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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

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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

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:

  • 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

  • Tammy Schultz

  • 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:

  • Courtney Borgen

  • Noelle Day

  • Brady Engelby

  • Sally Gary

  • Nicole Gilbert

  • Amy Goette

  • Troy Goodwater

  • Shannon Hart

  • Dawn Helgeson

  • Melissa Hussey

  • Daysha Kartes

  • Jane Knutson

  • Melissa Kossoris

  • Linda LaVille

  • Jennifer Lawhead

  • Lynsey O'Donnell

  • ​Sallie Olson

  • ​Jamie Riskedahl

  • Jill Rollie

  • Karem Salas-Ramirez

  • Deidre Smith

  • Kim Steene

  • Heather Talley

  • Khatashianna Van Brunt

  • Diane Whalen

PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

The Parent Council ensures that family voices are at the center of Austin Aspires’ work. Through this council, we elevate the perspectives of local parents and caregivers, centering their lived experiences and incorporating their insights into the collaborative solutions we develop. If you are a parent or caregiver in Austin, we invite you to contact us to learn more about getting involved.

YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL

The Youth Council ensures that student voices are heard in conversations about education in our community. The council meets monthly and is open to young people ages 14–23 who live in Austin. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and want to help shape the future of education in our community, we’d love to have you at the table. Contact us to learn more about getting involved.

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!

  • Astrup Family Foundation

  • 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

  • Be Your Best

  • CLA(CliftonLarsonAllen)

  • CLUES

  • Community Learning Center

  • CRC

  • Crime Victims Resource Center

  • (MN)Department of Human Services

  • (MN)Department of Education

  • Families First

  • First Children's Finance

  • Fraternal Order of the Eagles

  • Games People Play

  • Head Start

  • Hometown Food Security Project

  • Hormel Foods

  • Hormel Foundation

  • Hormel Institute

  • Independent Management Services

  • Inspired Beginnings Learning Academy

  • International Paper

  • ​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

  • Rachel's Hope

  • Riverland Community College

  • Salvation Army

  • Second Act Thrift Store

  • SEMCAC

  • ServeMinnesota

  • SHiP

  • SMART Transit

  • Southern MN Regional Legal Services (SMRLS)

  • SPERO

  • StriveTogether

  • Sweet Reads

  • The City of Austin

  • The Next Chapter

  • The Read Sed

  • 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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