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OUR COMMUNITY ​OF LEADERS

​​

As an organization powered by collective action, we know it takes a village to create lasting, systemic change. Austin Aspires brings together community leaders from the nonprofit, government, business, and philanthropic sectors through our Leadership Table, along with engaged network members who guide our work toward shared goals. Our team is committed to fostering collaboration, using data to drive action, and ensuring that all voices—especially those of youth and families—are at the table as we advance equity and opportunity for all.

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ASPIRES STAFF

​​The Austin Aspires staff is dedicated to creating meaningful change by fostering collaboration, implementing programs, and supporting community-driven solutions. Through partnerships with schools, businesses, nonprofits, and families, the team works to remove barriers, promote educational success, and ensure all voices are heard. Staff members lead initiatives that empower parents, support students, and advocate for equitable opportunities, using data and community input to drive impact. Their work strengthens connections, amplifies resources, and advances Austin Aspires’ mission to create a thriving future for all.

THE TEAM

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Michelle Baker

Executive Director

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Jayne Gibson

Finance Manager

&

Grant Specialist

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Jessica Anderson

Parent Engagement Coordinator

&

Mentorship Coordinator

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MaKayla Oxley

Early Childhood

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Ogud Oman

Middle School

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Bagap Omot

High School

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Johanna Johnson

High School

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Nate Olok

Mentor

"Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results."

– Andrew Carnegie

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Austin Aspires Board of Directors plays a vital role in guiding the organization’s vision, strategy, and impact. Committed to educational success and community well-being, the board provides leadership, oversight, and strategic direction to ensure Austin Aspires remains aligned with its mission. Board members advocate for policies and initiatives that support equitable opportunities, strengthen partnerships across sectors, and empower families. Through their governance and support, they help secure resources, foster collaboration, and drive systemic change that benefits students, parents, and the broader Austin community.

BOARD MEMBERS

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Amy Notermann

CHAIR​

Hormel Foods

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Varinh Van Vugt

SECRETARY​

Austin Public Schools

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Sheri Dankert

TREASURER​

Non-profit Community Representative

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Paul Thompson

Cooperative Response Center

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Pastor Gemechu Olana

Faith Community Representative

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Cece Kroc

Austin Public Schools

Board of Education

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John Erichson

Hormel Foundation

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Dr. Jennifer Goins

Mayo Clinic Health System

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Lynn Kennan

Community Representative

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Chandler St. Michel

Chandler St. Michel- Attorney with Hoversten, Johnson, Beckmann & Hovey, LLP

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Rachel Erkkila

Riverland Community College

LEADERSHIP TABLE

The Leadership Table brings together key community leaders to guide and support Austin Aspires’ mission. By aligning efforts across education, business, government, and nonprofits, they help set strategic priorities, drive collaboration, and ensure community voices shape our work. Their leadership fosters systemic change, promotes equity, and strengthens opportunities for all.

MEMBERS INCLUDE:

  • Gema Alvarado

  • Diane Baker

  • Joe Bower

  • Craig Clark

  • Julie Clinefelter

  • Tom Compton

  • Gail Dennison​

  • Jeff Ettinger

  • Tricia Harren

  • Steve King

  • Molly Lanke

  • Jennifer Lawhead

  • Kathleen Linaker

  • Jean McDermott

  • David McKichan

  • Joey Page

  • Sara Ramirez

  • Tammy Schultz

  • Jim Snee

  • Kelly Vincelette

  • Dale Wicks

EARLY CHILDHOOD ACTION NETWORK
(ECAN)

Our Early Childhood Action Network (ECAN) is where some of our most important work wrapped around early childhood happens! Individuals from our partner organizations and community come together to develop strategy around early childhood areas as the main focus. Using community data, these teams identify ways to leverage existing assets or ways to develop new assets to eliminate locally defined disparities within early childhood. Some real heavy lifting happens in these groups, and we are always welcoming new members to the table who have a passion for early childhood!

MEMBERS INCLUDE:

PARENT COUNCIL

Through 2025, Austin Aspires is working to establish a Parent Council to ensure that family voices are at the center of our work. We amplify the perspectives of local families, centering their lived experiences and incorporating their insights into the collaborative solutions we develop.

YOUTH COUNCIL

We plan to launch this group in 2025 to ensure that student voices are heard. Meetings will begin in the fall of 2025, with times and locations chosen by the group. If you’re between the ages of 16-23 and live in Austin, we’d love to have you at the table! We’re looking for passionate young people who want to make a positive impact on education in our community. If that’s you, contact us to learn more!

PARTNERS

Thank you to our partners for your dedication and support. Together, we are making a lasting impact and creating positive change in our community. We’re grateful for your collaboration and look forward to continuing our work together!

  • Apple Lane Childcare Center

  • APAC

  • Austin Area Chamber of Commerce

  • Austin Area Commission for the Arts

  • Austin First United Methodist Church

  • Austin Human Rights Commission

  • Austin Morning Lions Club

  • Austin Noon Kiwanis

  • Austin Police Department

  • Austin Public Library

  • Austin Public Schools

  • Austin Rotary Club

  • The City of Austin

  • CLA(CliftonLarsonAllen)

  • CLUES

  • Community Learning Center

  • Crime Victims Resource Center

  • (MN)Department of Human Services

  • (MN)Department of Education

  • Family Connections

  • Head Start

  • Hometown Food Security Project

  • Hormel Foods

  • Hormel Foundation

  • Hormel Institute

  • Independent Management Services

  • Inspired Beginnings Learning Academy

  • Mayo Clinic Health System

  • MEDICAP Pharmacy

  • Mower County

  • Mower County Licensed Childcare Providers

  • Mower County Sheriff’s Department

  • Mower Refreshed

  • Parenting Resource Center

  • Pacelli Catholic Schools

  • Quality Pork Processors

  • Reader’s Cafe

  • Riverland Community College

  • Second Act Thrift Store

  • SEMCAC

  • ServeMinnesota

  • SHiP

  • SMART Transit

  • StriveTogether

  • Sweet Reads

  • The Rotary Club of Austin

  • United Way of Mower County

  • Wee Learning Center

  • Welcome Center

  • Workforce Development Inc.

  • YMCA at Austin Community Recreation Center

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