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Community Cooperative’s CEO, Stefanie Ink Edwards Joins FGCU Foundation Board to Further Community Impact in Southwest Florida

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Community Cooperative’s CEO, Stefanie Ink Edwards Joins FGCU Foundation Board to Further Community Impact in Southwest Florida

FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 4, 2025) – Community Cooperative is proud to announce that its Chief Executive Officer, Stefanie Ink Edwards, has been appointed to the Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) Foundation Board of Directors for the 2026-2029 term.

The FGCU Foundation is the official channel for private philanthropy to the university, managing contributions through annual giving, planned gifts, and special campaigns that directly support FGCU’s educational mission. Since its founding in 1993, the Foundation has played a vital role in shaping the university’s future through charitable giving for scientific, educational, and community advancement.

As a member of the FGCU Foundation Board, Stefanie will help guide the Foundation’s efforts to build meaningful community partnerships, raise awareness for private support, and ensure the responsible stewardship of donor gifts. The Board plays a critical governance role, voting on key initiatives and ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s policies and purpose.

“As a proud FGCU alumna, it’s an incredible honor to join the university’s Foundation Board,” said Stefanie Ink Edwards. “At Community Cooperative, we believe education and community empowerment go hand in hand—and I’m excited to help advance FGCU’s mission of academic excellence and meaningful impact across our region.”

Since 2021, Stefanie Ink Edwards has led Community Cooperative with vision and compassion, advancing its mission to end hunger and homelessness in Southwest Florida through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and community engagement. Her appointment reflects a shared commitment to improving lives and creating lasting change across Southwest Florida.

About Community Cooperative

Since 1984, Community Cooperative has worked to effectively eliminate hunger and homelessness in Southwest Florida while simultaneously inspiring and supporting sustained positive change in its clients by delivering innovative food, education, and social service programs. With a dedicated team of volunteers, board of directors and staff, Community Cooperative stays committed to its core responsibility to collect and distribute resources through a strong and viable network of community partners. Community Cooperative is an exemplary steward of the resources entrusted to it and serves clients with compassion and integrity. Through collaboration and ongoing education, Community Cooperative supports and strengthens those whose lives have been affected by hunger and homelessness, ensuring that they have access to the resources necessary to transform their lives with dignity.

About Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) Foundation

The Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) Foundation, established in 1993 by a group of committed community leaders, serves as the official channel for private philanthropic support to FGCU.  Its primary responsibilities include raising awareness for private support, ensuring fiduciary stewardship of all gifts, and advancing FGCU’s scientific, educational, and charitable mission. The Foundation’s Board of Directors plays an essential role in guiding these efforts, ensuring alignment with policies and the university’s long-term goals.

Media Contact: Aliyah Santana, Social Media & Marketing Coordinator, Aliyah@CommunityCooperative.com or call (239) 332-7687 ext. 105