I initially connected with GWI as a Fellow in 2017. I’ve been able to collaborate with GWI staff on several occasions and tap into the Network to connect with people and projects. The fact that we, as a community, are all grounded in a shared set of principles, makes the Network that much more accessible and meaningful. 

For the last few years, I’ve worked to develop a fund to finance cooperatives in the HV. Many people in the Network have been learning partners for me in this work, and in the realm of cooperative development and shared leadership. Collectively we have created spaces where we can be honest about the hard work of sharing power and redesigning our organizations. I value these relationships, and hope I’ll be able to expand and deepen my connection to the Network.