Meet Our Staff

Amaha Sellassie

CO-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

amaha sellassie is a peace builder, social healer, freedom fighter, network weaver and lover of humanity. amaha is a practitioner scholar dedicated to building bridges of trust, healing historical wounds, and harnessing the unique gifts and talents of every human being as we press towards a just and equitable society. A lifelong community organizer, amaha currently serves as president of the Gem City Market board and as a founder and leader of many other community initiatives. amaha is also the Director of the Center for Applied Social Issues and a professor of sociology at Sinclair Community College.

Cherrelle Gardner

CO-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Cherrelle joined Co-op Dayton in 2020 to help build the just economy that we need and deserve in Dayton, Ohio. Originally from Columbus, Cherrelle moved here to study as an undergraduate at the University of Dayton and has since made Dayton her home. She earned her Master’s Degree in Education at Wright State University and worked in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at local universities. Cherrelle came to Co-op Dayton as a member-owner of the Gem City Market cooperative, and a facilitator and leader of other co-op projects, including a trucking co-op, fitness co-op, and real estate investment cooperative.

keanna daniels

CO-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

KeAnna Daniels, warmly known as Ke, is a macro social worker and community activator with an emphasis on ecosystem development, Black entrepreneurship and economic prosperity with healing as the foundation of transforming communities. She specializes in creating safe spaces, leading courageous conversations, convening and connecting, and challenging oppressive and toxic systems that are detrimental to our holistic wellbeing— in order to execute with excellence. KeAnna creates access points to information, opportunities, and resources. She is a global connector of people to people and people to resources. KeAnna is a transformer of spaces— and a visionary who executes.

KeAnna is currently the Co-Executive Director of Co-op Dayton, and has been an active board member with Co-op Dayton for the past 7 years prior to joining the leadership team. She is also a Co-Founder of two entrepreneurial enterprises in the healing and commercial real estate development spaces. KeAnna received her Bachelor’s degree from Miami University and her Master’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis.

Kacey Trueblood

OPERATIONS ADMINISTRATOR

Kacey Trueblood is a Dayton native and first-generation farmer with dedication deeply rooted in fostering community well-being, including support for food access and security, education, and mental health. She joined Co-Op Dayton as co-founder and farm manager of NuSol Farms, a collaborative farm in West Dayton, with a professional background in administration and operations. Her philosophy centers on advocating for regenerative practices that nurture the land and our community, aiming to establish shared success and sustainable growth in Dayton. Kacey strives to help create an equitable and just economy alongside a thriving ecosystem, prioritizing both human well-being and environmental health in the pursuit of overall prosperity.