meet Our Leadership
Kendal Parker (she/her/ella)
Governance and Marketing Lead
Elected term: May 2022 - May 2025
Kendal@kingstonfoodcoop.com
Hi, I’m Kendal! I was born & raised here in Kingston, NY and I have a degree in Sociology from the illustrious Howard University. A little background - I went on my first missionary trip at 15 years old, and since then, I knew community development was my passion. I’ve spent the last 7 years serving others in any way possible. This has led me to volunteer in the Dominican Republic, Peru, and Southeast DC. I also spent 2021 with AmeriCorps, teaching at an elementary school in Baltimore. This past fall, I finally returned to my hometown to give back to the community that made me who I am today! I now work with multiple non-profit organizations, including Thrive On! Network and Seasoned Gives.
I joined the Kingston Food Co-Op because I truly believe in a more sustainable, inclusive future for our city. I’ve watched Kingston transform before my eyes these past few years - as I’ve seen happen in many other cities - and I want to see these changes work in favor of Kingston residents, rather than against us. I see the Kingston Food Co-Op as an opportunity for us to take some power back, and work together toward a brighter future. I hope to see this model utilized in other aspects of our community as well.
Dr. Sway Rosario-Caliz (he/him/el)
Council Treasurer
Appointed term: January 2024 - January 2025
Sway@kingstonfoodcoop.com
Dr. Sway Rosario-Caliz is a Puerto Rico native of African descent; he has focused on social justice and creating pathways that allow communities to truly explore and embrace their identities and the possible intersectionality within them. Sway is a proud first-generation Afro-Latino college graduate and a product of the State University of New York. He earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and religious studies at Buffalo State University, an MS in higher education and student affairs administration, and a Doctor of Education at Fairleigh Dickinson University. He is also an ordained Priest with the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches. Sway is excited to join the Kingston Food Coop. He looks forward to meeting members and continuing to build that sense of community.
Keyvious Avery (he/him/el)
Council President
Elected term: June 2021 - May 2024
Keyvious@kingstonfoodcoop.com
Hey folks—Keyvious, here! I moved to the area for school (Bard College), and am staying in the area for Kingston; it’s welcoming community impelling me to call this place home. I have been involved with non-profit initiatives since the early age of 9—coming to age in a non-profit aerial circus—through various camps in addition to starting other non-profit campaigns and initiatives. The "non-profit"-er in me has led to work in Kingston through THRIVE ON! Kingston, Hudson Valley Current and...(drumroll)... Kingston Food Co-op!
As an economist: I have taught Yale courses in Startup Entrepreneurship, designed systems through local currencies, and continue to explore and challenge theories in Macroeconomic Stability. As a creative: I run a circus, write poetry and music, and dive into the world of acoustic guitar. As a community-first entrepreneur: I've created lasting initiatives through Kingston. As a new community member: I look forward to grabbing a bite, riding a bike, getting to know, and cultivating change with you!
Siobhan DuPont (she/her/ella)
Communications and Vendor Relations Lead
Siobhan@kingstonfoodcoop.com
Hi! My name is Siobhan and I am a long time resident of Midtown Kingston. I became involved in non-profit work guiding youth and adolescents in high school and all throughout college, where I discovered my passion for food, health, and wellness. As the Youth Advocate for the Kingston YMCA Farm Project, I was able to gain deeper insight into the structure of our local food system and connect with multiple organizations in the community working to improve the quality of life for Kingston residents. I am enthusiastic about working to shape a more equitable and just food system here in Kingston through my work with Kingston Food Co-op. I enjoy bike riding, visiting with family, trying new recipes, and traveling.
Get in touch with us!
We’d love to hear from you! Email us at council@kingstonfoodcoop.com.
Thank you to our former Council members for their contributions and dedication to the co-op
Katy Kondrat
Joe Greenburg
Rachel Yeager
Verónica Martinez-Cruz
Ali Toxtli
Lyndsay von Miller
Nina Stender
Thank you to our initial Steering Committee members for helping to get our co-op off the ground!
Evelyn Wright
Sophie Ackoff
Phil Horvath
Rayna Puglisi Clarke
Omari Washington
Sarah Wenk
Sara Sylvester
Matt Berlin