Greater Mankato Diversity Council

Jim Abraham– Jim has been involved in numerous Mankato area organizations, including the United Way, South Central College, School to Work programs, South Central Workforce Council and has served on various boards of his church and others. Jim has been with Taylor Corporation in Human Resources for 21 years and the previous 9 years with Midland Ross-Mictex Division also in Human Resources. He is married and has 2 grown married daughters and 1 granddaughter. He and his wife now live in Le Sueur and in Mankato prior to this for 30+ years.

Amy Anderson – Cohort 8

Tanya Ange – Cohort 8

Laura Bemel – Laura grew up in Anoka, MN, and has lived and worked all over the Midwest before landing in Mankato in 2002. She went to Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois and has taught kindergarten in Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico and middle school in diverse suburbs of Chicago and Detroit. In Mankato she has taught pre-service teachers and currently works in the Office of Field Experience at MSU Mankato to help connect teacher candidates to P-12 schools to improve learning for all those involved. Laura has delighted in her interactions with insightful students her own great kids and her husband.

Raoul Blackman – Raoul lives in Nicollet and works as Assistant City Forester for the City of St. Peter. His professional background includes an Honors Degree in Environmental Geoscience from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. He has a large family, mainly in the UK, but has moved throughout the world. Raoul, who is of mixed heritage, is interested in the Gustavus Adolphus Diversity Center, as well as the GMDC, where he is a facilitator. He has experienced, either deliberately or unintentionally, many aspects of racism, religious persecution and sexism and wants to be a participant in challenging misconceptions, not a spectator. Raoul would like to help make whatever community he lives in a congenial environment.

Nana Boakye– Nana was born and raised in Ghana, West Africa and came to the U.S. in 1999 to seek the American Dream he had heard so much about. Diversity to Nana is what we all make of it and there's always room to expand your horizon. He graduated from MSU in 2010 with a degree in English/Speech Education and is currently pursuing his Master's in TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language). Nana has served as a Community Advisor, Student Ambassador, chaperoned college tour Mania, Institutional Diversity Ethnic Heritage Camp advisor, Homecoming King in 2009, all on MSU campus. He feels that as a PRW facilitator there's so much to learn as well as to give back to the community. He has a passion for soccer and hopes someday to coach his own team. If it weren't for friends and family, he wouldn't be who he is today, and that is why he always lives by his parents' favorite quote: "Count your blessings, not hour problems." Nana's hope for the future is to travel to different parts of the world and to provide education for the needy so that they, too, can impact the world in a positive manner.

Judy Brandon– Judy grew up in Detroit, Michigan and received her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from the University of Michigan. She has been in Mankato since 1969, where she was a teacher and is a retired school principal. Judi currently serves on the Mankato School Board. Throughout her life she has had experiences that highlight both the delights and perils of navigating a diverse society. As a life-long educator, Judi believes that children start out accepting everyone and that hate and prejudice are taught. It is our responsibility to work to undo that prejudice and encourage our youth to become thoughtful, open-minded adults.

Jeremy Burger – Jeremy feels like he is a piece of the larger community puzzle and that he is able to connect with many people with varieties of backgrounds. He currently is a teacher and coach in District 77. Jeremy feels that this community needs to continue to strive for change and understanding. This will be a continual process that will never be and should never be complete. He has a very supportive wife and two young boys who make him want to strive to make this community the best that it can be now and into the future.

Jeanne Burkhart – Jeanne is passionate about working with people. She has a degree in women’s studies and a doctorate in psychology. She has also attended numerous conferences that focus on diversity. These skills provide her with a foundation to teach multicultural counseling, run Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) programs and work with individuals who are racially diverse and live at different poverty levels. Jeanne works at Adult, Child and Family Services. She lives with her partner and their children in the Mankato area.

Yvonne Cariveau – Yvonne's youngest brother is deaf. Though he is different from her in some ways, he is the same in many others. Throughout her youth, Yvonne met kids with lots of physical and mental differences. She learned early that all of us have limits, all of us have strengths and that judging by just one part of who a person is can lead to wrong conclusions. When she was in school, Yvonne studied Spanish and French. As an adult, she has lived in Mexico and has traveled in Europe and Canada. Yvonne hopes to visit every continent, as she loves to learn about other cultures and people.

Lisa Coons – Lisa seeks to make Mankato a great place to live regardless of a person’s background. She encourages all to reduce fears of differences and disagreements in order to create a society that celebrates each individual for his or her unique gifts. Lisa, who has a bachelor’s degree in interpersonal communications and a master’s degree in women’s studies, teaches social justice issues as a faculty member at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She volunteers at the MRCI Thrift Store and serves on the Citizens Voices Committee. She and her partner were the 2005 dedicatees for the South Central Pride Festival in Mankato. She is a proud parent of a young daughter.

Thia Cooper – Thia is a religion professor at Gustavus Adolphus College who likes to study a variety of religious traditions, in particular Christianity in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. She has a hobby farm in New Sweden, MN. Thia grew up with her mom in a poor neighborhood in NH and experienced both privilege and discrimination: discrimination from being poor and privilege from excelling in school. She has been able to live and work in England, Scotland, and Brazil and is happy to be settled in rural MN. Working for the Diversity Council is a great way for her to interact with students in elementary and high school around issues of prejudice reduction.

Anika Cristwell – Raised in Kansas City, MO, Anika switched schools (public and private) 7 times in 7 years. She holds a Bachelor's in Horticulture from Virginia Tech and an MFA in Creative Writing from MSU. Akika collaborates with Good Cooks Dance Company & coddles weeds at Good Counsel's community garden. She's worked at various jobs, staffed Silhouette magazine, done campus activism, theater, radio, etc. She's working on a children's book.

Maria Cruz – After finishing law school in Monterrey, Mexico, Maria decided to give it a try and live the American experience for a few months. She started learning English in Nebraska and liked it so much that she went for an AA degree in business. During that time, Maria worked as an interpreter in a recognized law firm in that same state. The latter was a big eye opener for Maria, who transferred to MSU with the purpose of getting a bachelor's degree in English. The GMDC is for her the perfect way to apply all the knowledge she learned in Nebraska and make sure people can be treated fairly, regardless of their race, sex, and cultural background.

Mike Daly – Mike grew up in Moorhead, MN and moved to Mankato in 1966 after graduating from Moorhead State University. He worked in social work and business before retiring. He has been active in community affairs for many years and is currently president of the Mankato Diversity Kiwanis. At the University he is on the board of the Friendship Family Program and works with the International Student Association. An avid sailor and traveler, Mike has been in 16 countries and 48 states. His hobbies include amateur radio, music, photography, and computer and technical applications. A member of Cohort 5, Mike has enjoyed the full range of facilitator assignments with all ages.

Marsha Danielson – Working to make Greater Mankato a more inclusive and economically vital community fits Marsha's passion to meet new people and make personal connections with them. In her current position as Dean of Economic Development at South Central College she provides leadership for the education, training and consultative services SCC provides to strengthen the regions' business, non-profit and government organizations. She currently serves on the YWCA Board of Directors and as a Greater Mankato Growth Ambassador. Marsha has been trained in diversity issues and participated in the Blandin Community Leadership program. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Master's Degree in Education Administration, both from Minnesota State University, Mankato. . Marsha lives in Greater Mankato and enjoys time with her husband Bruce and family.

Laura Dauffenbach – Laura is currently pursuing her K-12 teaching licensure in ESL through MSU's Graduate Teacher Licensure rogram. She has a B.S. in Geography and a M.S. in Experiential Eduction. She is from Mankato and has been coaching diving in town for over a decade at Mankato East, MSU, Mankato Area Diving Club and is in her eighth year with Mankato West. She has also traveled extensively as a professional high diver, which has allowed her the opportunity to meet people from all over the country and world. Laura's interest in promoting diversity stems from a curiosity about human geography and how people interact within their environment.

DeWayne Dobbins – DeWayne was born in Houston, Texas and for the first nine years of his life was raised in La Grange, Texas on his grandparents' farm, which provided a fascinating setting for childhood development and outdoor adventures. He lost his left arm at the age of seven in a tractor accident. DeWayne later moved back to Houston Texas to live with an aunt and uncle when his mother passed away. He was married in 1973 and moved to New Orleans in 1981 and then to Mankato in 2003. While in New Orleans he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and decided to move to Mankato for graduate school, where he has earned Master's Degrees in Rehabilitation Counseling and Ethnic Multicultural Studies. He is currently pursuing graduate studies in Nonprofit Management & Leadership. DeWayne is an Academic Support Advisor at MSU. His ultimate goal is to continue getting education and to eventually become involved in the Mankato community in some capacity.

John Dorn – John was born in the old St. Joseph's Hospital in 1943. For the first ten years of his life, he lived on North 6th Street, below the Kato Brewery, which provided a fascinating setting for childhood games and adventures. He attended St. John's University in Collegeville. He and his wife lived in Milwaukee and Madison, WI before moving to Hawaii where he taught for three years. They returned to Mankato in 1971 where John taught a variety of English courses in the Mankato Public Schools and raised a family of three children. John served in the MN House of Representatives from 1987-2006. Though retired, John continues to substitute teach and enjoys playing with his four grandchildren as time allows.

Donna Drganc –Donna is a white woman raised on the East Coast and does not see herself as very diverse (except perhaps for her age). She has worked her entire adult life with people with mental and physical disabilities and has experienced discrimination towards them firsthand. She is currently employed by the Harry Meyering Center, Inc. as the Coordinator of Program Initiatives. Donna believes that Mankato is a good place to live for the people with whom she works. She hopes that the community continues to improve in the area of accepting people of color, as Mankato was "very white" for a long time. Donna's hope for the future is that relationships become more important than skin color, language accents, sexual orientation, and levels of capabilities.

Kinney Eberhart – Kinney grew up in this community and has delighted in the changes that have brought diversity to Mankato, Teaching in the Mankato Public Schools for 26 years gave her the opoortunity to interact with people who have come to this city from far places and different backgrounds. She is proud to be a member of the school board for the Mankato Area Public Schools. Kinney hopes that she will be better informed in the decisions she makes on behalf of the entire community through her work with the Diversity Council. She looks forward to working in classrooms, sharing her commitment to diversity and the learning opportunities that come with it.

Pierre Ellis – Pierre grew up on the south side of the windy city of Chicago, Illinois and currently works at a Juvenile Residential Treatment Facility as a supervisor. Pierre's career has given him a variety of opportunities to give back to our youth of tomorrow. He facilitates and supervises youth in a variety of evidence-based practiced curricula and activities. Pierre has worked with youth in various basketball coaching positions and mentorship roles throughout his professional career. Pierre is very passionate about giving back to the community as well a making a difference in the lives of others. His background and experience in working with a wide range of diverse juveniles has given him the opportunity to share and promote peace and tranquility in our community.

Carri Flanagan – Cohort 8

Paulette Ford – Like Martin Luther King Jr., Paulette hopes each human being will ultimately be judged by his or her character not by the color of skin, shape of eyes, shape of body or one’s sexual orientation. Of European and Polynesian descent, Paulette has experienced hurtful racial discrimination and prejudice in the past and has come to understand the complexities and challenges of living in a diverse society. From her father, her husband and her son, Paulette has drawn valuable life lessons in unconditional love and acquired the confidence to be herself. She brings these vital skills to her work with the Diversity Council. She recently retired from Mankato Area Public Schools’ Central High School as a Work Experience Teacher.

Jane Greathouse –Jane is a psychology teacher and Diversity Committee chair at South Central College. She really believes in the idea that "children have the capacity to be open to change; thus it's easier to send the messages of diversity to children and be a part of shaping their minds." This work with children within the framework of diversity gives Jane feelings of hope and success. Jane tries to be honest with herself about the filters used based on privilege, so she comes at relationships with humility. One can realize how much privilege, thus power, one has. In relationships, if one assumes humility and the knowledge that people make mistakes, we can connect with one another.

Jeff Halbur – Jeff worked with a variety of people at the Open Door Health Center in Mankato. He wants to learn more about diverse cultures and hopes that everyone can learn to live together peacefully and respectfully. He believes that embracing the Prejudice Reduction Workshop program has been a significant step toward making members of diverse populations feel welcome in Mankato. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where he is currently Director of Development in the School of Education. He serves as a Cub Scout Den Leader and formerly was Education Commissioner for his church. Jeff places great importance on spending time with his wife and their two sons.

Sandra Haley – Sandra hales from Toluca, Mexico, where she worked as a dentist before moving to the U.S. in 1996. She met her husband in El Paso, Texas, and also lived in southern California before moving to Minnesota several years ago. Having lived in so many different places, Sandra has learned an appreciation for cultural diversity and wants to share this with others in the community, especially children. Sandra and her husband are raising their own children to be bilingual and bicultural, being careful to maintain their cultural heritage from both sides of the family. Currently, Sandra works with the Hispanic community in the Mankato area as a medical interpreter.

Bukata Hayes– The most important thing about Bukata Hayes is that he is the son of Dia Damani Courtney and Karen Hayes, husband to Lisa and father to Damani, Jalen, and Zavier. In addition to this, Bukata has served as the Executive Director of the Greater Mankato Diversity Council since September, 2006. Prior to this role, he served as the Coordinator of the Multi Ethnic Center at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, the first-ever position of its kind at the college. Bukata received his Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Physiology from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota and is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Sociology from Minnesota State University, Mankato. He has membership and/or is on the board of numerous organizations such as Mankato Kiwanis Diversity Club (Board), Mankato-organizing Chapter of the NAACP, Mankato Family YMCA (Board), Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Board, and Latin American Multicultural Association for Networking and Opportunity –LA MANO (Board).

Jesus Hernandez Mejia –Having grown up in Mexico and moving to the U.S., Jesus is comfortable with people with different ethnic backgrounds and enjoys learning about other cultures. His work and personal world is very diverse in many ways. He earned a degree in Computer Engineering and Spanish. His ability to make use of his Spanish is a plus in his community volunteering at the GMDC and the YMCA. He also brings his cultural background to the Open Door Clinic as a Board Member. Jesus is currently working as the Assistant Director of Financial Aid at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter. He has also worked at VoyageurWeb and at MN State University, Mankato. Jesus has two children and thinks the schools in Mankato area are doing good work in creating an inclusive environment. He hopes for a better world for his children.

Michael Hollibush – Michael was raised in St. Paul, Minnesota. He moved to Mankato in 1997 to attend MSU Mankato. After graduating in 2000, Michael worked with at-risk youth in the Mankato Public Schools. He eventually returned to MSU where he earned a Master's Degree in Experiential Education.

Julie Homan –As an educator for over 28 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 attained her 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.

Thuy Huynh – Thuy was raised in California. After graduating, she came to Mankato to attend college and ended up discovering that she has a passion for spreading cultural diversity. Thuy hopes to graduate with a public relation degree and to represent businesses that share her same passion. She spends her extra time dancing, attending church, and mentoring as many young women as she can. Thuy truly believes that young women are easily influenced, and she wants to guide them through a life of strength and leadership.

Sitha Im– Sitha's parents are Cambodian war refugees who immigrated to America in 1985. Though she grew up in Mankato, she has lived in various parts of the country from Eugene, Oregon to Urbana, Illinois. Her life is inspired by diversity because of the insight and experiences of people from different walks of life. Sitha's life aim is to contribute to social causes that allow for equal opportunities and fight against discrimination. She is currently a senior at MSU Mankato where she is completing degrees in International Relations and Philosophy. Her plans are to continue on to graduate school to study public policy.

Emily Javens – Emily is currently the District Engineer for the Scott Soil and Water Conservation District, located in Jordan, MN. With this job comes the opportunity to design and install construction projects that reduce soil erosion and improve the water quality of our lakes and streams. The field of civil engineering is dominated by men; less than 10% of the professionals in this field are women. Since Emily believes the best engineering team is made up of diverse individuals, she works to encourage girls and young women to consider careers in fields with strong math and science backgrounds, such as engineering. She believes that too often the only thing stopping a young woman from pursuing a career in a non-traditional field such as engineering is she simply doesn't believe enough in herself. Emily hopes her work with the Diversity Council will help young people believe more in themselves and know all of their talents are needed in order to make the world the best place possible.

Trish Johnson –Trish was raised in a small town in SW MN. Her first plane ride took her all the way to Brasil! Early on her parents instilled a great passion for understand and connecting with others, especially those whose backgrounds were different than hers. Trish has a BA in Spanish, BS in International Relations, and is currently enrolled in the MAT program at MSU, Mankato, with the plan to be a high school Social Studies teacher. She has worked in radio since she was 15 and has a talk show on KTOE weekday afternoons from 3-5. Trish has been blessed with a beautiful daughter and the opportunities to meet and grow with neighbors in this wonderful community.

Brian Jones – Brian hopes organizations like the Diversity Council help people become more open-minded. “I feel that fear causes us to close ourselves to diversity, and I want that to change.” With degrees in Mass Communications and Educational Leadership and the position of Minnesota State University’s Admissions Scholarship Coordinator, Brian is poised to assess the impact of diversity on college admissions and communicate concerns to the rest of the community. Brian takes an active interest in local and state governments.

Lisa Kaye – Growing up with a parent from another country, Lisa has enjoyed what she considers to be all the benefits of living a multicultural life. She is originally from the Twin Cities and has a degree from the University of Minnesota. Lisa has been in the Mankato area since 1997 and loves the feeling of community that this area provides and all of the learning and volunteering opportunities that are available. She and her husband have three sons and a daughter and she has spent over the last decade co-hosting a morning radio show. Lisa can currently be heard on Minnesota 93 radio.

Ann Klasen -- Ann is open-minded and accepting, while continually learning about and experiencing new ideas, cultures, and people. She facilitates for the GMDC to learn and grow with everyone else in this field. Ann is currently a K-12 licensed school counselor at Loyola Catholic School. One of the places she thinks the community needs to improve is with broader community training. By facilitating the PRW, Ann is able to work in the area of diversity in all Mankato schools. Ann has also served on the GMDC Education Committee to further diversity in Mankato. Her hope for the future is to live in a place where we can be and be together in harmony.

Mary Lou Kudela – After “retiring” as Principal of Mankato East Junior High in 2003, Mary Lou accepted a position as the Education Director for the newly formed Greater Mankato Area Diversity Council. She has now "retired" from this position, but continues to be a facilitator. She has also been involved in Mankato Area Healthy Youth, a facilitator for the United Way Vision Council, member of South Central College’s Diversity Committee, member of the Anti-violence committee, member of Civitan International, Kiwanis Diversity, Board of YWCA, and has been singing with the Minnesota Valley Sweet Adelines Chorus for over 30 years. Mary Lou has been a recipient of the Pathfinder Award for her work with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee. She has attended training by the Storefront Youth Action Agency in Diversity and Diversity Training at MSU,M and at the Rochester Diversity Council. She has presented at the MASSP Winter Workshop. Mary Lou's vision and determination have helped pave the way for the Greater Mankato Diversity Council’s success in Mankato. She is married to Ralph and has three children and a granddaughter.

Kevin Langton – Cohort 8

Sahara Leonard –

Derek Liebertz – Derek grew up surrounded by a family with roots that mimic the breadth of our society. He has lived on both coasts and the midwest. During graduate school he volunteered at a grade school and now follows up on that in Mankato as a YMCA "brother" to boys in the community. Ask him about college pranks, the local poetry society, or late-night volleyball. With his wonderful wife at his side, Derek looks forward to each new day.

Caryn Lindsay – Caryn moved to Mankato in 2005 and loves the people and the community here. The daughter of immigrants, she has always been fascinated by culture and had the opportunity to explore many different cultures while working internationally for the U.S. Information Agency and for the Department of State in Washington, D.C. and New York. Caryn grew up in St. Pau, MN, but has also lived in Germany, Chile, and Italy. While volunteering with a women's center in Prishtina, Kosovo in 2001, Caryn was humbled by the resiliency of the women and children who had been victimized by ethnic cleansing. That experience demanded of her that she find a way to better understand the causes of prejudice and to contribute to preventing it. The Greater Mankato Diversity Council provides an opportunity to be the change she wants to see.

Claudia Madrigal – Claudia grew up in Portugal and became an exchange student in Faribault, MN while in high school. She graduated from MSU with majors in Social Studies Education and Psychology. She has two sons and a dog. Claudia is currently a teacher at RBA Public Charter School. Claudia joined the Diversity Council because she saw how much we needed an education program like this. She has experienced being a minority and knows that it is not easy sometimes. Claudia is proud to live in Mankato because we are addressing diversity problems head-on. Her hope is to help students see what we all have in common and even more important, appreciate our differences. It is touching and encouraging to see so many people of different backgrounds working together to make Mankato a better place to live for everyone!

Ryan Maloney – Ryan will complete his A.A. Degree at South Central College in Spring 2010 and will then transfer to MN State University, Mankato, where he will major in Ethnic Studies. Ryan is the current president of SCC's Intercultural Student Organization. He enjoys learning as much as he does teaching.

Missy Manderfeld – Missy Manderfeld is the Office Manager of the Social Work and Anthropology Departments at MN State University, Mankato. Prior to this position, Missy worked with the Community Health Worker Project and the Area Agency on Aging. Her volunteer experience includes Open Door Health Center, VINE Faith in Action, YWCA, Summit Center and church. Missy is interested in being a classroom facilitator in hopes of increasing student knowledge of other cultures and creating a more peaceful world. She says her most important role is that of a mom (4 grown children) and now grandmother.

Andrea Marti – Andrea has worked at the Open Door Health Center in Mankato. Andrea, who has been blind since grade school, has shared her experiences with Mankato Area Public Schools’ West High School ninth graders through presentations during their Helen Keller unit since 1994. Andrea hopes that adults will also be able to participate in the same diversity discussions that are now offered to students through the Greater Mankato Diversity Council. She says she hopes that people will learn to treasure the differences among them rather than see them as flaws.

Ginny McNear – Virginia has lived and worked in several countries for periods ranging from two weeks to two years. She earned her Bachelor of Science Nursing from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY. Ginny volunteers at the law enforcement center in the records department and also reads to pre-schoolers. She is a widow, although she feels more independent as a single person. She has two sons who have one daughter each.

Laura Mickle – Laura grew up on Long Island, a suburb of New York City, and attended college in upstate New York. She has lived in New Hampshire, Manhattan, and Albany, NY before moving to Minnesota. She has worked as a college administrator, a preschool teacher, and a stay-at-home mom. Laura currently works at a bookstore.

Anne Murray –Anne writes and presents on a variety of disability related topics and issues to local and regional audiences of businesses and other organizations, individuals with disabilities and the general public, ensuring they have access to knowledge choices, skills and opportunities of the larger community. Anne's introduction to disability issues was as a single mother of two, when one of her children acquired significant disabilities at a very young age. After several years of social activism, volunteer training and full-time parenting, Anne became interested in empowerment as a way to reduce or narrow economic disparities among those who have few choices or skills to act on their choices. She returned to school, earning a B.A. from Hamline University and M.B.A. from the University of St. Thomas School of Business. Now working for SMILES Center for Independent Living, Anne also uses her online media and social networking skills to continue educating people about including diverse people with disabilities in daily community life. Anne's goal is to inform them of gifts that are uniquely held in diversity and how to leverage those gifts through an axiom of self determination: Choices + Skills = Empowerment.

Julie Nienaber –Julie is a woman who cares and wants to make a difference. She is passionate about diversity. She has worked as a teaching assistant in one of Minnesota’s migrant programs. She is currently working as MRCI’s Senior Human Resource Generalist and had worked for 8 years at the Mankato Clinic as a Human Resource Administrator. Julie thinks the community is doing good work in diversity and inclusion through the La Mano community programs, the Diversity Council, and Community Assistance for Refugees. She would like to see our communities do more awareness for adults in a manner similar to the Prejudice Reduction Workshops. Her hope for the future is to have future generations with open minds and open hearts.

Kate Olson – Originally from Kasota, MN, Kate recently moved back to Mankato from Brussels, Belgium. Reintegrating in Minnesota and American life has been somewhat challenging, yet also very rewarding. Kate has a BA from the University of Minnesota in Cultural Studies and while in Belgium, she continued with a Master's degree in Cultures and Development Studies. She is currently finishing a Public Administration Master's degree at MSU. Kate has a passion for social justice, equality and issues pertaining to migration. Travelling, learning, meeting and talking to people and learning languages are things Kate loves to do.

Tom Orne – Tom believes there is great value in the diversity of our community. With today's global economy the U.S. and Mankato grow more diverse each day. He wants to participate in a constructive way fostering and growing understanding of this value in our inclusive community, respecting all of its members for their individual gifts. Tom, currently retired, worked at CenterPoint Energy in Minneapolis for 35 years. He has lived and worked in diverse communities since 8th grade.

Dwain "Pete" Petersen – As an active community volunteer, Dwain has been a Distinguished Scoutmaster, mentoring 23 Eagle Scouts, President of the Twin Valley Council Boy Scouts, President of the Mankato Area Retired Educators Association, President of the Downtown Kiwanis Club, supporter of the Aktion Club for developmentally delayed adults, Founding Member of the Diversity Kiwanis Club and the Mankato Area Life Long Learners. He has taught in public schools in Nebraska and Iowa. Dwain has advanced degrees in human development and was the program leader/facilitator for human relations at MSU, where he is Emeritus Professor, having retired after 33 years there. He has a diverse family and has advocated for equality at the international level with international students at MSU, in Kiwanis, as a visiting professor in Taiwan and as a delegate to world church conferences.

Brent Petersen – Brent is from Madison Lake, MN. He is currently a senior at MSU Mankato, where he is double majoring in Law Enforcement and Spanish. He wants to get into the field of law enforcement to help people and to serve and give back to his community. Brent also volunteers at the Mankato YMCA Brother/Sister program, where he mentors a ten-year old boy.

Ramon Pinero – Ramon was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela. He arrived in Mankato as an exchange student in 1999 and married Maria Pinero, a MN resident, in 2007. Ramon attended MN State University, Mankato and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Educational Leadership. He strongly believes that everyone should understand what being diverse is. He wants to help others through the Greater Mankato Diversity Council to see how diversity can make us stronger people individually and in the community. Growing up in a diverse country has taught Ramon to see people for who they are and not what they look like.

Martel Pipkens – Growing up in Milwaukee, WI, the public school system allowed the most segregated city in the U.S. to come together in one room. From there, Martel's experiences with others were endless. However, it wasn't until college that he became aware of its importance, its achievements, and benefits. Martel's current interests are within race and culture. He teaches a course on social problems at MSU. Martel enjoys traveling to Southeast Asia, research, activism, and teaching.

Angi Proehl – Cohort 8

Jeri Retzlaff – As a business instructor at Rasmussen College, Jeri has the opportunity to interact with students and community members who represent the diversity of southern Minnesota. She received her MBA from MSU Mankato. Jeri believes that as a community we need to do more than simply accept differences among people, but learn about each other to fully respect, appreciate, and encourage each other. Jeri lives in Mankato with her husband and stepson.

Corrine Riley – Corri was taught that all people should be valued and have the same rights. Working with children, she has tried to teach them to respect others and themselves. Her hope is that we will all welcome and embrace diversity for what it can teach us.

Barbara Rohlfing –

Andrea Rossow – Andrea came to Mankato from England in May, 2011. She married on July 4 and is the proud stepmom of three children. One of Andrea's passions is advocacy. She was a welfare rights advisor for a not-for-profit organization where she facilitated disabled clients' applications for state benefits and support those who faced tribunal hearings. She began a bachelor's program in health and social care in the U.K. and will finish up her studies at MSU. Andrea is excited about her new role as a facilitator for the GMDC and looks forward to learning more about the Mankato area community.

Justin Rudnick – Justin was born and raised in a small farming town in Wisconsin and moved to Mankato after earning his B.A. degree from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. Justin is currently working toward his M.A. degree at MSU and teaches courses in the Communication Studies Department. He has a passion for educating young people and is excited to be working toward a more diversity-friendly community in Mankato.

Beth Sandell – Beth's background includes European American heritage, membership in the Baby Boom generation, influence of a hard-working single other, economic stability of an early marriage, a varied career in southern MN, faith in Jesus Christ, and travel throughout the world. She was born in Massachusetts and lived in 24 different homes and 6 different states before high school graduation. Her mother, a first-generation college graduate, found a job teaching kindergarten. Beth is a teacher, too. She has traveled to all 50 states and to all continents except Antarctica. Her family includes her husband of more than 40 years and two "emotionally adopted" adult Russian-speaking daughters. Her hope for the future is "to lead, organize, and teach people in transition, so they grow in faith and hope, control their own decisions and resources, and use their gifts and talents."

Melanie Schmidt – Melanie, a member of the Cohort 5 facilitator group, is very excited to begin her duties as a facilitator. She has lived in Mankato since 1990 and graduated from MN State University, Mankato. Melanie has held positions with the South central Service Cooperative, Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest, and also Community Education/Recreation Department where she is currently the Youth Development Program Supervisor with primary responsibilities including enrichment programming for school age youth. She is passionate about quality education for our children and equal rights for all citizens. In her spare time she enjoys antique shopping and spending time with family and and her dog.

Kristi Schuck – Cohort 8

Wes Schumacher – Wes grew up in Zumbrota, MN and moved to Mankato in 1999. He is currently a manager within the organizational performance department of Mayo Clinic Health System and is also involved in the Greater Mankato Early Learning Initiative. Wes' dedication to diversity stems from various experiences through international travel as well as a variety of work experiences working within a diverse workforce. He has a bachelor's degree in dietetics and an MBA in HR management.

Sara Sinnard – Sara, owner of FUSiON Life & Leadership, LLC, is a coach and consultant, helping individuals, groups and teams reach their full potential through core-energy coaching. She specializes in life and career transitions.

Sophie Slater – Sophie is an international student from England who is in Mankato studying for her MA in Gender and Women's Studies. Having spent the majority of her life overseas, Sophie loves learning about and experiencing different cultures and societies. Sophie believes that engaging children in dialogue about privilege and discrimination based on race, sexuality and gender is vital in the battle against oppression.

Tara Snilsberg – A native of Mankato, Tara sees the potential to build an inclusive community full of opportunity and support for all. A spinal cord injury in 1997, resulting in tetraplegia, has encouraged her to educate and advocate for the unique differences in all. "Seeing differences is one thing, but living it is very eye opening. I see potential in individuals that may not be realized even within themselves." Tara dabbles in interior design, flower gardening, accessible travel opportunities and cooking. She appreciates 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."

Tracey Stokes-Hernandez – Tracy’s sense of her own diversity is evolving as she learns new things. While earning a degree in Mass Communications, Tracy served as a member of the Balk Student Union and on the Student Union Board. She has works as an admissions counselor at South Central College and is a member of the Alliance for Pan African Professionals. Tracy hopes to have a role in facilitating networking among the separate cultural organizations.

Kuma Takamura – It was supposed to be a melting pot, but when Kuma came to the U.S. from Japan in the '80s, what he found was "Chunky Stew." Kuma, as a biologist, an electrical engineer, and an educator, worked in many areas including private sector and higher education system. Everywhere he went he strongly felt diversity was a strength but "we were not tapping into it." Humans are inquisitive and curious beings. Difference triggers fear, but he hopes, with our effort, the curiosity/inquisitiveness will eventally take over and people will start learning each others' differences and start recognizing the power of diversity!

Becca Thompson –Becca's interest in diversity stemmed from her experience as an elementary art teacher in St. Peter. She taught close to 500 students that brought many avenues of diversity to her classroom. She appreciated this awareness to the other students and the educational experiences that they were able to have because of the knowledge these students brought. Becca received her B.A. at Gustavus Adolphus College in Art Education and is working on her M.S. at MSU in Mental Health Counseling. She hopes to broaden her knowledge of diversity through multicultural experiences attained from traveling, class, practice in the field, and teaching.

Chris Tran –Chris Tran is a Vietnamese American who takes pride in both Vietnamese and American cultures. He is a strong advocate for relationship building among different ethnic groups and would like to see us work on educating our police officers. Currently Chris is on the Diversity Workforce Center at MSU, Mankato and is the Assistant Director of Asian American Affairs. His degree, a Master of Science in Ethnic and Multicultural Studies and Human Services, assists him in all of this work. Also important is the fact that he is bilingual in English and Vietnamese.

Kevin Velasquez –

Julie Walker – Julie is a graduate student at MSU studying Identiity in the Communication Studies program. She teaches an undergraduate course and works at the tutor volunteer coordinator and classroom instructor for basic computer literacy programs in Mankato. Julie says that she only recently began recognizing group marginalizations. Having learned about these discrepancies and that education is the first step to decreasing oppression, she's working with groups such at the GMDC to increase educational opportunities. Julie lives in Mankato with her partner and hopes to eventually teach college classes that challenge students in the way her education has challenged her.

Rochelle Wegman – An Iowan by birth, Rochelle moved to Mankato from Alexandria, MN, twenty years ago. She has resided here longer than any other place she has called home. Rochelle will soon be fully retired, with free time to contribute to a cause that she finds fulfilling, and at the same time, beneficial to the Mankato community. Rochelle feels that the Greater Mankato Diversity Council will fill the bill to a tee! Working with energized people of the same mind set is an experience she looks forward to.

Lindsey Weis – Lindsey loves working with children and adults and sharing her passion for diversity. She enjoys learning about different people, cultures, and ideas, while helping others appreciate their own experiences. She has a Master of Science K-12 School Counseling degree from MSU, Mankato and currently is an Admission Counselor at Gustavus Adolphus College. Lindsey is an only child and has been blessed with a wonderful family. She currently lives in Mankato with her two cats, Luey and Marley. Lindsey thinks the community is doing a great job at reaching children at a young age and helping them see the value and excitement in diversity .Having the community continue on a path to an even more welcoming and safe community for people of all backgrounds is part of her hope for the future.

Greg Wilkins –Greg has worked at colleges and universities across the U.S. in North Carolina, Ohio, California, Florida, Minnesota, Washington state and Washington, DC. He has received numerous awards and honors across the country as well in Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, and Thailand. Greg has a passion for social justice mirrored with his work abroad and in the U.S. such as: ending land mine proliferation, promoting HIV/AIDS education and IV needle exchange programs, assisting non-governmental organizations, and USA/Mexico border issues. Greg's passion for learning and empowering others has received him accolades and special recognition from his peers. In addition, he has worked at the Smithsonian Institution at the Museum of American Art, the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, DC, lobbied the U.S. Congress on sexual orientation and gender identity equality with the Human Rights Campaign, raised close to a million dollars for undergraduate scholarships and completed two Olympics (1988, Seoul, Korea--Equestrian, and 1996, Olympic Village Supervsor for Athlete Services). He has also assisted the Governor of North Carolina as an Ombudsman working on stays of execution, completed work at a Counselor for the Army Navy Academy in California, and has performed and assisted global entertainers and performers of international acclaim.

Sandra Woods – Education has been a thread in the weaving of my life. As an educator in Montana, Idaho, and Minnesota, I have been extremely interested in all the diversity I've encountered, both within the schools and in the community. Retired from teaching, leadership programs, and the book business, I am now enjoying pursuing this passion by working with the Diversity Council, both as a facilitator and as the Education Assistant in the office. Once again, the amazing people I get to work with give me faith in the universe. Volunteering for community has always been one of my passions. In the past few years I have been involved in the United Way Vision Council and VINE. I am currently involved with the Twin Rivers Council for the Arts Board of Directors and "It's My Heart" a new, young nonprofit about congenital heart disease. I see that diversity in our community is at the forefront for our community.

Kelcey Woods-Nord –Kelcey is a self-proclaimed "townie." Growing up in Greater Mankato, it has been interesting for her to see how her community has changed and the efforts that community members have made to celebrate diversity. Kelcey believes that one of the most important parts of these efforts is learning about communities, cultures, lifestyles, and viewpoints that differ from our own. She is excited to share GMDC's message of respect with Mankato's youth. Kelcey graduated from St. Cloud State University with a B.S. in Marketing and from MSU with a Master's in Technical Communication. She currently works at South Central College as a Grant and Technical Writer.

Dr. Allen Wortman – As a long time and now retired music teacher, Al has engaged students at all age levels from Kindergarten through University. He has taught in Iowa, Colorado, Idaho, Saskatchewan, and Minnesota. He has also traveled extensively with students. Al has a diverse family and is very interested in Mankato and the Mankato area becoming accepting and respectful of all diversity. He has a BA degree from Central College in Iowa and advanced degrees from the University of Northern Colorado.

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