the U.S. She is dedicated to promoting and advising others on best practices for democratic governance and organizational accountability.
aNNIE DORAN
Project Coordinator – Maine Food Convergence
Annie Doran founded and directed a women’s artisan collective in Brazil before returning to Maine to develop food systems programs, including the Maine Network of Community Food Councils, Good Food for Lewiston/Auburn, The Good Food Bus, and the Maine Food Convergence Project. With a Master’s in Community Economic Development and certification in Cultural Transformation Tools, she creates spaces for communities and organizations to thrive. Annie’s leadership blends trust-building with efficiency, informed by lessons from both farming and organizing.
AZENAIDE PEDRO
community Associate Loan and Investment Officer – cei
Azenaide Pedro
chris linder
community Loan and outreach officer – Cooperative Fund Of the Northeast
Alida Peterson is the Food Systems Coordinator for the Maine Farm & Sea to Institution Network at Healthy Communities of the Capital Area and the Research Coordination Consultant for the Maine Food Convergence Project’s Local Food Switchboard. With a background in farm to school programming, local food access, and food system research, she works to strengthen connections across Maine’s institutional food supply chain. Alida is also a master’s candidate in the Food Systems program at the University of Vermont, where she focuses on supply chain coordination and local food procurement.
desiree Lester
connector and strategist
Desiree is a connector, strategist, and builder of impactful programs that center equity and access. She has a strong track record in fundraising, donor relations, and nonprofit leadership, securing major gifts and managing initiatives that create real opportunities for underrepresented communities. From leading artist residencies and cooperative business programs to serving on advisory boards and launching innovative partnerships, she thrives at the intersection of culture, community, and economic development. With a hands-on, people-first approach, Desiree is committed to driving meaningful, lasting change through collaboration and creative problem-solving.
Laura King
leadership coach, facilitator, and mediator – Columinate
Laura King is a Leadership Coach, Facilitator, and Mediator who centers human relationships, mindfulness, and communication. She believes growing cooperative communities starts with growing each unique person. With 25 years of experience exploring the art and science of adult development, she guides leaders to stretch inward, fostering embodied leadership and deeply connected teams. Laura holds an MA in Comparative Education from the University of Maryland College Park and has decades of experience in coaching, human resources, and the cooperative movement. She brings a unique alchemy of lightness, wisdom, and care to her work. In her free time, she hikes, reads, plays with words and poetry, and cold plunges with her partner across New England.
Ryan demers
cooperative development specialist – cooperative development institute
Development Specialist in CDI’s Business Ownership Solutions (BOS) Program. Ryan works with existing businesses, the owner(s), and their employees to support an employee buyout, and supports the cooperative after a transaction takes place. Ryan focuses on financial education, board training, management training, and designs customized workshops for clients based on their needs. From his work as a food co-op GM, he brings great skills and experience in cooperative management and board development, conflict resolution, human resources, and financial analysis and education.
Join Us!
Register
Get Your Tickets!