This week’s episode features Cristine Nardi, Vice President of Programs and Partnerships at U.S. Co-ops. Vernon and Cristine will discuss cooperative development, community economic empowerment, and building partnerships that strengthen local economies.
Cristine Nardi is a cooperative development strategist with more than three decades of experience advancing economic inclusion and shared prosperity. At U.S. Co-ops, she leads initiatives that support cooperative development and education while building partnerships to expand their impact.
Her commitment to community development began during her service in the U.S. Peace Corps, teaching in Botswana, and continued through her work with Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance (VOCA), including serving as country director in Uganda. That commitment also has roots in her family’s experience on their Virginia farm, where they grew and sold produce and flowers at the Charlottesville Farmers Market, providing firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities facing small producers.
A trained attorney, Cristine earned her J.D. with honors from the University of Wisconsin. She also served 15 years as Executive Director of the Center for Nonprofit Excellence, supporting and advising Virginia’s nonprofit community.
Join Vernon and Cristine for a compelling conversation.