Creative Support for Organizations-Round 1

Norbert Een: Retired after 30+ years at Twin Cities Public Television (TPT). Most recently, as Sr. Managing Producer he researched, created and implemented project plans for federal, state, corporate and foundation grant projects. Strengths include strategic planning, financial management, operations and compliance with talent contracts (AFTRA, WGA, DGA). Prior to TPT he worked in Stage Management for four years at Cricket Theatre in Minneapolis. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with an MFA in Theatrical Design and Technical Theatre, and a BS in Theatre Education.; Christine Empanger: In June of 2021, Christine joined the Philanthropic Services team to support the work of each Philanthropic Advisor as they connect with the Foundations donor?s and make an increasingly positive impact on the community. Before joining the Foundation, Christine spent 7 years in Duluth, MN where she fell in love with community-based work and found an understanding of how meaningful partnerships can make a huge difference in the lives of others. Over the course of her career, she has focused on the impact of adversity on children, youth, and families. This has shown up through her support of the creation of what is now the First Ladies of the Hillside in Duluth in addition to previously serving as a development officer in Northeast Minnesota for Lutheran Social Services. Within her role she collaborated with individuals, congregations, foundations and volunteers who support programming offered across the region. Christine received a B.S. in Social Work with a minor in Early Childhood Studies from the University of Minnesota Duluth. And a few days later, she started at Augsburg University in Minneapolis where she earned a master?s degree in macro practice social work.; Jean Louis: An avid supporter of the arts in central Minnesota, serving on a Fine Arts Council to support sound and lighting needs for the Performing Arts Center in the local high school, working as Stage Manager for an annual Talent Showcase, and writing grants for the schools and community theatre groups. With a degree in Music Education, she accompanies musical theatre productions, and plays for services in multiple churches, as well as playing for weddings, a dinner theatre, and other events. She volunteers in a nearby school district to play for choir concerts. Composing mass settings and reviewing grants are her latest endeavors in the world of the arts.; Ingrid Nordstrom: Director of Marketing and Communications for Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church in Minneapolis; a social justice and progressive faith-based community with a focus on arts. Ingrid began her career as an Actor and Dramaturg in New York. In 2012 she left acting to get her Master?s degree in Art History and rose quickly to the role of Senior Producer for Christie?s Content in the Americas Region. While at Christie?s she received numerous awards including Webbys, Tellys, and Regional Emmy nomination. She is currently producing a documentary on Sister Gertrude Morgan scheduled for release late 2023.; Alyssa Swanson: A multidisciplinary artist and art educator living in Cloquet, MN. She earned a Master of Fine Art focused on 2-Dimensional studies (specifically painting and fiber art) from Bowling Green State University and a Bachelor of Art focused on painting and drawing from The College of St. Scholastica. Swanson?s current conceptual artwork draws inspiration from shapes in water, real and imagined, as repetitive patterns in embroidered abstract compositions. She has worked for arts non-profits in a variety of roles, provides youth art education opportunities in the Twin Ports region, and has received three grants from Arrowhead Regional Arts Council.; Nathaniel Wunrow: Wunrow works as a bids writer for a company that provides self-service and automation solutions to libraries. Previously, he worked as a cataloging librarian for the Walker Art Center, in development for the Minnesota Historical Society, and as an intern with The Soap Factory. He wrote an Artist Initiative Grant proposal for his spouse and was awarded the grant for 2017-18. Wunrow received an MA in English and a graduate certificate in museum studies from the University of St. Thomas.