As a Gift Planner at the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, one of the largest community foundations in the country, I work to advance the Foundation’s mission by collaborating with professional advisors and donors to achieve philanthropic goals. In turn, these gifts address some of the biggest challenges that Minnesota communities face today.The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation is Minnesota’s largest community foundation and the partner of choice for thousands of donors, nonprofits and community organizations across the state. The Foundation aspires to create an equitable, just and vibrant Minnesota where all communities and people thrive. My personal values are aligned with those of the Foundation: inspiring generosity, advocating for equity, and investing in community-led solutions. Having grown up in a small rural community in Iowa to living in the Twin Cities for over 25 years, I understand and encourage community-led solutions to issues and problems identified by residents wanting to solve them for the betterment of all. Passionate about improving access and equity, especially for girls, women, and student musicians, I have served on numerous nonprofit boards, including as the inaugural president of the Twin Cities chapter of Women in Financial Services and the staff chair of the Gustavus Friends of Music Leadership Council. I currently serve on the development committee for VocalEssence and as an extended family member for Project Diva International.