Representatives appointed to board for state commission on national service
MINNEAPOLIS – May 24, 2024 – ServeMinnesota is pleased to announce four additions to its governor-appointed board of directors. ServeMinnesota is the state’s commission on national and community service, charged with creating opportunities for AmeriCorps members and volunteers to address community challenges in education, the environment, health, affordable housing, job readiness, and more.
Jennifer Bartels, Shelly Muñoz, Joseph Nayquonabe, Jr., and Amy Walstien will each serve a three-year term with the organization beginning in February.
Jennifer Bartels describes herself as a collaborative strategic thinker. She demonstrates a commitment to justice, equity, inclusion, and belonging as vice president of people and impact at Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities, where she has worked since October 2020. Jennifer has experience working in schools, leading organizational development, and strategic planning and is also a board member for Doing Good Together.
Shelly Muñoz is a two-time winner of Teacher of the Year award and two-time Golden Apple Award recipient for her initiative and innovation in bringing science to the classroom. An ambassador for NASA, National Geographic Educators, and corporate sustainability departments, Shelly is committed to environmental learning at school and in the community. She is also founder of STEMbraced with Love, a nonprofit designed to deliver STEM camps to under-resourced students around the world.
Joseph Nayquonabe, Jr., is the CEO of Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures (MLCV), guiding the corporate vision and growth strategy for business holdings of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. With dual masters in Tribal Administration & Governance and Business Administration, Nayquonabe brings a wealth of experience in economic development, drawing on the wisdom of tribal leaders to shape his approach. His involvement beyond MCLV extends to noteworthy organizations such as Native Governance Center, Initiative Foundation, and Midwest Indigenous Immersion Network.
Amy Walstien is a government relations professional and attorney with expertise in education and workforce policy. Currently, she is senior policy director at Minnesota Business Partnership where her advocacy focuses on literacy and education, diversity and inclusion, economic competitiveness, and more. She also serves as Vice President of the Minnesota Governmental Relations Council and on multiple other boards.
“We intentionally sought board members who could represent diversity of experience, identities, and locations,” said Julia Quanrud, CEO of ServeMinnesota. “Our role is to listen to our community members and respond appropriately with additional AmeriCorps support where it’s needed most. We can only do that when voices from across the state are in the room.”
For a list of all ServeMinnesota Board Members, visit https://www.serveminnesota.org/our-team-and-board/
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About ServeMinnesota
ServeMinnesota blends service and science to accelerate positive social change. Each year, thousands of individuals commit to transformative AmeriCorps service opportunities focused on improving the lives of Minnesotans through education, affordable housing, employment, the environment, and health. These AmeriCorps members translate research on what works into on-the-ground implementation. Two of ServeMinnesota’s strategic initiatives, Minnesota Reading Corps and Minnesota Math Corps, demonstrate speed to implementation in their work to close the opportunity gap and help struggling students become successful learners. By leveraging federal dollars, building strong community partnerships, and continually improving programs, ServeMinnesota ensures national service is positioned to make meaningful contributions to our state. For more information, visit www.serveminnesota.org.
About AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges, through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.
