HOliday Parade Judge Genaro Gomez
This year, we've invited some of the many local unsung heroes of the pandemic to be recognized at our Annual Holiday Parade. Representing the grocery sector, we welcome Genaro Gomez.
Genaro has been with the Skagit Valley Food Co-op for 10 years as the Co-op’s Back of House Steward, working behind the scenes to keep everything moving smoothly.
Born in Chicago, Genaro came to the Skagit Valley via California, moving here in 2004 for his sophomore year at MVHS. In his junior year, Genaro became a part of the Performing Arts Club, putting on performances once a month, bringing musicians and performers to the Old Main Auditorium. This experience inspired Genaro to become a performer himself, playing acoustic guitar at open mics and family events whenever he has the opportunity.
Genaro’s other love is baseball, appreciating how baseball is both a team sport and an individual sport. “No other sport encapsulates every day life quite like baseball” says Gomez. “You might have a bad day, or the best game of your life. There is always tomorrow, and something to learn and do better the next day.”
As a decade-long Skagit Valley Food Co-op employee, Genaro loves the Co-op’s diverse community, getting to interact with his colleagues every day, and setting them up for success behind-the-scenes. One of the things that he has learned from the pandemic over the past 20 months is that people are resilient. Genaro has seen his colleagues step up and meet every challenge, no matter how many times things change, regardless of the various pressures. “My colleagues were there to step up and help serve the community the best way we knew how”, says Gomez. He also praises Co-op GM Tony White for his stewardship during the pandemic, acknowledging that Tony assumed leadership as the pandemic started. He notes how lucky he feels to be a part of the Co-op during this time, knowing that the Co-op really cares about the employees.
When asked what is your favorite part of the holiday season? Genaro’s answer was fitting: “Showing the people around you that you love and care about them - that’s what it’s all about."
To find out about our other honorees, click on the images below:
