Creative Support for Organizations-Round 2

Elin Hawkinson: Hawkinson serves as the associate director of communications and development for the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition, Inc., where she has a successful track record of grant and proposal writing for local, state, and national funders. A Minnesota native recently returned home, Hawkinson holds a certificate in performing arts from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, a bachelor's degree in theater and creative writing from The New School (both in New York), and a master of fine arts from Eastern Washington University in Spokane, WA.; Denise Hedtke: Hedtke is an educational leader with eclectic experience in alternative secondary, career/technical, and early childhood education settings. She works with diverse populations and has much experience with families facing multiple risk factors. She has earned degrees in developmental psychology, early childhood education, and educational leadership. She also holds licenses in early childhood, parent education, and K-12 school administration. She has volunteered on the board of The Jonathan Association, with local political campaigns, with the CAP Agency, and another grant committee.; Charles Leftridge: Leftridge serves as the executive director of The Grand Center for Arts & Culture in New Ulm. He is an active composer and previously was the director of operations at the Mankato Symphony Orchestra. Leftridge graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a master of music degree in music composition and occasionally serves as adjunct music faculty at Minnesota State University, Mankato.; Jenna Pettit: Pettit works as a marketing specialist for Catholic Charities and has been an active fundraiser and supporter for numerous organizations like Pillsbury Players and public library arts programs. She serves on the United Way Vision Council which reviews grant applicants in Crow Wing, Cass, and Aitkin Counties. She attends many arts events in her hometown and is an avid musician in her time off. She believes in the power of connected communities and dreams of collaborative, vibrant art communities across rural Minnesota.; Margit Schmitt: Schmitt spent the first ten years of her life in Ojai, California, but since 1996 has made the Midwest her home. In 2010, Schmitt graduated from the College of Visual Arts in Saint Paul, with a bachelor of fine arts degree. She has exhibited in a variety of galleries throughout Minnesota. Schmitt's most recent series, Genesis, explores the teetering balance of life's opposites within the natural world. By drawing on biblical themes and scriptural texts, Genesis portrays our polarized world through the imbalance of nature, the "in between,? the "gray,? and the fluid aspects of life.; Hayley Zacheis: Zacheis is an advocate with the nonprofit Esperanza United, where they help participants in the community achieve their goals and mobilize communities to end domestic violence. Zacheis also had the opportunity to be part of the grant process for microloans given to ten applicants as part of a community initiative with Esperanza United. Zacheis graduated from Macalester College with a BA in biology and international studies in 2021. In their spare time, Zacheis plays cello with the JCC Symphony Orchestra, takes dance classes, and does many fiber based art projects, as well as volunteers at the Saint Paul Public Library.