Meet the Team
Phoenix Food Co-op Board of Directors
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Chef Michelle Daniels is an Arizona native and lifelong resident of South Phoenix. She began her 37-year career in the hospitality industry at age 19 as a dishwasher with Marriott International. During her 15-year tenure there, she gained extensive experience in all aspects of hospitality, service, and leadership, eventually serving as General Manager for several properties. In 2003, Michelle transitioned from the hotel industry to pursue her passion for culinary arts, graduating from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. She has since served as the Executive Chef for Scottsdale Healthcare (now HonorHealth) and Banner Health, as well as the Patient Services Manager for Banner – University Medical Center. In 2019, Michelle launched her own business, All About Food, where she serves as Chef de Cuisine. She brings vast knowledge of culinary arts, leadership, and problem-solving to her role with the Phoenix Food Co-Op. Additionally, Chef Michelle oversees Cafe Eden and the Hungry Wolf Cafe at St. Francis Xavier Elementary School.Dedicated to erasing food disparity, Chef Michelle joined the Co-Op to mentor, educate, and support efforts to close the food gap. As she often says, "Everyone deserves GOOD FOOD!" |
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Darren Chapman is originally from south-central Los Angeles, and moved to Phoenix when he was young. He smoked and drank at 7 years old, picked up a gun and tried to do harm at 8, and was arrested and jailed 8 times. He remembers being told by his 3rd grade teacher that the average life expectancy for a Black man from their community was 25 years old. Darren lived with his grandparents during the advent of gangs, urban sprawl, decay and drugs, and watched them build more than a garden of avocados and peaches in their backyard. They built a meeting place that greeted folks from all over their community. The beauty of what they built in the backyard, alongside the darkness developing in that same community forged Darren's thoughts and actions on who he wanted to be and ultimately how he wanted to live. Darren was recruited by the gangs, but then later by the City of Los Angeles and Phoenix and their police departments to bring down the violence. Through this, Darren realized that although he had lived a tough life, he might have a chance of living beyond the 25 years forecast by that third grade teacher. He set out on a mission of being a "fixer" or "go to" person for problems. He developed this niche position by helping his community through what that he learned in his grandparents’ backyard, and years of learning from humbling, tall tasks. Darren wants his neighborhood to be a place where anyone can live. In 2007, he founded Tiger Mountain Foundation (TMF) and has taken thousands on personal voyages, giving them a different perspective on their self-worth and sense of place through Community Gardens and edible Agri-Landscaping. Through these initiatives, Darren has empowered participants to become productive members of their economically disadvantaged communities in Phoenix. |
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Mika Valois is rooted in community. Guided by the Mayan saying In Lak'ech ("You are my other me") and the African proverb Ubuntu ("I am because you are"), she centers building trust, strengthening access to resources, and advancing equitable outcomes for historically underserved communities, including Black, Brown, Indigenous, and working-class populations. With experience in higher education, alternatives to incarceration, and coalition-building spaces, she remains committed to radical inclusivity and equitable learning environments. |
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A Project Manager and behavioral health professional, Vee Braxton is a powerhouse advocate for food sovereignty and community wellness in Phoenix. She currently channels her extensive expertise into urban agriculture and food equity, bridging the gap between clinical health and sustainable local food systems. Vee has been instrumental in driving high-impact initiatives like the Tiger Mountain Foundation's Big Catz Culinary Experience Gala, demonstrating her knack for blending large-scale logistics with community empowerment. Her commitment to the Phoenix Food Co-op is fueled by a belief that neighborhood-led food initiatives are the foundation of a healthy, thriving society. By combining her strategic mindset with a passion for urban farming, she is dedicated to cultivating a more inclusive and resilient food landscape for all. |
Lt. Colonel Joe BonivelSecretary |
Joseph Terry Bonivel is a retired Lt. Colonel from the Armed Forces who has two adult children and a six-year-old son. He attended The University of Texas and graduated as an officer in the Armed Forces (Black Ops division). During 29-years of Military Service, Lt. Colonel Bonivel advanced his education by obtaining a Law Degree from Notre Dame Law School plus an M.B.A. and M.A. from Webster University. His 29-year Military Service is accompanied with many accolades for service both on and off the field. Lt. Colonel Bonivel’s work experience as a civilian has been linked with some of the best 500 companies. However, it is his great love and respect for veterans that has led him into the work of advocacy support and training. Lt. Col Bonivel has worked with Veterans at the Carl Hayden VA Hospital as a Trainer and mentor of the Peer-to-Peer program and is an In-your-own voice presenter for the Maricopa County Crisis and Intervention Program. He is an elected member of the NAMI Veterans Council Executive Committee (NVC) and a member of the Arizona National Service Inclusion Work Team for veterans with disabilities. In addition, Lt. Col. Bonivel participated in a Nationwide Employee Educational DVD for the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he speaks on mental health recovery. His avid work and support of veterans has earned him ‘The President’s Call to Service Lifetime Award’ along with a ‘Recognition Award’ from the Governor’s office for volunteerism. Lt. Col. Bonivel continues to work vigorously in advocating for Veterans and their families. He is a great supporter and advocate for this cause, sharing his own life experience with mental illness. In doing so, he has brought hope, courage and awareness to others. |
Michelle Renee Daniels
Darren Chapman
Mika Valois
Vee Braxton