Mariella Torres

resume

A black and white photo of a woman seated in a chair. She is turned to look out over the back of the chair. She has long dark hair and a dark button-down shirt. She is smiling. Below the photo, three onion silhouettes are arranged in three circles in a horizontal line. The first circle is green, the second is purple and the third is brown.

Meet Candidate Mariella Torres

Why would you like to serve on the City Market Board? What excites you about becoming a Board Member?

I'm eager to serve on the City Market Board because I'm deeply committed to building a strong, vibrant community that values collaboration, sustainability, and access to healthy local foods. What excites me most is the opportunity to contribute to a cooperative that not only empowers its members but also ensures everyone in our community can access nutritious, locally-sourced food. I'm driven by the chance to connect people, create positive change, and help City Market continue to be a cornerstone of health, inclusivity, and shared prosperity.

The Board seeks candidates who are dedicated, cooperative, committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and willing to participate in group discussions ranging from financial oversight to support of management, staff and Members. Please describe the skills and experiences you have that will help you be an effective board member in these regards. How would you use your skills and experiences to help the Board understand and use data as part of the decision-making process of our community-owned cooperative?

With a Sustainable Innovation MBA from the University of Vermont and over 13 years of experience in partnerships, operations, and systems, I bring a unique blend of strategic leadership and data-driven decision-making to the table. As a community builder, I'm committed to fostering collaboration and inclusivity. I have extensive experience identifying key data to capture, setting benchmarks, and driving KPIs to ensure alignment with our mission. I'm excited to leverage these skills to support City Market's financial oversight and strategic goals, ensuring our cooperative remains vibrant and resilient.

Describe your prior involvement with community organizations and/or cooperatives. What did you learn from these experiences?

I recently volunteered with the Vermont Foodbank to pick last of harvest blueberries for those in need. I regularly attend mayoral weekly meetings and city council meetings, staying informed and engaged with local issues. I'm always on the lookout for community spaces that need assistance, which has taught me the importance of being proactive, listening to diverse voices, and working collaboratively to address community needs. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the power of collective action and the impact of dedicated community involvement.

The Board collaborates with the General Manager to support inclusion, diversity, equity, access, and social justice (IDEAS) at City Market. How would you ensure that the Board’s work is grounded in these principles? How would you help point City Market in the right direction when it comes to IDEAS? Please describe any prior involvement in IDEAS work either personally or professionally.

To ensure the Board's work is grounded in inclusion, diversity, equity, access, and social justice (IDEAS), I would advocate for regular training, open dialogues, and data-driven assessments to keep these principles at the forefront of our decision-making. I would support initiatives that actively involve underrepresented communities in the cooperatives activities and ensure that our policies reflect these values. My prior involvement includes leading cross-functional teams with a focus on diverse perspectives and attending local government meetings to stay engaged with community issues. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment at City Market.

What opportunities and challenges do you see in the future of City Market?

The future of City Market presents opportunities to deepen community connections by building inspiring storytelling partnerships with local farms, highlighting their sustainable practices, and reducing the usage of seed oils in products, aligning with a growing consumer demand for healthier options. Challenges may include balancing these health initiatives with maintaining competitive pricing and navigating economic pressures. By focusing on innovative strategies and reinforcing our commitment to diversity, equity, and sustainability, City Market can continue to thrive and lead as a community-centered cooperative.