Meet the 16 new and emerging co-op leaders accepted into the 2025 CLS cohort

The Cooperative Development Foundation and NCBA CLUSA are delighted to welcome 16 new and emerging co-op leaders into the Cooperative Leaders and Scholars (CLS) program. 

This eight-month program was created to build capacity and support networks for the next generation of leaders engaged in cooperatives and cooperative development. Designed to deepen and broaden participants’ knowledge of cooperatives and the role the model plays in meeting communities’ economic and social needs, CLS contributes to attracting, engaging and retaining talent within the community. 

The 2025 CLS cohort includes:  

• Jessica Avery, Cooperative Credit Union Association 

• Muryam Babar, Salam Central 

• Juliette Banerjee, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Cooperative Development Center 

• Nicole Borner, Montana Cooperative Development Center 

• Andre Carter, Alabama State Association of Cooperatives 

• Andrea Chiriboga-Flor, Justice for the People Legal Center 

• Katelyn Coghlan, Community Purchasing Alliance 

• Sonia Erika Espinosa, EatMe.Land 

• Jared Katzman, University of Michigan 

• Anwar Simon, Durham Co-op Market 

• Nina Stender, Democracy at Work Institute 

• Jake Streeck, Equal Exchange 

• Stephanie Sucasaca, ICA Group 

• Will Teachout, Minnesota Farmers Union 

• Naomi Thompkins, Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund 

• Cora Wiens, Eadha Bakery 

“It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the growth in the CLS program over the last three years,” said Kirstie Boyette, CDF Associate Director and CLS Co-Coordinator. “Bringing together cooperators from every sector to foster cross-sectoral relationships, networks and collaboration early on in their careers is an important step forward in growing an economy that works for all.” 

“As a past participant in an earlier iteration of CLS, I am excited to welcome the 2025 cohort to this experience,” said Cathy Statz, cooperative educator and CLS Co-Coordinator. “CLS is an excellent introduction not only to the cross-sectoral cooperative community but to the wealth of experience, innovative ideas and commitment to cooperatives already present in those selected to participate.”  

Julie Bosland, CDF Executive Director, noted: “The participants in the CLS program are the future of the cooperative movement. CDF is proud to support their growth and ongoing leadership.”

CDF and NCBA CLUSA look forward to introducing this year’s cohort to the cooperative community at the 2025 Cooperative IMPACT Conference and Cooperative Hall of Fame in Washington, DC in October.