By: Anthony Hernandez, Board Member 
Fairness, Inclusivity, and Community
At our most recent annual meeting, I had the privilege of speaking with a few of the visionary leaders who founded Willy Street Co-op. As they shared their stories, I was struck by how the values they built this cooperative on—fairness, inclusivity, and community—have remained strong throughout our history.
From the very beginning, the Co-op was created as a place where people come together to meet shared needs and work toward common goals. That commitment has never wavered. A welcoming and open environment isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we live every day. You can see it in our stores, in our partnerships with vendors, and in the ways we give back to the community.
At the heart of everything we do is respect for one another—not as a business strategy, but as a core belief that strengthens our community. In good times and in challenging moments, we stand for fairness, respect, and an unwavering belief in the power of people coming together, no matter their backgrounds or perspectives.
Serving on this year’s Community Reinvestment Fund Committee reinforced this for me. I witnessed firsthand how the Co-op actively invests in local organizations that are making a difference. The funding we allocate directly supports causes that uplift and strengthen Wisconsin communities, creating lasting impact. This is not new work—it’s a long-standing commitment that continues to grow.
As activist and actor Jesse Williams has suggested, our actions should speak for us. And at Willy Street Co-op, they do. We have a strong record of meaningful engagement, and we will continue showing up—standing with our community, caring for one another, and working toward a more inclusive and hopeful future.
As we move forward together, we know challenges may arise, but our commitment to each other remains unshaken. Love and care are our greatest strengths, and we choose to build a future rooted in inclusion and positivity. Now more than ever, we are guided by the words of Coretta Scott King, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
