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Board Elections 2025

All candidates have provided written and video recorded answers to a series of questions. Click on the names below to see their statement and video. Written responses were limited to 250 words, and video statements were limited to 2 minutes.

There are 3 open seats and 6 candidates

The Election continues until May 3, 2025. The winning candidates will be announced at the end of the General Membership Meeting on Saturday, May 3rd and via email.

To vote online, please login to the Member Center.

Ariel Baumet

1. Why are you a member of Weavers Way? Describe your involvement in Weavers Way: shopper (at which of our stores), committee member, working member, special projects, other activities.

When I joined Weavers Way in 2016, I had just moved to Germantown from West Philadelphia, where I was a member of Mariposa Co-op. Shopping at a co-op became a habit and I had grown to love products I could primarily find at smaller grocers. I was thrilled that I had the option of joining Weavers Way in my new neighborhood.

2. Describe your experience with oversight of a business or organization’s budget and financial performance. 

I've successfully managed small budgets in school environments as the science department chair and the director of a learning lab. While this experience is relevant to the finance and budgeting component of the position, there is so much more I can learn.

3. What do you perceive to be the long- and short-term challenges facing Weavers Way? 

In a time of uncertainty and upheaval, I imagine the Co-op’s long and short-term challenges will include how to best support the community — our neighbors, local farmers, small purveyors, independently-owned businesses — through the coming years. I think our needs will be shifting and dynamic. We’ll need to lean in, understand one another’s experiences and determine the Co-op’s role in fostering strong, connected and sustainable communities.

4. What volunteer or professional experiences have you had with other cooperatives or organizations that will help you strengthen the Weavers Way Board?

I’ve been teaching in Philadelphia schools since 2016 and know my experience as an educator will strengthen the Board. I love a challenge and don’t shy away from experiences that can be tough, especially when I know that the work is worth the effort. I am an effective communicator who’s passionate about the work I do and invigorated by opportunities to collaborate.

 

Melissa Easy

1. Why are you a member of Weavers Way? Describe your involvement in Weavers Way: shopper (at which of our stores), committee member, working member, special projects, other activities.

I’m a working member of Weavers Way who values access to local, high-quality food at reasonable prices. I shop at the Chestnut Hill and Mt. Airy locations.

2. Describe your experience with oversight of a business or organization’s budget and financial performance. 

I founded and grew a company to 350 employees over 11 years before selling it to a Fortune 500 company. I continued growing the team for the next seven years; we now employ more than 3,500. My experience in financial strategy, organizational growth and cost management will help further the cooperative’s mission

3. What do you perceive to be the long- and short-term challenges facing Weavers Way? 

I’m motivated to run for the Board in response to our current political and social climate. I am committed to supporting my local community and believe that organizations like Weavers Way are more essential than ever. In the short term, the Co-op needs to promote local community support, diversity and inclusion and sustainability. We also need to look for ways to increase visits and spending from existing members. In the long term, the Co-op faces challenges around expanding membership and staying competitive and relevant in a changing market. It will be critical to continue to address environmental and sustainability issues while balancing convenience. I am excited at the potential opportunity to contribute to overcoming these challenges and ensuring the continued success of our cooperative.

4. What volunteer or professional experiences have you had with other cooperatives or organizations that will help you strengthen the Weavers Way Board?

I believe I am well-suited to serve on the board because my professional background aligns with the financial and strategic needs of a Weavers Way board member.

Cedric Hardy

1. Why are you a member of Weavers Way? Describe your involvement in Weavers Way: shopper (at which of our stores), committee member, working member, special projects, other activities.

I am a working member, supporter and advocate for local businesses and locally sourced food. I live in Abington and often shop at the Ambler location.

2. Describe your experience with oversight of a business or organization’s budget and financial performance. 

In my professional experiences, I have functioned in senior staff or director roles with local nonprofits. These roles have included such responsibilities as departmental budget forecasting, management and stewardship.

3. What do you perceive to be the long- and short-term challenges facing Weavers Way? 

Some long-term challenges facing Weavers Way are increasing market competition, inflation and increasing food costs, keeping wages competitive, reducing employee turnover, and increasing the membership base. Short-term challenges are reductions in federal funding, filling positions with qualified candidates, and increasing the base of working members.

4. What volunteer or professional experiences have you had with other cooperatives or organizations that will help you strengthen the Weavers Way Board?

I’m a former director of programs with Philabundance and am a current member of Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-op.  I also currently function as director of education for Bartram’s Garden, the nation’s oldest botanical garden. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the local food shed, the need for supporting local businesses and communities, and the importance of being of service to others.

Paul Kirk

1. Why are you a member of Weavers Way? Describe your involvement in Weavers Way: shopper (at which of our stores), committee member, working member, special projects, other activities.

Why wouldn’t someone be a member of Weavers Way?  I am a working member. I shop mostly at the Mt. Airy store.

2. Describe your experience with oversight of a business or organization’s budget and financial performance. 

For about seven years, I have been the director of operations for a nonprofit in Philadelphia. I work closely with our finance committee to create an annual budget. I also work closely with our accountant to prepare monthly statements.

3. What do you perceive to be the long- and short-term challenges facing Weavers Way? 

From a long-term perspective, I think Weavers Way should focus on making sure it can maintain its philosophy of making everyone feel welcome and valued while still growing the business. In the short term, it's clear that prices for most of the things we need to buy daily are rising too quickly and too often. It will be interesting to see how the organization maintains a fair pricing structure while also fairly compensating its staff.

4. What volunteer or professional experiences have you had with other cooperatives or organizations that will help you strengthen the Weavers Way Board?

I think my volunteer work with the individuals who created the EcoLab has given me new perspectives on how well-rounded and talented our neighbors are. Also, starting the pollinator garden in front of the Carpenter SEPTA station has reinforced the idea that community organizations are incredible resources for those who need help, as well as those who want to help meet the community’s needs.

 

Nicolas Semon

1. Why are you a member of Weavers Way? Describe your involvement in Weavers Way: shopper (at which of our stores), committee member, working member, special projects, other activities.

I’m a member because where we spend our money matters. Weavers Way keeps my money local, and I feel better knowing that my dollars support a co-op with values that align with my own, employees who are paid fairly, and a vested interest in being a good community member.

2. Describe your experience with oversight of a business or organization’s budget and financial performance. 

As a senior director at a nonprofit, I have direct experience with setting and meeting budgets. I track my department’s progress toward our financial goals and work with funders and clients to scope work in a way that ensures we are paid fairly. I’ve also produced theater and had responsibility for setting and meeting budgets at a smaller scale.

3. What do you perceive to be the long- and short-term challenges facing Weavers Way? 

Rising costs due to tariffs and avian flu are short-term challenges because the Co-op doesn’t have the capacity to discount goods as much as larger chains do. Longer term, the decision to renew the lease in Ambler, buy outright or move will be highly impactful. Additionally, there is significant economic uncertainty in general. Lower incomes or higher inflation run the risk of having long-term impacts.

4. What volunteer or professional experiences have you had with other cooperatives or organizations that will help you strengthen the Weavers Way Board?

 I worked at two nonprofits directly, with experience in budgeting and financials at the project and team level. I have worked closely with real estate developers and architecture teams and gained exposure to real estate finance and budgets. Additionally, I was a founding member and previous president of the PA Green and Healthy Schools Partnership and was an authoring member of our bylaws and financial covenants.

Nicholas Taylor

1. Why are you a member of Weavers Way? Describe your involvement in Weavers Way: shopper (at which of our stores), committee member, working member, special projects, other activities.

The co-op’s Ends align closely with my own. I believe in supporting businesses that prioritize people and the planet over profit. The Co-op’s a perfect fit for my needs because I value the community we foster, the ethically sourced products we select, and the sustainability efforts we undertake by choosing hyper local. I’ve been a working member since 2020. During this time, I contributed to special projects like the 50th anniversary celebration, as well as various farm to table events. I shop at all the stores as often as I can!

2. Describe your experience with oversight of a business or organization’s budget and financial performance. 

I had 10+ years of experience overseeing a luxury small business in Philadelphia, where I managed budgeting and financial performance. My responsibilities included payroll, retail purchasing, inventory and staff training. I assisted with accounting tasks such as financial statements and P & L reports, and created a daily stats tracker to monitor budgeting and performance.

3. What do you perceive to be the long- and short-term challenges facing Weavers Way? 

Long term, Weavers Way may face challenges with staff growth, recruitment and training while maintaining product and community values amid further expansion. Short term, federal funding could be impacted by the current administration, creating a need for alternative funding sources along with rising food costs and community safety concerns.

4. What volunteer or professional experiences have you had with other cooperatives or organizations that will help you strengthen the Weavers Way Board?

  • Spa director, Richel D’Ambra Spa and Salon at the Ritz Carlton Philadelphia
  • Staff manager at the Gateway Clipper Fleet
  • Office manager at Sears Roebuck and Co.
  • Volunteer Experience: Philabundance, Face to Face Germantown, East Falls Community Council, East Falls Development Corporation, State Rep. Tarik Khan’s office, Philly Goat Project.

;

Board Elections 2025

All candidates have provided written and video recorded answers to a series of questions. Click on the names below to see their statement and video. Written responses were limited to 250 words, and video statements were limited to 2 minutes.

There are 3 open seats and 6 candidates

The Election continues until May 3, 2025. The winning candidates will be announced at the end of the General Membership Meeting on Saturday, May 3rd and via email.

To vote online, please login to the Member Center.

Ariel Baumet

1. Why are you a member of Weavers Way? Describe your involvement in Weavers Way: shopper (at which of our stores), committee member, working member, special projects, other activities.

When I joined Weavers Way in 2016, I had just moved to Germantown from West Philadelphia, where I was a member of Mariposa Co-op. Shopping at a co-op became a habit and I had grown to love products I could primarily find at smaller grocers. I was thrilled that I had the option of joining Weavers Way in my new neighborhood.

2. Describe your experience with oversight of a business or organization’s budget and financial performance. 

I've successfully managed small budgets in school environments as the science department chair and the director of a learning lab. While this experience is relevant to the finance and budgeting component of the position, there is so much more I can learn.

3. What do you perceive to be the long- and short-term challenges facing Weavers Way? 

In a time of uncertainty and upheaval, I imagine the Co-op’s long and short-term challenges will include how to best support the community — our neighbors, local farmers, small purveyors, independently-owned businesses — through the coming years. I think our needs will be shifting and dynamic. We’ll need to lean in, understand one another’s experiences and determine the Co-op’s role in fostering strong, connected and sustainable communities.

4. What volunteer or professional experiences have you had with other cooperatives or organizations that will help you strengthen the Weavers Way Board?

I’ve been teaching in Philadelphia schools since 2016 and know my experience as an educator will strengthen the Board. I love a challenge and don’t shy away from experiences that can be tough, especially when I know that the work is worth the effort. I am an effective communicator who’s passionate about the work I do and invigorated by opportunities to collaborate.

 

Melissa Easy

1. Why are you a member of Weavers Way? Describe your involvement in Weavers Way: shopper (at which of our stores), committee member, working member, special projects, other activities.

I’m a working member of Weavers Way who values access to local, high-quality food at reasonable prices. I shop at the Chestnut Hill and Mt. Airy locations.

2. Describe your experience with oversight of a business or organization’s budget and financial performance. 

I founded and grew a company to 350 employees over 11 years before selling it to a Fortune 500 company. I continued growing the team for the next seven years; we now employ more than 3,500. My experience in financial strategy, organizational growth and cost management will help further the cooperative’s mission

3. What do you perceive to be the long- and short-term challenges facing Weavers Way? 

I’m motivated to run for the Board in response to our current political and social climate. I am committed to supporting my local community and believe that organizations like Weavers Way are more essential than ever. In the short term, the Co-op needs to promote local community support, diversity and inclusion and sustainability. We also need to look for ways to increase visits and spending from existing members. In the long term, the Co-op faces challenges around expanding membership and staying competitive and relevant in a changing market. It will be critical to continue to address environmental and sustainability issues while balancing convenience. I am excited at the potential opportunity to contribute to overcoming these challenges and ensuring the continued success of our cooperative.

4. What volunteer or professional experiences have you had with other cooperatives or organizations that will help you strengthen the Weavers Way Board?

I believe I am well-suited to serve on the board because my professional background aligns with the financial and strategic needs of a Weavers Way board member.

Cedric Hardy

1. Why are you a member of Weavers Way? Describe your involvement in Weavers Way: shopper (at which of our stores), committee member, working member, special projects, other activities.

I am a working member, supporter and advocate for local businesses and locally sourced food. I live in Abington and often shop at the Ambler location.

2. Describe your experience with oversight of a business or organization’s budget and financial performance. 

In my professional experiences, I have functioned in senior staff or director roles with local nonprofits. These roles have included such responsibilities as departmental budget forecasting, management and stewardship.

3. What do you perceive to be the long- and short-term challenges facing Weavers Way? 

Some long-term challenges facing Weavers Way are increasing market competition, inflation and increasing food costs, keeping wages competitive, reducing employee turnover, and increasing the membership base. Short-term challenges are reductions in federal funding, filling positions with qualified candidates, and increasing the base of working members.

4. What volunteer or professional experiences have you had with other cooperatives or organizations that will help you strengthen the Weavers Way Board?

I’m a former director of programs with Philabundance and am a current member of Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-op.  I also currently function as director of education for Bartram’s Garden, the nation’s oldest botanical garden. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the local food shed, the need for supporting local businesses and communities, and the importance of being of service to others.

Paul Kirk

1. Why are you a member of Weavers Way? Describe your involvement in Weavers Way: shopper (at which of our stores), committee member, working member, special projects, other activities.

Why wouldn’t someone be a member of Weavers Way?  I am a working member. I shop mostly at the Mt. Airy store.

2. Describe your experience with oversight of a business or organization’s budget and financial performance. 

For about seven years, I have been the director of operations for a nonprofit in Philadelphia. I work closely with our finance committee to create an annual budget. I also work closely with our accountant to prepare monthly statements.

3. What do you perceive to be the long- and short-term challenges facing Weavers Way? 

From a long-term perspective, I think Weavers Way should focus on making sure it can maintain its philosophy of making everyone feel welcome and valued while still growing the business. In the short term, it's clear that prices for most of the things we need to buy daily are rising too quickly and too often. It will be interesting to see how the organization maintains a fair pricing structure while also fairly compensating its staff.

4. What volunteer or professional experiences have you had with other cooperatives or organizations that will help you strengthen the Weavers Way Board?

I think my volunteer work with the individuals who created the EcoLab has given me new perspectives on how well-rounded and talented our neighbors are. Also, starting the pollinator garden in front of the Carpenter SEPTA station has reinforced the idea that community organizations are incredible resources for those who need help, as well as those who want to help meet the community’s needs.

 

Nicolas Semon

1. Why are you a member of Weavers Way? Describe your involvement in Weavers Way: shopper (at which of our stores), committee member, working member, special projects, other activities.

I’m a member because where we spend our money matters. Weavers Way keeps my money local, and I feel better knowing that my dollars support a co-op with values that align with my own, employees who are paid fairly, and a vested interest in being a good community member.

2. Describe your experience with oversight of a business or organization’s budget and financial performance. 

As a senior director at a nonprofit, I have direct experience with setting and meeting budgets. I track my department’s progress toward our financial goals and work with funders and clients to scope work in a way that ensures we are paid fairly. I’ve also produced theater and had responsibility for setting and meeting budgets at a smaller scale.

3. What do you perceive to be the long- and short-term challenges facing Weavers Way? 

Rising costs due to tariffs and avian flu are short-term challenges because the Co-op doesn’t have the capacity to discount goods as much as larger chains do. Longer term, the decision to renew the lease in Ambler, buy outright or move will be highly impactful. Additionally, there is significant economic uncertainty in general. Lower incomes or higher inflation run the risk of having long-term impacts.

4. What volunteer or professional experiences have you had with other cooperatives or organizations that will help you strengthen the Weavers Way Board?

 I worked at two nonprofits directly, with experience in budgeting and financials at the project and team level. I have worked closely with real estate developers and architecture teams and gained exposure to real estate finance and budgets. Additionally, I was a founding member and previous president of the PA Green and Healthy Schools Partnership and was an authoring member of our bylaws and financial covenants.

Nicholas Taylor

1. Why are you a member of Weavers Way? Describe your involvement in Weavers Way: shopper (at which of our stores), committee member, working member, special projects, other activities.

The co-op’s Ends align closely with my own. I believe in supporting businesses that prioritize people and the planet over profit. The Co-op’s a perfect fit for my needs because I value the community we foster, the ethically sourced products we select, and the sustainability efforts we undertake by choosing hyper local. I’ve been a working member since 2020. During this time, I contributed to special projects like the 50th anniversary celebration, as well as various farm to table events. I shop at all the stores as often as I can!

2. Describe your experience with oversight of a business or organization’s budget and financial performance. 

I had 10+ years of experience overseeing a luxury small business in Philadelphia, where I managed budgeting and financial performance. My responsibilities included payroll, retail purchasing, inventory and staff training. I assisted with accounting tasks such as financial statements and P & L reports, and created a daily stats tracker to monitor budgeting and performance.

3. What do you perceive to be the long- and short-term challenges facing Weavers Way? 

Long term, Weavers Way may face challenges with staff growth, recruitment and training while maintaining product and community values amid further expansion. Short term, federal funding could be impacted by the current administration, creating a need for alternative funding sources along with rising food costs and community safety concerns.

4. What volunteer or professional experiences have you had with other cooperatives or organizations that will help you strengthen the Weavers Way Board?

  • Spa director, Richel D’Ambra Spa and Salon at the Ritz Carlton Philadelphia
  • Staff manager at the Gateway Clipper Fleet
  • Office manager at Sears Roebuck and Co.
  • Volunteer Experience: Philabundance, Face to Face Germantown, East Falls Community Council, East Falls Development Corporation, State Rep. Tarik Khan’s office, Philly Goat Project.

;

Check out our

 ☆ Election for the Co-op's Board of Directors ☆

Check out our

 ☆ Election for the Co-op's Board of Directors ☆

Weavers Way Is WholeFoods Magazine's Retailer of the Year!

We've been named Retailer of the Year by WholeFoods Magazine, a national trade magazine that’s been around since 1977! The article accompanying this recognition gives a deep dive into our work and history, in addition to our current efforts to serve our communities, address racial inequities, and proactively improve our buying and employment practices. Read all about it!

TerraCycle Update

We're happy to announce that TerraCycle is still being collected. While we are not sorting, boxing, and shipping right now due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are picking up the material from all three Weavers Way stores. Below is the most up-to-date list of what we can accept. Remember, funds from this project benefit the Weavers Way Environment Committee community grants and other projects.

WWEC TERRACYCLE PROJECT

Updated Dec. 21, 2020

The following items can be recycled through TerraCycle:

Personal Care:

  • Acure brand (only this brand) personal care products
  • All Burt's Bee's products
  • All Tom’s of Maine Products
  • Dental products (all brands) — old toothbrushes, empty toothpaste tubes, floss containers, mouthwash bottles
  • Plastic razors (all brands)

Household Items:

  • Brita filters (must be dry), pitchers, packaging
  • Swiffer wipes (must be dry)

Snacks:

  • Calbee brand Snacks
  • Late July brand chip bags
  • Entenmann's Little Bites

Food Pouches:

  • Cerebelly pouches
  • GoGo Squeeze pouches
  • North Coast (applesauce) pouches
  • Once Upon a Farm Pouches

Other Grocery Products:

  • Lundberg Family Farm products
  • Ocean Spray craisins/dried cranberries plastic pouches

Pet Food Bags/Pouches

  • Open Farm brand pet food bags
  • Wellness brand pet food bags
  • Weruva brand pouches

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