Events

Grecia Lozano is inspired by the love and resilience of her Latino community and is driven to amplify their voices with dignity. She is the co-founder and Executive Director of Latino Voices of Minnesota. Grecia currently oversees multiple programs, including but not limited to, food and hygiene shopping and delivery to over 230 community members sheltering at home, domestic violence services, housing support, court paperwork assistance, medical and dental appointment assistance, and community engagement events. In addition, she supervises 3 staff members, 2 administrative assistants, and 150 volunteers. Grecia's warmth, strength, humility, and servant leadership inspire, in turn, the volunteers and clients who are fortunate to consider her their friend and ally.

Anna Zaros (she/her) has over fifteen years' experience working with communities building peace, justice, and healing from the Philippines, to Bolivia, to the United States. Anna is currently the Director of Advancement for Nonviolent Peaceforce, and has previously served as the Interim Head of Nonviolent Peaceforce USA.  Anna holds a Masters in International Peace Studies from the University of Notre Dame, where she focused research and practice on women's inclusion in peace and development and interreligious peacebuilding.

A champion for economic stability and advancement for all Minnesotans, Kelly has dedicated her entire 35-plus year career to ensuring that Minnesota’s most disparate community members have opportunities for health, social and economic wellness.

She is an innovative leader committed to creating opportunities for recovery, housing, and pathways for careers and jobs for ALL individuals. 

Kelly’s accomplishments are in creating systems that impel innovation, integration and expansion.  The innovative care and service delivery systems she’s spearheaded have positioned three organizations, Avivo, CommonBond Communities, and Goodwill/Easter Seals for strong community outcomes. 

As president and CEO of Avivo, Kelly leads a mission and results driven not for profit organization that provides employment services, career education, chemical and mental health services and services and support to end homelessness for over 11,000 individuals annually.  With locations in the Twin Cities and St. Cloud, Minnesota, residents in 17 counties find culturally responsive services and support to improve stability and self-sufficiency. 

She is a past Board Member of the University of Wisconsin Stout Foundation and chair of the scholarship committee; past Board Member of Stepping Stone Emergency Housing and School Board Member of Totino Grace High School as well as serving on many other advisory committees related to services and outcomes for individuals to live well and work well.

Tony Sanneh is a retired U.S. National Soccer Hall of Fame player and community leader from St. Paul. He represented the U.S. Men’s National Team in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where he played every minute and was instrumental in the team’s run to the quarterfinals. Today, Tony serves as the Founder and CEO of The Sanneh Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in St. Paul that works to empower youth and strengthen families through education, mentorship, and community programs. The foundation provides academic support, leadership development, and sports-based programming designed to create safe spaces where young people, especially those from underserved communities, can build confidence, develop life skills, and pursue positive opportunities. Through partnerships with schools, community organizations, and local leaders, the foundation supports thousands of youth and families each year, helping to promote equity, opportunity, and community well-being across the region.

Hailey Bailey (she/her) is the Chief Advancement Officer for the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota (ACLU-MN). Hailey is responsible for holistically and strategically directing all fundraising, communications, and outreach activities of the ACLU-MN. She develops and executes coordinated fundraising strategies that include established special events, increasing individual giving and new methods of corporate and community support. She works to develop and maintain a healthy and thriving organizational culture that values the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, with the goal of fighting for systemic change and racial justice internally and externally. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in public health. Originally from Idaho, she has lived and worked in almost a dozen countries.

Meet in the parking lot behind Rustica (3220 West Lake Street) at 9:00 AM.  Everything you need will be provided. We will do our magic and those who are interested in some fellowship will meet either at Rustica or Steel Toe.

Craig Wilson has long been active in neighborhood and citywide community organizing, bringing people together to build a stronger, more connected Minneapolis. His background in cultural studies and comparative literature, along with landscape architecture and urban and regional planning, shapes his interest in how culture, place and community intersect. As editor of Hill & Lake Press, Craig is dedicated to highlighting local stories, championing civic engagement and nurturing the shared spirit of the Hill & Lake community — often with his two whippets by his side on neighborhood walks.

Heather joined Opportunity Partners in July 2022. She brings over 25 years of advancement leadership and fundraising success with nonprofit organizations across the Twin Cities, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Minnesota Orchestra, and Breck School. As Vice President of Advancement at OP, she provides leadership and strategy for both the Development and Marketing & Communications teams.

Katherine is a Minneapolis native, born and raised in South Minneapolis. She currently serves  as a Gifts Officer at People Incorporated, where she supports fundraising efforts to expand access to critical mental health services. Katherine is passionate about building meaningful relationships and connecting individuals to causes that create lasting community impact. Outside of work, you can find her running around Bde Maka Ska, walking the family dog around Lake Harriet, or enjoying ice cream from Sebastian Joe’s, all places that have shaped her love for this community. Katherine enjoys connecting with fellow leaders, contributing to service initiatives, and continuous personal and professional growth while making a positive difference in Minneapolis.

Markus Flynn is the Chief Executive Officer of Black Men Teach, a nonprofit committed to increasing the number of Black male elementary school educators in the Twin Cities. Under his leadership, the organization has grown into a vital coalition of school districts, teacher preparation programs, and community partners working together to recruit, prepare, place, and retain Black men in the classroom. Markus brings a bold vision for systemic change and a deep commitment to racial and educational equity, building strategic initiatives that not only support future Black male educators but also strengthen the communities where they teach.
‍Before stepping into his current role, Markus taught 5th and 6th grade science at Prodeo Academy, where his passion for culturally responsive instruction and relationship-driven leadership took root. A former public health researcher, he bridges data-informed strategy with lived experience to disrupt long-standing disparities in education.

‍Markus holds both a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University. He is widely regarded as a mission-driven leader, educator, and advocate working to transform the educational experiences of Black boys by ensuring they see themselves reflected at the front of the classroom.

Dave serves as a Senior Partner of Community Outreach and Institutional Adjunct Instructor who works directly with civic organizations and community leaders to strengthen our network of Community Partners, Employment Partners, and Support Services Partners. As an instructor of the Virtues for Success™ course, he helps Associates build the foundation for a successful reentry. He also plays a role in matching Associates with Partners who will walk alongside them, ensuring they have the guidance, opportunities, and support needed to thrive.

Tabitha Benci DeRango is an engagement organizer, event planner, place-maker, and educator who strives to strengthen communities by connecting human knowledge and investment into communities and their needs. She works collaboratively with volunteers and stakeholders to ensure that planning is done authentically and encourages action. Tabitha prides herself in conference planning for issues that impact the community through her role at JFCS of Minnesota where she guides planning Mental Health and Caregiving conferences for all. 

Marion Greene has served as Hennepin County Commissioner for the 3rd District since 2014. District 3 includes Downtown and Southwest Minneapolis and the entire suburb of St. Louis Park. Marion served as chair of the Hennepin County Board for four years, during which time she stewarded significant federal COVID relief funds, with an emphasis on public health response, racial equity, and affordable housing. Marion is currently Chair of the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority.

Marion is married to Bart Cannon, and is an adoring stepmom to two grown daughters. In her free time, she enjoys walking her dog and trying new recipes.

Ilon Preston is the Community Engagement Coordinator for Bridging, a nonprofit furniture bank in Bloomington, Minnesota, serving an average of 120 households each week. Ilon joined Bridging in July 2025 as part of the Strategic Partnership team, bringing experience as a Program Manager at a food pantry before transitioning to a furniture bank.

As Community Engagement Coordinator, Ilon leads volunteer groups, introduces new people to Bridging’s mission, and fosters connections between staff, volunteers, and the community Bridging. Ilon emphasizes the organization’s 1–2–3 model: connecting those with excess furniture/housewares to those in need, keeping functional items out of landfills, and providing stability and comfort to individuals and families 

Originally from Massachusetts and proudly rooted in Texas since 2007, I am a mom of Noah, Maisie, and Tatum and wife to Michael. Our youngest, Tatum, continually makes us better by rocking her extra chromosome and grounding our family—and my work—in empathy and purpose.

With a professional background in Talent Acquisition, I built my career around leadership, strategic relationship-building, and trust. These skills seamlessly translated into the nonprofit sector, where I now serve as Director of Development, leading fundraising efforts that connect people, passion, and resources to create lasting impact.

Outside of work, I love to read, enjoy fashion, and find comfort and connection through food—especially when it brings people together around the table.

Shelby Ankrom’s work at the Center for Victims of Torture includes supporting the New Tactics program, where she assisted with training, researched successful tactics, and developed online courses. She also contributed to the creation of a promotional video and a blog post on vicarious trauma among human rights workers. Shelby’s contributions to CVT have been recognized, including her role as an events specialist and her involvement in the annual Restoring Hope Breakfast, which was the most successful in the event's 15-year history. Her work at CVT reflects her passion for human rights and her dedication to supporting survivors of torture.

As Deputy Executive Director, Jennifer shares responsibility for leading The Advocates for Human Rights and overseeing all aspects of the organization's operations. She is also responsible for program oversight, organizational communications, and working with the board of directors to implement the organization’s strategic plan. In addition, Jennifer directs the International Justice Program, supervising the organization’s international advocacy at the United Nations and capacity-building training for human rights defenders, as well as the Nepal School Project.

Jennifer served as Deputy Director of The Advocates from 2002 to 2024. In that role, she developed and led several transitional justice projects, including the Liberian Truth & Reconciliation Commission Diaspora Project. She also represented The Advocates in the United Nations' revision of the Minnesota Protocol on the Investigation of Potentially Unlawful Death (2016), serving on the Legal Investigations Working Group. Prior to becoming Deputy Director, Jennifer practiced asylum law for seven years and directed the organization’s Refugee and Immigrant Program, where she specialized in gender-based asylum claims.

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Jennifer deeply believes that we all have a part to play in making those rights a reality for everyone.

She has taught International Human Rights Law as an adjunct faculty member at the University of St. Thomas School of Law.

Jennifer has a B.A. in political science from Yale and a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University, where she studied international human rights law and international refugee policy. She graduated cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School.

We're heading to The Bulldog Uptown to continue our Rotarians on the Loose outings that support an Uptown business and offer a memorable night getting to know club members. The Bulldog has indoor and outdoor seating in a relaxed atmosphere. There's great food, a solid beer selection, and excellent non-alcoholic options too.

No agenda. No program. Just fun!

Alissa Case is a white, queer dreamer — lover of ideas and of people, facilitator and educator, leader and community member, beloved, partner, and parent. They have lived on the Dakota land known as Minneapolis for 25 years and have a deep love and reverence for this place where the people, trees, water, plants, and creatures have held, taught, nurtured, and grown them. They are honored to call Minneapolis home, to be shaped by its seasons and its struggles, its grief, power, love and brilliance.

For over two decades, Alissa has worked in education—across K–12 schools and higher education, in classrooms and in leadership.  They are a facilitator, educator (BA, MA, and PhD), creator, and gardener shaped by and growing through commitments to educational, racial, queer, and trans justice, and the broader work of revolution. Their praxis is informed by ongoing study of Black Feminist wisdom and visionary theories of change, grappling with questions of scale, love, community, and sustainable transformation, reflecting and learning through relationship, and growing practices for collective liberation.

Leif Hagen grew up in Stevens Point and graduated from St. Olaf College in1988 with a BA in German and French. His early career included teaching languages in Zug, Switzerland, and high school English in Gero, Japan. In 1992, he entered the financial services field as a financial planner with Lutheran Brotherhood, later joining LPL Financial in 2002. He now owns Achievement Financial in Eagan, Minnesota, offering financial planning and Medicare supplemental insurance services.

Leif has held multiple leadership roles within Rotary, including two terms as President of the Eagan Rotary Club and serving as the two-year charter president of the MN Pride Rotary Club. His Rotary involvement includes leading a GSE team to Bangalore, India hosting GSE visitors from Finland and Brazil, serving as District Conference co-chair, Assistant Governor for Area 2. He is a Paul Harris Society member, a Major Donor, and has attended Rotary International conventions in Birmingham, New Orleans, Bangkok, and Hamburg. He serves as Rotary District 5950 Governor for 2026–2027.

Leif lives in Eagan with his partner, Valdir Oliveira, and has three daughters — Kajsa, Svea, and Britta. He enjoys foreign languages, international travel, collecting art, and attending art shows.

Milin Dutta has been a resident of Minnesota since 1996. A PMP-certified professional with an M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Minnesota, he had an early career as an IT consultant before retiring in 2017 to return to Assam and focus on creating opportunities for communities there. He has been a Rotary member since 2015 and has successfully implemented two Rotary Grants.

Milin founded the Out in the Backyard Initiative (OIBY) in Minnesota in 2011 and later founded Anaajoree in Assam in 2018. He is a national award-winning Assamese film producer, TEDx speaker, and community leader who organized North East India's first Pride. His work has focused on connecting Minnesota and Assam through knowledge, partnerships, and community action, with a long-term vision of building sustainable opportunities for communities in Assam.

Mitchell Sherman, Ph.D., is a licensed consulting psychologist and a retired professor at the College of Education, Hospitality, and Human Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.  He holds a PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Minnesota and an MA in International Economics from the University of Illinois.

Since retiring he has written two books.  The first, a textbook, Human Resource Management : A Student-Centered Approach, was written in a didactic style that engages students.  In his second book, Finding Calm in A Broken Country,  he has  explored the connections between history, religion, and human behavior looking for an explanation of the current turmoil in America. 

His next project, about attitudes towards immigrants, Beautiful Strangers: A New American Freedom Myth is in process.