Isaac Falcon-Campos

CANDIDATE STATEMENT

I am thrilled that The Merc Co+op has become a part of our community. My family and I have lived in the Kansas City, Kansas area for nearly 25 years, specifically in the 66101 and 66102 zip codes. When the Co+op opened in our community in July 2020, my family and I were very excited to shop for groceries there and decided to become owners. The Merc Co+op's mission, to provide our community with a place to shop, gather, eat, and learn by offering real food and sustainable products at reasonable prices through cooperative ownership and responsible commerce, resonates deeply with me.

With a Ph.D. in Applied Family Science and certification as a Family Life Educator from Kansas State University, I have dedicated my career to making a difference in the community. While I was a graduate student, I taught dance classes at the university, community centers, churches, schools, retirement homes, and community events. These opportunities helped me interact with a diverse range of people from various cultures, backgrounds, and professions, including military families. These experiences taught me about different foods from around the world and the importance of having the right ingredients available to create those dishes.

After graduating, I worked in the mental health field, assisting individuals transitioning to independent living after incarceration. I was promoted to supervise two group homes with about 15 residents and 14 staff members, and we all oversaw the facilities 24/7 as a team. In the group homes, we not only taught residents how to cope with their symptoms and prepare for independent living but also focused on cooking healthy meals and maintaining a balanced diet. They learned the importance of having the right ingredients for each recipe. Additionally, during COVID, we accompanied our residents to the grocery store to purchase their favorite snacks while ensuring they followed safety protocols, as it was crucial for our group homes to remain COVID-free. I observed how disappointed some residents would be when their desired products were unavailable or out of stock and how their choice of store depended on product availability, even if it meant traveling further in the community. In this role, I also gained experience collaborating with state and federal institutions, adhering to regulations, and working with other agencies serving the community.

While working in the mental health field, I decided to teach classes as an adjunct professor at Donnelly College, where I graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Arts in 2010. Since joining Donnelly College as a faculty member in 2018, I have engaged with diverse groups, promoting cultural understanding and fostering connections as a bilingual educator. As Director of the Career Services and Academic Support Center at Donnelly College, I have had the opportunity to further contribute to our student body, collaborate with local businesses, and participate in several committees to enhance collaborative efforts at the college.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I am passionate about community service. I have coached youth boxing through the Police Athletic Academy (PAL) located near one of your locations. I also taught community dance classes in Kansas City. These experiences aimed to improve health and wellness within our community.

I would like to serve on The Merc Co+op’s Board of Directors because I am passionate about community engagement and sustainability, and I believe that a cooperative model fosters local empowerment and economic resilience. Being part of the board would allow me to contribute my skills and insights to support The Merc’s mission, help guide its strategic direction and ensure that it continues to meet the needs of its members while promoting ethical practices and inclusivity. Joining the board would also provide me with an opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals committed to enhancing our community's well-being. I am committed to honoring the responsibilities of this role and contributing to our community's mission.