For National Co-op Month this year, we're delighted to shine the spotlight on Shawn Mack (MO#1011), who practices cooperative principles year-round as the Operations Manager at Honest Weight Food Co-Op in Albany, NY.

Although Shawn works in Albany and lives in a rural area of Upstate NY where he has been renovating a home he purchased with his family, he has deep roots in Schenectady and has continued to be engaged in community life.  A man of many talents and interests, Shawn has developed a holistic approach to pursuing his passion for health and wellness. 

Let's hear a bit more about Shawn in his own words, and how he found his way into the world of cooperative economics, both as Operations Manager at Honest Weight and as a Member-Owner in the Electric City Community Grocery. 

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your passion for health and wellness led you into participation on food cooperatives? 

I grew up in Schenectady NY, and was a graduate of Schenectady High School.  After High School, I spent most of my career in Warehousing, Distribution, and Supply Chain in both state and private sectors. During this time I acquired my Bachelors degree in human development with the goal of becoming a mental health counselor. Feeling an urgency to help others more immediately, and to add to a more focused holistic approach, I became a certified health coach before making commitments to further my schooling with a Masters.  I realized that helping others in their wellness journey and meeting them where they are at is a fulfilling part of my life. As of now I have postponed further schooling due to my current plate being full. 

I moved away from the supply chain side of the industry a couple of years ago and ventured towards a new endeavor: Cooperatives. I am currently the Operations Manager at Honest Weight Food Co-Op in Albany, NY. It's been a breath of fresh air to be part of something more connected with people and community that also feeds my passion for health and wellness. 

From a holistic perspective, I recognize that the mind, body, and soul are connected, and that they all need nourishment. I have a hunger for knowledge and learning about myself. I enjoy listening to audiobooks during long drives, or feeding my love for hip hop. 

I've discovered an artistry and satisfaction with cooking.  I love cooking plant based food and teaching others how to make plant based alternatives while maintaining cultural significance.  I'm currently exploring new recipes to share with folks in combination with a plant based transition book. 

I'm a driven person with a calm demeanor. I'm a deep thinker by nature; reflective and understanding. I try to treat people the way I would like to be treated. It's important that people are seen and heard.  Fun fact about me: I am a dynamic person. I also don't like small talk. So deeper and more meaningful conversations allow me the space to share different facets of my life, while also compassionately listening to someone. 

What do you like about being part of the co-op community? 

The collective input of thoughts and ideas which makes heavier lifts more manageable. With this process and cooperative culture, you gain multiple perspectives, thought, opinions, and ideas. This could slow down the speed of action, but that extra time allows for clarification of intentions and stronger outcomes. 

What will having a downtown grocery mean to you?

For me, having a grocery store in downtown Schenectady reflects opportunity for not only healthy and affordable food options, but also to have a cooperative in the neighborhood.

I think that expanding knowledge of cooperatives is important. Cooperative economics is something we could use as a counter to our current system which highlights individuality and consumption.

Community is important and food cooperatives play a pivotal role in this. 

What do you love about Schenectady?

What I love about Schenectady is its resilience. I grew up here and then moved to Albany. Back to Schenectady, then back to Albany/Troy area. At different stages of my life, I have seen this city at lows, and also points of abundance and creativity. Although I don't currently reside in Schenectady, and live in a rural area now, I can feel the energy when I visit. Its part of my roots.