Hello, TPSS Co-op Community,
I am pleased to fill this important and unique role! Community Engagement Managers are typically responsible for serving as a bridge between a company or organization and the public, but in the case of the Co-op, it’s a bit more nuanced because YOU, the community, are the Co-op. Whether you’re a member-owner, shopper, Board member, neighbor, or a local producer, this store is yours, and you have a direct say in its future and how it meets your needs.
My goal is to ensure that you are aware of every opportunity to get the most out of and contribute to your Co-op. From sales on individual products to big plans for our second store, I will keep you in the loop.
I have lived in Takoma Park for five years and lived in northwest Washington, DC for ten years before that. Prior to joining the Co-op, I spent a decade in federal government consulting, primarily with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). In this capacity, I developed comprehensive communications strategies, training programs, and tools to help USAID staff use programmatic data for evidence-informed strategic planning. I look forward to applying my skills in communications, stakeholder engagement, and data analysis and visualization here at the Co-op.
In a volunteer capacity, I am the executive director of Local Maternity Thread, a community initiative I started in August 2022 to support expecting families. The initiative began with a focus on keeping maternity clothing in circulation through donation and exchange. Now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Local Maternity Thread also offers hyper-local prenatal support groups, providing peer-to-peer emotional and practical support. We are growing throughout the DC region, with a goal of creating a robust network of family support. I am passionate about reducing textile waste, supporting maternal and family health, and building strong, resilient community networks.
In my free time, I enjoy sewing, hiking, geocaching, local history, ancestry research, baking, thrifting, and organizing neighborhood gatherings. I live with my husband Alex and two kids.
I am thrilled to bring my love of Takoma Park, professional background, and passion for community building and sustainability to the TPSS Co-op. I look forward to meeting you, hearing your ideas, and working together to strengthen this important community institution. Please feel free to stop me in the aisles, or reach out to me directly. I’m excited to get to work!
Amy Leo,
Community Engagement Manager
aleo@tpss.coop