Lisa Luken
Lisa Luken (she, hers) is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Leadership Studies and a Certificate of Graduate Study in Food Studies at the University of Southern Maine. Through her internship with Cooperative Development Institute, Lisa has supported New Roots Cooperative Farm and Isuken Co-op with grant writing and fundraising, marketing and community outreach, and other business development activities. She has also contributed to the business plan of a newly-developing, immigrant women-led childcare co-op, called Happy Little Paradise. Her background and experience in financials, coaching, and consulting, combined with her expertise in leadership and business development enabled her to support these immigrant refugee cooperatives working with CDI as they navigated the complexities of operating businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At CDI, we are so grateful to have had Lisa join our team during her internship, and extend warm thanks and appreciation for her contributions to the work. Lisa, it was so wonderful to work together and we wish you well in your future research! Lisa’s research focuses on rural community leadership and development, and she looks forward to continuing to support individuals in rural communities in creating sustainable livelihoods.
Eric Fleischmann
Eric Fleischmann (he/they) is pursuing undergraduate degrees in Anthropology and Philosophy at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. He is also an anarchist writer/activist working primarily in the traditions of mutualism, North American individualist anarchism, and contemporary left-libertarianism. Eric has contributed greatly to a large feasibility research project around a new innovative Community Food Center model for Lewiston, ME. Eric has authored several case studies, connected with community representatives and business model experts, and has been instrumental in analyzing findings.
It has been a pleasure working with Eric. We at CDI thank them for their great contributions and for the opportunity to work alongside such a passionate and thoughtful young individual. We regret not being able to meet and collaborate in person, but have managed to explore and build our research and connection through the wonders of technology. We understand the sacrifices and hard work that have gone into student life during the COVID-19 pandemic and appreciate all that Eric and his fellow students have accomplished in these difficult times. Thank you Eric and keep up the great work!