Meet Board of Director Julie O'Dwyer
When not working on Board of Director efforts, my profession is an Interior and Building Designer. I own the Ashland Design Studio, located in the Historic Railroad District, and have a design services studio there - JulieO Design. I have been in the architectural design business my whole life; from crawling around my father's architectural studio to traveling around the world working on buildings large and small to now having created my own niche in the local building community. I took a few years off this path to own and run Tease Restaurant here in Ashland. It was a wonderful journey that allowed me to meet and support so many great artistic and culinary talents here in the Rogue Valley.
I moved to Ashland 15 years ago from the Bay Area. We came here because we wanted a great place to raise my two daughters. Both of my girls went all the way through grade school at the Siskiyou School and that experience was the foundation for my understanding of how amazing this community is. My eldest daughter, Victoria, is now living and working in NYC. My youngest daughter, Olivia, will be graduating from AHS next spring after spending an exchange year in Belgium and will be going to college in some far flung location I am sure. Both girls have grown to see Ashland as their home and I couldn't be prouder.
In addition to my work for the AFC Board of Directors, I am a 10 year member of the Ashland Elks; enthusiastic member of the Chamber of Commerce; founding member of the Splinter Group; volunteer for AIFF; advocate and cheerleader for our local wineries; enjoy my book club and knitting circle; devoted to Yoga and an unabashed shoeaholic.
What inspired you to run for the Ashland Food Co-op Board of Directors?
Originally, I joined the Board at the invitation and recruitment of other Board Directors. I saw this Board as a opportunity for me to use my talents and knowledge for the benefit of one of Ashland's finest institutions. I decided to run again because in the course of those first three years, I learned so much about the great things the Ashland Food Coop does and how much more we have to offer. I was inspired by achievements both locally and nationally of our very successful Co-op and so many other co-ops across this country. Being part of the Board of Directors is a unique opportunity to see how our local efforts can positively influence community here and afar.
What do you hope to accomplish in your 3-year term?
During these next three years I am focused on developing and reinforcing the Board of Director's presence with all our Owners. As a cooperative, our Board represents the interests of our owners but also needs to focus on the future needs and challenges. I truly hope to help create a more involved and participatory ownership that understands all that the Ashland Food Co-op can offer to them and our community.
What is the one product from the Co-op you can't live without and why?
Just in case someone wants to surprise me on my birthday, I always love a little Honey Mama's Lavender Red Rose Cacao-Nectar Bar!
More Co-op News
September Change for Good: AFC Community Fund
As we enter the beautiful month of September here in Southern Oregon, we're excited to share that our Change for Good partner this month is our very own Community Fund. As many of you know, the Community Fund allows us to support amazing local projects and organizations doing great work right here in Southern Oregon.
August Change for Good - Partnering with ACCESS to Make a Difference!
We are honored to partner with ACCESS this August - a fantastic organization that has been serving our community for over four decades. ACCESS, which stands for "A Community in Action, Connecting, Empowering, and Strengthening Self-Sufficiency," is dedicated to addressing hunger, homelessness, and poverty in Southern Oregon.
Empowering Our Community: AFC's Community Grants Now Accepting Applications
As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the local community, AFC is thrilled to announce the that we are accepting applications for our Community Grants program.
Ashland Food Co-op's Community Grants program is designed to foster meaningful change in the Southern Oregon region. Through these grants, we seek to support projects that align with our mission of promoting local and sustainable food systems, addressing food insecurity, and promoting community engagement.
July's Change for Good Partner - Maslow Project
Ashland Food Co-op is thrilled to partner with Maslow Project for our Change for Good program! Maslow Project is an incredible organization that works tirelessly to support homeless youth and families in Southern Oregon. Their mission is to empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency, and they do this through a range of services including housing assistance, medical care, and educational support.
June 2023 Change for Good Partner: Southern Oregon Land Conservancy
The Ashland Food Co-op is teaming up with the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy (SOLC) as its Change for Good partner for this month. This collaboration aims to support SOLC's mission of conserving Southern Oregon's natural landscapes and habitats.
Bicycle Benefits
Here at the Co-op we are on a mission to promote healthy lifestyles and sustainable practices within our community.
May 2023 Change for Good Partner: Talent Maker City
Talent Maker City's mission is to build a more connected, prosperous, and resilient community through hands-on creativity and innovative STEAM-based learning. (STEAM = Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math.) They have a bustling Makerspace facility, brimming with creative energy in downtown Talent offering hands-on STEAM-based workshops and programming for curious minds of all ages!
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo
We're always learning and growing here at the Co-op and with the approach of Cinco de Mayo we thought we would share a (very) brief history lesson and some thoughts on celebrating this holiday here in the United States.
April 2023 Change for Good Partner: Pollinator Project Rogue Valley
From Kristina Lefever, Pollinator Project Rogue Valley President
March 2023 Change for Good: Klamath Bird Observatory
From Klamath Bird Observatory, March 2023's Change for Good partner:
Frederick Douglass And Co-ops in 1846
When Douglass Came to Rochdale, England a Slave and Left a Free Man
By David J Thompson
February's Change for Good partner: OHRA
OHRA helps low-income people build better lives through access to social service resources. By helping
people move from crisis to stability, OHRA builds more capable individuals, stronger families, and a
better community. We have three core programs:
January Change for Good Partner: Ashland Food Angels
December Change for Good Partner: Rogue Action Center
December's Change for Good Partner is
Rogue Action Center
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The Rogue Action Center (RAC) builds organizing infrastructure, leaders, and community power for a just, inclusive, and sustainable Southern Oregon for everyone.