Tune into WOL 1450 AM, 95.9 FM or the WOL Livestream on Thursday, August 13 at 10:30 a.m. EDT Everything Co-op.
This week, host Vernon Oakes takes listeners on a personal journey through the experiences that shaped him into the cooperative advocate and leader he is today. Rather than simply reflecting on a distinguished career, Vernon shares how each chapter of his life became a stepping stone that ultimately led him to embrace the cooperative business model and dedicate himself to advancing it.
From teaching mathematics at York College and marketing at Howard University, to leading Cummins de Puerto Rico and launching his own property management company after discovering a passion for real estate, each experience provided valuable lessons in leadership, education and community.
It was while managing a limited equity housing cooperative that Vernon first encountered the cooperative business model. True to his analytical nature and lifelong love of research, he immersed himself in learning everything he could about cooperatives. What began as a professional responsibility soon became a personal passion.
Join us as Vernon reflects on the people, experiences and principles that transformed not only his approach to management and leadership, but also his vision for building stronger businesses and more resilient communities through cooperation.