Minnesota Young American Leaders Program

The 2019 cohort from Saint Cloud made the following video describing their experience:

Nominations have closed for the 2023 cohort, but you may consider who you might nominate for the 2023 cohort via this advice.

Once nominated, Itasca Project staff will reach out to the nominees to confirm their interest and provide them with more information about the Program. Nominees will then complete a short application. The selection committee for each region will work to select a balanced cohort that represents the rich and particular diversity of our region. We plan to have cohorts identified by early February 2023.

 As you think about nominations, keep in mind that we are seeking individuals who:

•  Have a track record of civic engagement in their city, ideally in cross-sector collaborations. Mere interest or potential is not enough
• Typically have a minimum of 7-10 years of professional work experience; and have a “runway” for involvement in future cross-sector collaborations
• Are open to new ideas and relationships, are able to bring expertise to bear, and are willing to debate tough issues civilly
  Have demonstrated experience working across differences such as race, ideology and sector.

Past attendees held a variety of positions ranging from C-Suite Executives to Mid-Level Managers and small business owners.

Please note that the project will not accept candidates who are actively running for elective office but will consider current office-holders. In addition to looking for participants with both a track record and a potential trajectory in their professional and civic engagement, the project seeks individuals who have demonstrated their openness to new ideas and relationships, their willingness to debate and consider different perspectives on tough issues and their aptitude for working across potential boundaries such as race, ideology, sector, age or profession. 

The following individuals represented Greater Mankato at the 2022 MYALP program:

• Alejandra Bejarano – Economic Recovery Planner – Region 9 Development Commission
• Dr. Cuong Huynh – Owner – Discover Chiropractic
• Benya Kaus – Founder & Executive Director – Lead for Minnesota
• Mark Konz – Associate Director – Planning and Development Services – City of Mankato
• Nate Olsen – Vice President/Business Banker – United Prairie Bank
• Ryan Vesey – Economic Development & Research Manager – Greater Mankato Growth
• Kelcey Woods-Nord – Director of Strategic Partnerships & Employer Engagement – South Central College

The following individuals represented Greater Mankato at the 2020 MYALP program:

• Jennifer Bromeland – City Administrator – City of Eagle Lake
• Laura Drager – Marketing Manager – ISG
• Matt DuRose – Assistant Director Mankato Public Safety – City of Mankato
• Edell Fiedler – Communications and Engagement Director – City of Mankato and Mankato Area Public Schools
• Julie Fredrickson – Owner – J. Fre Consulting
• Nicole Griensewic – Executive Director – Region 9 Development Commission
• Kate Hansen – Owner – Blue Sun Designs & Cabin No. 4
• Tonya Hobbie – Director of Talent Management – Bolton & Menk
• Mohamed Ibrahim – Community Health Specialist – Mayo Clinic Health System
• Diana Rojo-Garcia – Associate Editor, Reporter – Mankato Free Press
• Katie Smentek – Pediatrician and Board Member – Mankato Clinic
• Amanda Weister – Assistant Director, Career Development Center – Minnesota State University, Mankato