Drinking the Co-op Kool-Aid

October 11, 2023

“Drinking the Kool-Aid” might usually imply blind loyalty, but for those who’ve tasted the green nectar of the Co-op Kool Aid, it symbolizes something else: an unquenchable thirst for the cooperative spirit. This isn’t just another beverage on the shelf; it’s a unique blend of community, commitment, and collaboration. And at Powerful, we’ve not only taken a sip, we’re savoring every drop.

It’s one thing to sample the Co-op Kool Aid, and quite another to be truly immersed in its vibrant green essence, the signature shade of the NRECA. At Powerful, we’ve had not one, not two, but three individuals who not only drank the Co-op Kool Aid but let its flavors shape their futures.

Powerful isn’t just another website design team; we’re an embodiment of the cooperative spirit. This is evident in our dedication to creating sites for cooperatives, knowing that these platforms play an essential role in maintaining the cooperative values and principles we hold dear. Our team’s values align seamlessly with the cooperative principles, making it only natural that we’d want to amplify the work and experiences of youth who’ve been positively impacted by cooperative opportunities.

Crafting Tomorrow’s Cooperative Leaders

The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour has been more than just a week in Washington, D.C. It’s been a launchpad for young minds, igniting a passion for cooperative work. Caleigh Pickard, Leanna Thesken, and Daniel Bischoff are 3 shining examples of how the NRECA’s Youth Tour Program has propelled them towards careers that embody the cooperative spirit.

Caleigh’s Cooperative Commitment

Back in 2015, Caleigh Pickard took her first sip of the Co-op Kool Aid during the NRECA Youth Tour, thanks to First Electric Cooperative. She made her mark, representing Arkansas as their Youth Leadership Council Delegate.

Caleigh Pickard serving as NRECA Youth Tour Staff.

Caleigh’s college years were just as electric. From coordinating multiple Youth Tours to working magic with the Co-Ops Vote program, Caleigh gave back to the program that meant the most to her.

My journey, beginning as an Arkansas Youth Tour delegate and evolving into a staff assistant, ignited my passion for cooperatives, showcasing their incredible impact on communities. These formative experiences ignited my passion for serving cooperatives, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, unity, and the enduring strength of communities. – Caleigh Pickard

Project Managers, Caleigh and Leanna, collaborate on a project.

Now at Powerful, she’s putting all those years of cooperative experience into action. As Project Manager, Caleigh ensures every website we handle is not just built, but built with a touch of that cooperative spirit.

As a member of the Powerful team, I’m grateful for the path that led me here, emphasizing how our early service and leadership experiences profoundly shape our professional trajectories and inspire me to continue making a positive impact in the cooperative community. – Caleigh Pickard

Leanna’s Cooperative Connection

Leanna Thesken started her cooperative journey with a sip of the Co-op Kool Aid representing Hawaii during the 2017 NRECA Youth Tour and Youth Leadership Council programs. She then poured her skills into her local energy-provider, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, as a Communications Assistant. She gained greater perspectives about cooperatives through Pioneer Utility Resource’s internship program. Now, as part of the Powerful team, Leanna ensures that the websites we work on reflect her same understanding and passion for cooperatives.

Leanna Thesken stands with Kauai Island Utility Board Members and fellow Youth Tour alumni.

Had you told to my 17-year-old self that my choice to embark on the Youth Tour would be the compass guiding my future, I would have met you with disbelief. Yet, here we are! – Leanna Thesken

Daniel’s Cooperative Compass

If you’ve ever met someone with cooperative DNA, it’s Daniel Bischoff. His journey kicked off at the NRECA Youth Tour, thanks to WST Electric. His initial taste of the Co-op Kool Aid led him to represent Louisiana in the Youth Leadership Council, and from there, roles at NRECA’s government relations, the Association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives (ALEC) and the Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC).

Youth Tour gave me an opportunity to see what was outside my two-stop light town, it not only taught me how cooperatives functioned but gave me the insight on our democracy works in Washington DC. It put me in a room with my representatives to see first hand how they fight for me back home each day. – Daniel Bischoff

Daniel Bischoff representing Louisiana as an NRECA Youth Tour Staff member.

With a glass full of cooperative experiences, Daniel now serves at Powerful, offering our utility partners a perfect mix of his deep-rooted cooperative values and sharp website insights. He ensures every project has that distinct Co-op Kool Aid flavor: genuine, committed, and community-driven.

One of the most amazing things about Powerful is that I still get to give back to those Co-ops that changed my life all those years ago. – Daniel Bischoff

A Cascade of Co-op Kool-Aid

For Powerful, the cooperative journey doesn’t end at the Youth Tour. In fact, it’s just the beginning. By integrating young talents like Caleigh, Leanna, and Daniel into our workforce, we’re not just offering employment; we’re reigniting the cooperative spirit. Their background in cooperatives resonates with our team’s values, ensuring every website we create is infused with the essence of cooperation.

Beyond just work, Powerful aims to create a ripple effect. By connecting these cooperative enthusiasts with utility communicators across the country, we’re ensuring the spirit of cooperation spreads far and wide.