Katya May
Please list 3-5 important reasons you are motivated to run for the PFC Board.
As a returning Minnesota local after living in Australia for 23 years, I am motivated to leverage my experience in healthcare to foster inclusivity and health-conscious living. My fluency in Spanish and Portuguese uniquely positions me to effectively engage with and serve the growing Latino population in Rochester.
I aim to integrate my knowledge of supplements, superfoods, and traditional medicine into PFC’s offerings, aligning with broader health and wellness trends.
I am committed to supporting sustainable and equitable growth within the co-op, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of community wellness and cooperative values.
What are the five most relevant skills you offer to the PFC Board and ownership?
Extensive board experience, including on the Syracuse Cooperative Market Board and the Human Research Ethics Committee, equipping me with strong governance skills.
Expertise in public health and a deep understanding of diverse health practices, beneficial for shaping health-oriented community outreach.
Fluency in Spanish and Portuguese, crucial for engaging Rochester’s growing Latino community.
Strategic planning and policy development skills, honed through years of academic and professional leadership.
Strong communication and collaborative abilities, essential for fostering community relations and partnership development.
Please list any relevant board and employment experience.
Board Member, Syracuse Cooperative Market; Committee Member, Human Research Ethics Committee, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service.
Extensive experience in public health research and coordination, including leadership roles in multinational health initiatives.
Academic roles at Griffith University and James Cook University, focusing on health education and policy.
What are 3-5 significant challenges that PFC will face in the next few years?
Adapting to rapid demographic shifts and integrating diverse cultural preferences into PFC’s product offerings and services.
Navigating economic fluctuations that could impact food prices and supply chain stability.
Enhancing digital transformation to meet the growing demand for online shopping and service delivery.
Maintaining and expanding community engagement in a landscape increasingly dominated by large retail chains.
What do you consider potential opportunities for the Co-op as it develops its long- term strategies?
Capitalizing on the growing interest in health and wellness to expand offerings in supplements, superfoods, and natural health products.
Strengthening community ties through targeted outreach programs that cater to the diverse cultural backgrounds of Rochester’s residents.
Leveraging technology to improve operational efficiency and customer engagement.
Developing educational initiatives that promote cooperative values and sustainable living among younger demographics.