By Scott Whittemore 12/5/2018
Divya Desai is our Operations Manager and is responsible for making sure that everything runs smoothly. From information and technology management, to directly engaging with members, to making excellent tikka masala, Divya is an integral part of both the Co-op’s operations and creating a great work environment. Hopefully this interview paints a better picture of one of the Co-op staff who communicates with our members the most!
Can you explain your role at the Co-op?
My role is ever changing with the needs of the Co-op, but, currently I focus on internal operations such as system administration, vendor relationship management, information management, process improvement, technology, and office culture. I am also the in-house Salesforce administrator.
How long have you been on the team?
Two years!
What’s your favorite part of working at the Co-op?
Definitely the member-focused mentality. I believe in what we do here and love the fact that we’re doing it to better serve our members and the community.
What does sustainability mean to you?
I believe that sustainability means being a more conscious consumer and living in a way that allows us to better preserve the world for our future.
What do you do in your personal life to live sustainably?
I recycle a lot. I really try to reduce my usage of plastic and other forms of trash. I do my best to consciously avoid a lot of packaged foods both for health and sustainability reasons. Generally, my trashcan is a quarter of my recycling bin. I also actively conserve energy and water and try to shop local at farmers’ markets.
Any stand-out moments during your time at the Co-op so far?
Absolutely. The day I started, we scheduled a massive office cleaning; it was a fun way to spend a part of my first day and get to know my new colleagues. We were cleaning and talking, and while I was working on a drawer in the kitchen, I saw a huge bug. I am, pathetically, very scared of bugs and proceeded to scream bloody murder – pretty good first impression. But thankfully everyone was super nice about it and only poked a little bit of fun.
Any upcoming plans you’re excited for?
I’m getting married in June of 2019, so I’m very excited to marry my best friend! Other than that, lots of cooking experimentation. It’s what I love to do, and it’s taken a backseat to the craziness of life so definitely doing some cooking. I’m also hoping to start painting soon. I’ve dabbled a bit with acrylics, but I’d like to actually paint so I’m thinking about doing a piece for my apartment. I also hope to travel if time and life permit.
What’s your favorite part of winter, if any?
I love snow, so I always look forward to that! I don’t like when it gets gross and slushy, but snowfall always feels so magical and a fresh blanket of snow is beautiful. The winter also makes me think of the holidays which is such a happy time for me. Oh, and cozy sweaters of course. Laughs.
Favorite bar in the city?
That’s a tough one. If I had to choose it would be Indeblue. Indeblue is a restaurant, but they have a bar area and a great daily happy hour that goes from 5pm until the end of the night. They make the most delicious cocktails inspired by flavors of India which goes perfectly with the smell of delicious Indian food, and the bartenders are always so welcoming. We don’t get time to go to happy hour that often, but Indeblue is my fiancé and I’s favorite spot for a delicious cocktail after work every once in a while.
Favorite food to cook?
That’s an unfair question to ask of me because I LOVE to cook just about anything. I actually don’t know if I’ve ever been asked this question before. I’ll have to say Gujarati food. That’s the food from my home state in India. When I cook it, it makes me think of my mom, my home, and trips to India. It’s very comforting and also fun to cook.
