Mike Stroder
Governance Advisor (he/him)
Mike Strode is a distinguished community strategist and educator based in Chicago, known for his innovative contributions to the solidarity economy and mutual aid networks. As the founder of the Kola Nut Collaborative, Chicago’s only timebank, Mike has pioneered a platform for time-based service and skills exchanges, strengthening the civic and social fabric of neighborhoods throughout the city. Mike’s professional journey began as a consultant in the tech sector, where he developed a robust understanding of how to analyze and design around the technical needs of organizations. Transitioning to community work, he served as a Senior Technical Advisor at the Black Oaks Center for Sustainable Renewable Living, blending his technical expertise with sustainable practices. In 2017, Mike launched the Kola Nut Collaborative, which has become a vital resource for Chicago, promoting timebanking and social exchange. Under Mike’s leadership, the Kola Nut Collaborative has significantly expanded its reach and impact. Over the past two years, the Collaborative has engaged hundreds of community members in exchanging thousands of hours of service. This initiative has not only facilitated direct service exchanges but also fostered deeper community connections and mutual support, embodying the principles of the solidarity economy. At Open Collective Foundation, where Mike served as a Program Officer, he played a crucial role in expanding the organization’s impact. He was instrumental in driving the foundation’s growth from $2 million to $22 million by enhancing operational processes and strategizing funding initiatives. His efforts in fundraising and strategic partnership development raised over $20 million, supporting a diverse array of projects. Mike also co-designed equitable compensation models and facilitated governance processes that promoted transparency and collective decision-making, empowering community-led projects to thrive. Currently, Mike collaborates with Upside Down Consulting, leveraging his extensive experience in strategic partnership development, workshop facilitation, and governance process design. His work focuses on transitioning organizations to worker self-directed models, enhancing operational effectiveness, and promoting inclusive workplace cultures aligned with principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Accessibility (DEIBA). Mike serves on the boards of the New Economy Coalition, US Solidarity Economy Network, TimeBanks.Org, and the South Deering Manor Community Association. Additionally, he is a member of the steering committees for Collective Diaspora and PATHS Chicago. His prior advisory roles include the Chicago Advisory Redistricting Commission, the Community Wealth Building Advisory Council, and the Co-governance Steering Committee. Mike’s approach to economic activism is deeply rooted in sociocracy and collaborative leadership, aiming to create environments where all stakeholders have a voice in decision-making processes. He is committed to expanding the reach of the solidarity economy to new communities and sectors, developing innovative programs, and building robust partnerships to promote a more equitable and inclusive economic landscape. Mike Strode remains a pivotal figure in the solidarity economy movement, dedicated to reimagining economic systems to be more inclusive and equitable. Through his continued work in strategic planning, community engagement, and educational initiatives, Mike is not just a facilitator of change but also a catalyst for community empowerment and resilience.
