Greater Mankato Diversity Council

Past President
Jodi Sapp – A single mom for the last 20 years, Jodi works for REM Heartland in Mankato and is on District 77’s school board. Her son’s schizophrenia spurred her interest in mental heath issues. She serves on the Blue Earth County Human Services Advisory committee and the board of directors of the South Central Service Cooperative. Jodi notes that historically, Mankato is home to a large number of disabled who live in group homes and that this speaks well of our inclusiveness. Jodi’s dream for the future is that we all live cohesively in Mankato and believes that the Diversity Council will help provide respect, education and celebration for people of all diversities.

President
Dr. Michael T. Fagan – Michael has more than 35 years of experience working in multicultural studies and diversity training. He hopes to see Mankato develop more structures to serve its growing diverse population. Michael has earned a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree and doctorate in educational psychology. He is the vice president for Institutional Diversity at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Additionally, he has served as chairperson of the Mankato Human Rights Committee, as president of the Leisure Education for Exceptional People (LEEP) Board of Minnesota, Interim President of the Mankato Area Community National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), on the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, on the Greater Mankato Ethnic Diversity Council and on the Southern Sudanese Association. He and his wife have three grown children and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

First Vice President

Katie Nerem/Tara Snilsberg – Tara Snilsberg will temporarily fill this position through March, 2009. Katie Nerem will then take over the position in April, 2009. As Assistant County Administrator, Katie represents Blue Earth County government on the Diversity Council. She served on the Mankato YWCA Board of Directors for six years, an organization with the mission of Eliminating Racism and Empowering Women. Katie is the former Mankato Clinic Foundation President, where she further developed and shaped "Project Kindness," an innovative school-based program teaching students random acts of kindness, respect, sportsmanship, and courage. Because racism is learned, Katie believes programming offered by the Diversity Council proactively shifts the learned behaviors of Greater Mankato youth to respect and equality.

Second Vice President

Tara Snilsberg – A native of Mankato, Tara has a passion to help build an inclusive community full of opportunity and support. Her disability has encouraged her to educate and advocate for the unique differences in all. Tara is currently a student at Minnesota State University, Mankato and Bethany Lutheran College pursuing a degree in Sociology and Community Health. She enjoys her time with the Greater Mankato Diversity Council as a Board Member and Facilitator in the classroom. "We need to embrace one another and learn from each other. The horizon can never be too broad."

Secretary
Carie Robb – Caroline Robb believes in diversity and has committed the past 30 years of her life to it. She has worked as the Cultural Diversity Activities Coordinator at MSU and has recruited minorities nationally while employed at the MSU Minority Group Studies Center. She has also served on the St. Cloud District 742 Multi-Cultural Task Force, where she received the College of St. Benedict/St. John's University Cultural Relations Award for outstanding personal and professional involvement in building bridges of understanding across cultures in central Minnesota. Carie currently coordinates the Four Directions Interpreting/Translating Services (F.I.T.S.), a division of LA MANO, Inc. Carie has more than 30 years experience working with students, adults and advocacy agencies. She wants to see a positive change by building bridges between cultures. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology and minority studies.

Treasurer

Ismail Ahmed –Ismail considers himself “part of a painting called diversity.” He believes we can improve our community by promoting mutual respect and diversity acceptance. Ismail speaks English, Urdu, and Hindi. He has earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s degree in health care administration from the University of Minnesota. He is the Administrator for St. Peter Clinic and Oncology at Immanuel St. Joseph's–Mayo Health System. He and his wife, Hina, were married in India in 2003 and enjoy life with their daughter, Rida.

Lul Ahmed – Lul Ahmed believes in cooperation and collaboration, with a strong emphasis on family values. Ahmed has worked with several community groups and serves as a current board member for Region Nine Advisory Council on Aging. Ahmed is currently working at Blue Earth County Employment Services where she works with refugees on the Minnesota Family Investment Program and is also helping with the Minnesota New African Unity. She believes we need to look at the strategies of the GMDC to see what has been done and what needs to be improved. Her hope for the future is a healthy community that knows each other and works for the empowerment of its people. Ahmed holds Master of Science degree in ethnic studies and extension.

Julie Homan –As an educator for over 24 years, the goal has been to teach others to form respectful, welcoming, caring, and inclusive relationships with all people. When you work with others, remember you are a team and work together. The idea of, "We're in this together, it's o.k. to take a risk, and embrace uniqueness," are threads that are interwoven throughout the education. Julie has a passion for being an educator in the classrooms with Greater Mankato Diversity Council. It gives her a chance to begin building understanding with students about the uniqueness of each individual. Julie has recently graduated with a Master's in Education and Leadership from St. Mary's University in Winona. Julie has created and is implementing a Professional Development/Mentoring Program at Loyola Catholic School, where she currently teaches.

Tom Gjersvig – Tom has been directly involved with diverse populations both globally and locally the past 25 years. From his past work with Migrant Farm workers, to the global diversity of advising International students, he has been personally enriched by diversity. It is his wish that our community and individuals be similarly enriched by personally embracing diversity. He met his Costa Rican wife while serving as a Peace Corps volunteer. He currently directs the International Student and Scholar Services at Minnesota State University Mankato.

Marsha Danielson –

Vance Stuehrenberg – Ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and equally is the hope Vance has for the future of diversity in Mankato. After 27 years in law enforcement – five as “Officer Vance” in the School Liaison Program – Vance thinks he understands other cultures and lifestyles. He has served on the Steering Committee for Mankato Area Healthy Youth and Mankato Area Public School’s Anti-Violence Committee. Vance is currently co-owner of a Promotional Advertising company along with his wife Mary and teaches motorcycle training for the State of Minnesota. He also serves on the Mankato City Council.

Dr. Jean Haar–

Cindy McCabe – Cindy is a member of the Greater Mankato Diversity Council as an appointed representative for Nicollet County Social Services. She is a social services supervisor for the Children and Family Unit. The services she administers include: child protection, children’s mental health and general child welfare. Cindy is also the Coordinator for the Nicollet County Family Services Collaborative. She participates in a wide variety of local, regional and state meetings that are part of her job duties and responsibilities.

Bonnie Bennett– As an attorney for over 20 years, Bonnie has represented both employees and employers involved in conflict, many arising out of diverse perspectives. She believes that an underlying root of many of our workplace conflicts is a lack of understanding of each other and a deep commitment to respect for all people. She most recently served as the Vice President of Human Resources at Taylor Corporation, where she worked to create a work environment based upon respect. Serving on the Greater Mankato Diversity Council provides her the opportunity to build understanding between people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives and to enrich our community because of them.

Kuma Takamura –

Tim Tupy –