Alice Moren’s work in Itasca County area communities is intentional about bringing people to the table whose voices, presence and community value may be overlooked. A licensed social worker, Moren holds the master’s degree in counseling and psychotherapy from Adler Graduate School, bachelor’s degree in social work from Bemidji State University and associate of arts degree …
Amber (she/her/hers) is a member of the Innovation and Design Team. As Project Manager, she is responsible for coordinating staff and resources so internal and external work is well aligned to be efficient, cost-effective, and completed on time. She pairs her deep knowledge of Foundation data tools with her expertise in analyzing processes and methods …
Ashley brings extensive expertise in social and human services, the nonprofit sector and in rural Minnesota’s philanthropy systems. Her work to create welcoming learning and community spaces that flatten social hierarchies will help connect community voices and strengthen the Foundation’s work in rural placemaking. Charwood is an assistant professor of social work at Bemidji State …
Becky earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bemidji State University, and her master’s in leadership from Duquesne University. Prior to joining the Blandin Foundation, she worked in accounting roles at several area companies, served as director of religious education at St. Joseph’s Church, and co-owned and operated an industrial sales company in Hibbing. …
Bukata serves as executive director of the Greater Mankato Diversity Council, which has provided diversity education to approximately 15,000 adults and youth in the greater Mankato area. He previously served as the diversity support services program coordinator for Mankato Area Public Schools, and as multi-ethnic center coordinator, admissions counselor and instructor of sociology at Bethany …
Living in rural, I get to observe up close, every day, how diverse and adaptable nature is. Seasons, water cycles, bird migration, hibernation all demonstrate the infinite number of changes, large and small, the natural world makes constantly to carry life forward. Rural communities have cycles of their own. Companies arrive or leave, students move …
I love the natural beauty of rural places, the stillness and calm. I grew up playing in the woods and lakes of northern Minnesota, immersed in clean air and connected to nature, so rural is at my core. After spending time living in St. Paul, Minn., and Boulder, Colo., though fun and exciting, I came …
I was born and raised on the Iron Range. My pursuit of a career in computer animation led to opportunities overseas in Germany, Texas, and California. While in California, I met a down-to-earth fun-loving California girl and married her. Together we have two daughters and a son who will without a doubt help to make …
Daniel Lemm serves as a member of the senior leadership team and is responsible for Blandin Foundation’s overall financial management. Prior to joining Blandin Foundation in 2017, Daniel held the positions of accountant at The McKnight Foundation, director of programs and finance at Native Americans in Philanthropy, and finance director at Lower Sioux Community. He …
Kandace Creel Falcón, Ph.D. (she/they/their) is an interdisciplinary feminist scholar, writer, and visual artist. Their life’s passion grounds the power of narrative for social transformation. Born in Kansas and raised in New Mexico, they moved to Minnesota in 2004 to pursue their Doctoral degree in Feminist Studies at the University of Minnesota. After nearly two …