Speakers for the 2026 Make Hunger History Summit
SCHEDULE & SESSIONS SUMMIT HOMEPAGE
Speakers are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
Jalilia Abdul-Brown she/her
Jalilia Abdul-Brown is the Founder and Executive Director of Change Starts With Community, a North Minneapolis–based nonprofit. Under her leadership, the organization operates the Shiloh Cares Food Shelf–Northside Community Safety Resource Center, providing essential food, public health wraparound services, and comprehensive violence prevention programs. In 2024, she led the fundraising to establish the first combined food shelf and community safety resource center in Minneapolis, expanding critical support for underserved residents.
Her work includes specialized programs for at-risk women, girls, and young men, supporting survivors of violence and more than 50 youth annually through on-site job training and urban agriculture programs across Minneapolis and Hennepin County. In 2026, Jalilia was selected for the University of Chicago’s prestigious national CVILA Leadership Academy and received the City of Minneapolis Black History Proclamation Award; she also received the City’s Public Health Award in 2023.
In 2021, she was named the inaugural Health Equity Champion by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal and a Hometown Hero by the Minnesota Vikings and U.S. Bank and served as Grand Marshal of the CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Aquatennial Parade.
A public servant, pastor, keynote speaker, and trauma-informed trainer, Jalilia partners with community, faith-based, hunger relief, healthcare, and government leaders to advance public health, public safety, and food justice. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and Administration of Children, Youth, and Family Programs and is a strategic leader driving measurable community transformation.
Amy Anderson she/her
Amy Anderson currently serves as the SNAP Policy Supervisor at the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families. Prior to joining DCYF, she dedicated 15 years to county service with Dakota and Ramsey Counties, where she held a variety of staff and leadership roles within Financial Assistance Services. Amy is a proud veteran, wife, and mother of two daughters—one attending the University of Iowa and one a middle-school competitive gymnast and club soccer player. Outside of work, she spends most of her free time on the road and in the stands, enthusiastically cheering on her daughters in their many activities.
Curt Anderson he/him
Curt Anderson is currently the Economic Assistance Division Director at Beltrami County, where he directs daily operations in the areas of public assistance eligibility, child support, fraud prevention, and employment and training services. Prior to joining Beltrami County, Curt spent 28 years as an officer in the US Army, serving in various leadership and staff roles. These roles included overseeing fiscal management, programming and training, and operational planning across a wide range of international partners, national agencies and cultures. Curt has more than 34 years of leadership experience breaking down communication silos, coordinating fiscal and human resources to address operational needs, building capacity, facilitating transitions and supporting broad operational and strategic goals. He is a proud husband and a father of two school age boys and is a surviving (so far) Hockey parent! Curt enjoys fishing, hunting, camping with his boys and helping veterans through his work in the VFW.
Sarah Aughenbaugh she/her
Sarah Kniskern Aughenbaugh has spent her career building connections across people and programs that meet basic needs. Her work spans federal, state, Tribal, county and community-based partners across public, private and nonprofit sectors.
As Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity at Minnesota’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families, Sarah leads a team taking a partnership approach to administer state and federal grants that support families’ basic needs and well-being. Programs include SNAP Outreach, SNAP Education, TEFAP – The Emergency Food Assistance Program, and Community Services Block Grants together with state funds supporting everything from local food shelves to American Indian food sovereignty, diaper distribution to matched savings accounts and asset building.
Sarah is a native of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Together with her family, she takes every opportunity to jump in a lake, especially Lake Superior.
Nicole Beane she/her
Nicole Beane (Tibikigiizisookwe) is a White Earth Nation descendant and currently serves as the American Indian Community Coordinator at Ramsey County. She has over 10 years experience working in city municipalities, and public schools, with a background in American Indian studies and human resources. Passionate about policy and systems change, she works to strengthen relationships between Native communities and local government.
Jennifer Belisle she/her
Jennifer Belisle joined Channel One as Programs and Agency Services Director in 2019. Her Agency Services experience includes onboarding, network standards and support for over 100 partner agencies and programs in Channel One’s 14-county service area. Jennifer also directs and oversees Channel One programs that include the Channel One Food Shelf along with mobile pantries, mobile markets, home deliveries and the CSFP program with an emphasis in dignity, choice and accessibility. Previously, Jennifer worked for a Feeding America food bank in Cincinnati, Ohio as their agency relations manager. Jennifer moved to Rochester in 2014 and enjoys spending time in all the communities in the Driftless Region of southeast Minnesota and southwestern Wisconsin.
Liam Boris
Liam is a passionate nonprofit professional with over 6 years of leadership experience in volunteer program development, human resources, and nonprofit administration. His work centers on supporting volunteers, interns, and students in meaningful service and professional growth. He is fully bilingual in Spanish having grown up in immersion education. Liam earned his A.A. in Communication Studies and Economics from Normandale Community College through the PSEO dual-enrollment program completed in high school, and received his B.A. in Human Resources and Business Management from Concordia University–St. Paul. Proud of his Carpatho-Rusyn heritage, he advocates for the Eastern Christian community and diaspora. Previous experience before PRISM include Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, Antiochian Village Camp, The Oasis Project, and Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA. Liam volunteers with FOCUS Minnesota, Minnesota 4-H, and Minnetonka VANTAGE—and he’s excited to learn and share with all of you.
Katie Bull she/her
Katie Bull is the director of programs at Foundation for Essential Needs (FFEN), where she leads statewide programming and service development to strengthen Minnesota’s food shelf network. With deep experience in hunger relief, Katie has conducted hundreds of food sourcing consultations, equipping food shelf leaders with tools and strategies to meet evolving community needs. At FFEN, she oversees the deployment of skilled, pro-bono volunteers who provide no-cost consultation to increase food shelf efficiency and impact. Her work advances FFEN’s mission to build a hunger relief sector that ensures equitable access to healthy food through welcoming, dignified experiences. Prior to FFEN, Katie held key roles at Second Harvest Heartland and Northern Lakes Food Bank, focusing on food rescue and capacity building. She also served five years at MAVA, coordinating statewide training and conferences for volunteer administrators. Katie’s blend of operational insight and strategic leadership makes her a trusted partner across the hunger relief sector.
Melvin Carter III he/him
Melvin Carter is a fourth-generation Saint Paul resident, Saint Paul public school graduate, former Saint Paul City Councilmember, former Saint Paul Mayor, and father.
Carter grew up in the Rondo neighborhood as the son of one of Saint Paul’s first black police officers, and a teacher (who now serves as a Ramsey County Commissioner). He attended Saint Paul Public Schools, ran track at his neighborhood rec center, and graduated from Central High School. He currently resides in Saint Paul’s historic Rondo neighborhood with his wife, Dr. Sakeena Futrell-Carter, and their children, just a few doors down from his childhood home.
Carter has been working to engage, enfranchise, and uplift people not only in Saint Paul, but also across the state and nation. Previously, he served as Executive Director of the Minnesota Children’s Cabinet, advising Governor Mark Dayton on early childhood policy. Prior to joining state government, Carter represented Ward 1 on the Saint Paul City Council from 2008 to 2013.
Heather Da Cunha she/her
Heather Da Cunha is an Inver Hills Community College student and food pantry assistant. Heather began her journey at Inver Hills Community College nearly two years ago, and has been working at the food pantry for over a year. She is genuinely passionate about helping others and finds nothing more fulfilling than easing the burden food pantry clients carry. For Heather, this role goes beyond employment – it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life and is something she is proud to be part of.
Tina England she/her
Tina England brings 30+ years of social service experience and 12 years of SNAP outreach leadership at Second Harvest Heartland. She manages the organization’s cloud‑based Care Center, where her team connects Minnesotans with the food and resources they need now and for the future. Tina served four years in the U.S. Navy and holds dual degrees in Women’s Studies and English from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Jessica Francis she/her
Jessica has been Open Cupboard’s Executive Director since 2019, and has been working in the hunger relief sector for more than 20 years. Her dedication to increasing food access drives her work at Open Cupboard as well as her volunteer roles. Jessica currently serves on the Board of Directors of the St. Croix Valley Food Bank in Hudson, WI and also serves on the Make Hunger History Advisory Council. She was the founding President of the Somerset Community Food Pantry Board of Directors. From 2005-2015, Jessica served as the Associate Director of Hunger Solutions Minnesota and also served as a sponsorship consultant for Walk to End Hunger. Through her position as Development and Communications Director at United Way St. Croix Valley, she supported an expansion of hunger-fighting work, including the launch of Farmers Fighting Hunger program and a new Mobile Pantry. Jessica has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton College.
Andrea Gressman she/her
Andrea Gressman is a consultant with the Foundation for Essential Needs (FFEN), where she supports food shelves across Minnesota in strengthening operations, improving food sourcing strategies, and enhancing access to nutritious food for communities in need. With a background in community engagement, strategic planning, and volunteer management, Andrea brings a balance of compassion and analytical insight to her work.
She partners closely with food shelf leaders to translate data into actionable goals, helping them make informed decisions that create lasting impact. Andrea is passionate about building sustainable systems, fostering collaboration, and equipping organizations to serve their communities with excellence and dignity. Her mission is to help food shelves operate more effectively so that every person who seeks support feels valued, respected, and nourished—both physically and emotionally.
Theresa Halvorson-Lee she/her
Theresa Halvorson-Lee was appointed to the position of director of the Department of Indian Work (DIW) in November 2024. Previously she served as emergency services manager after joining Interfaith Action full time in May 2020. As director of DIW, Theresa oversees four programs dedicated to supporting the Indigenous community. She loves her work because it allows her to make a real difference in people’s lives. She finds it incredibly fulfilling to support her community and see the positive outcomes of the work. Prior to joining Interfaith Action, Theresa gained over 20 years of service, training, and management experience working with companies like Fraser, Bremer Bank, MTM and USPS. Theresa is a member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Sioux tribe of South Dakota and was born and raised on the East Side of Saint Paul.
Jennifer L. Harrison, MA, CFRE she/her
Jennifer L. Harrison, MA, CFRE, is a nonprofit leader and fundraising strategist dedicated to building stronger, more equitable communities. As Vice President of Advancement at VEAP (Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People), she oversees all fundraising, communications, and community engagement efforts, guiding the organization’s philanthropic vision during a time of unprecedented need.
With more than 20 years of experience in development, Jennifer specializes in donor-centered fundraising, strategic planning, and building sustainable revenue models for mission-driven organizations.
A passionate advocate for community-centered philanthropy, Jennifer brings a blend of strategy, creativity, and heart to every partnership, always with a focus on integrity, impact, and strengthening the fabric of the communities she serves.
Niila Hebert she/her
Pronounced {Ny-la} {A-Bear}
Niila is the executive director of the Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement and an established leader in community engagement, fundraising, program development, and volunteerism. As a long-time servant leader, Niila is a board member and volunteer who is passionate about the impact volunteers and the professionals who work with them can have on their communities.
Highly skilled in creating partnerships, Niila catalyzes transformative change through collaborative engagement. She is a DEI trainer and inclusion champion, bringing her core values of equity, access, and justice to her advocacy for Black and LGBTQ+ communities. In addition, she is a Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA) and a Certified Professional Project Manager (CCPM).
Niila received a bachelor's degree from California State University Long Beach majoring in communications with a minor in black studies. Niila currently serves on the boards of Nexus Community Partners, Until We Are All Free, Sweet Potato Comfort Pie, and the MN Freedom Fund.
Erick Hedman he/him
Erick has lived his life in rural Minnesota, always embracing the idea that “it takes a village.” He firmly believes that each of us makes a daily difference in the lives of the people that we meet and by giving of ourselves, we receive much more in return.
Erick was hired by Prairie Five Community Action Council, Inc. in 2007 to work as the Outreach Manager in the Benson Outreach office, where he managed the food shelf and clothing room. In 2012, he transitioned to manage the Prairie Five Meals Program and oversaw 4 cooking kitchens, congregate meal sites, and home delivered meals.
For the past 4 years, Prairie Five Community Action Council, Inc. has been working to combine the Montevideo Food Shelf and the Prairie Five Meals commercial kitchen and calling it the Prairie Five Food Hub. The organization’s intention is to expand service throughout the 5 counties as well as look for innovative approaches to reducing food insecurity in rural Minnesota.
Erick graduated from Moorhead State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and worked at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church as a Youth Director for 16 years.
Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger she/her
Senator Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger represents Senate District 47, covering Woodbury and South Maplewood. She won a special election in November 2025 after serving in the Minnesota House since 2022.
A scientist and union leader, she holds master's degrees in Genetics from Iowa State University and Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy from the University of Minnesota's Humphrey School. As a forensic scientist for the State of Minnesota and leader in the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE), she successfully championed paid parental leave for state employees.
Senator Hemmingsen-Jaeger has driven environmental justice and public transit initiatives in the East Metro, mobilizing community support for the MetroTransit Gold Line. In her tenure in the House, she was a strong supporter of ensuring Minnesotans had enough food to eat. Bills include funding Meals on Wheels for veterans, and money for food banks. She continues organizing with Woodbury for Justice and Equality.
Isabella Hembre Conditt she/her
Isabella Hembre Conditt is the Program Coordinator at Open Arms of Minnesota. She has been with the organization since 2021, holding a couple different client-facing roles before transitioning into her current role in 2024. She has really enjoyed the pivot to program- and partnership-building. In the current Prepared Meals Program, Isabella serves as the liaison between referral organizations and Open Arms, managing and tracking the day-to-day functioning of the program, completing formal and informal check-ins with clients, and contributing to ongoing program evaluation.
Elana Gravitz she/her
Elana Gravitz is Manager of Policy and Strategic Initiatives for Hennepin County Human Services - Economic Supports. With 20 years experience in the public sector, she has worked on initiatives such as increasing SNAP renewal rates and an award-winning pilot that addressed pandemic-exacerbated disparities by making direct cash payments to eligible residents. She co-chairs the Minnesota Association of Social Service Administrators Economic Supports Committee and represents counties on a statewide SNAP Federal Changes Work Group.
Elana has an MBA in nonprofit management and was the Executive Director of the Nokomis Healthy Seniors Program before moving to the public sector. She is passionate about bringing dignity to residents’ interactions with government systems.
Maren Gelle Henderson she/her
Maren Gelle Henderson, evaluation and survey scientist within HealthPartners Institute’s Center for Evaluation and Survey Research (CESR), has worked as an evaluator in multiple complex systems designed to serve youth and their families. Her evaluation practice emphasizes partnership and shared learning, working together with content experts and stakeholders to understand diverse perspectives, measure impact, and identify opportunities to improve. She’s committed to using the power of research and evaluation to amplify community expertise.
Katie Herrick
Katie Herrick is a Community Health Evaluation and Reporting Specialist at Fairview Health Services. She integrates data, storytelling, and community insights to illuminate and strengthen the impact of community health initiatives, including Fairview’s Food is Medicine programs.
Katie’s commitment to food justice began during her AmeriCorps service with the Sanneh Foundation, where she helped launch a new nutritional services program at the height of the pandemic. She later joined Fairview’s Food is Medicine team, contributing to the growth of initiatives such as the Fresh Food Prescription program, MarketRx, and the East Side Table Community Cooks Meal Boxes.
Before returning to Fairview in her current role, Katie worked on an agroforestry farm in Ecuador and later supported the collective purchasing power of independent grocers through the Independent Natural Food Retailers Association. This cross-disciplinary experience continues to shape her approach to food systems and community health.
Rachel Holmes she/her
Rachel Holmes is the Director of Advocacy and Community Engagement at The Food Group. With over a decade of experience in anti-hunger work, she has dedicated her career to advancing food justice in Minnesota. She previously served as Associate Director at Hunger Solutions Minnesota before continuing her work at The Food Group following the organizations’ 2024 merger. Rachel began her career as a SNAP Outreach Associate, connecting Minnesotans with vital nutrition programs and listening to the stories of those seeking help through the Minnesota Food Helpline. These experiences shaped her belief that food is a fundamental human right and fuel her passion for building meaningful partnerships that drive policy change and a more just food system.
Jenna Hoover she/her
Jenna brings her own lived experience accessing food pantries and programs to her work, grounded in a commitment to center the voices of neighbors experiencing hunger who are too often excluded from decision-making. She has listened to and learned from over 1,500 food shelves across the country, helping them interpret their data, reflect on their reach, and adopt neighbor-centered practices. She has also facilitated conversations with more than 2,000 neighbors facing food insecurity, ensuring their wisdom shapes strategy and systems. Jenna holds a master's degree in data analytics and visualization and is a Certified Nonprofit Professional.
Stuart Iseminger he/him
Stuart Iseminger’s career has focused on anti-poverty and food security programs. After receiving a graduate degree in social work, he managed several departments at nonprofits and prioritized creating a respectful client experience. Stuart has participated on two capital committees responsible for building award-winning facilities in under-served communities. He has worked in Chicago and most recently in North Minneapolis at NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center. In 2023, he joined the Office of Economic Opportunity at the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families as a grant manager and manages the Prepared Meals and Food Shelf Facilities Capital grants. Stuart enjoys visiting partners to see the crucial work they do building and strengthening communities across Minnesota.
Roxanne Johnson
Roxanne Johnson is a Registered Dietitian specializing in diabetes care, maternal child nutrition, and culinary nutrition with over 20 years of experience. A member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe, she brings a passion for ancestral foodways. She also has training as an Indigenous lactation counselor and doula. She has held several leadership positions as a program director for tribal and federal nutrition programs. She currently oversees the nutrition programming at Mewinzha Ondaadiziike Wiigaming an Anishinaabe organization in Bemidji, Minnesota committed to providing holistic, community-centered care that blends traditional Anishinaabe teachings with modern healthcare to support women, children, and families on their wellness journey.
Wayne A Johnson he/him
I am honored to serve as the State Representative for Minnesota House District 41A. I bring more than 30 years of experience as a small business owner, along with prior service as a Washington County Commissioner and city councilmember. That local government background gives me a practical understanding of how decisions made at the Capitol directly affect taxpayers, schools, and communities across our state.
I was raised on a farm in rural southeastern Minnesota by my grandparents, where I learned the values of hard work, personal responsibility, and helping your neighbors. Those lessons continue to guide my approach to public service.
At the Legislature, I serve on the House Committees on Labor and Workforce Development, Taxes, and Housing, where I focus on policies that support working families, encourage job growth, improve affordability, and ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars. I am committed to practical solutions and putting Minnesotans first.
Matt Lee he/him
Matt Lee is a Rochester, MN native who joined Channel One Regional Food Bank in 2023, marking his first role in food banking. His professional background includes database administration, data analysis, and project management, with experience supporting a wide range of nonprofit organizations through fundraising software implementations. That experience fostered a lasting connection to working with nonprofits, while his expertise in systems, process design, and people leadership naturally aligned him with operations. In his current role as Director of Operations, he focuses on strengthening and standardizing operational and technology processes in support of Channel One’s mission and the communities it serves.
Jenifer Loon she/her
Jenifer joined the PROP staff team as Executive Director on January 1, 2022 after seven years on the PROP Board of Directors and volunteer service on several PROP Committees. Jenifer is the former State Representative for Eden Prairie, having served in the Minnesota House from 2009 through 2018, and has more than 25 years of professional experience in public affairs and government relations work at both the state and federal levels. She has served on numerous nonprofit boards and in 2020 became the founding CEO and Publisher of a new nonprofit media corporation called the Eden Prairie Local News, an online local newspaper. An avid community volunteer, Jenifer is a member of several service clubs and organizations. In addition to addressing food insecurity, Jenifer is passionate about ensuring all children receive a rigorous and engaging education.
Nicole MartinRogers she/her
Nicole MartinRogers joined Advance Consulting LLC in 2022 after a 20+ year career at Wilder Research, where she still works part-time as a Research Scientist. She has a PhD in sociology from the University of Minnesota and a master's in public policy from Humphrey School. As a descendant of White Earth Nation and a lifelong member of the Twin Cities American Indian community, Nicole has a particular passion for working with and supporting organizations that serve Indigenous children, families, and communities. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Montessori American Indian Childcare Center and is on the Advisory Committee for Interfaith Action’s Department of Indian Work. Nicole is the former president of the Minnesota Evaluation Association and also previously served on the boards of directors of Interfaith Action, Saint Paul Children’s Collaborative, and Tiwahe Foundation.
Metro Food Justice Network Leadership
MFJN is a collaboration of individuals and organizations in the Twin Cities Metro Area partnering to advance racial equity by transforming our food system. We center communities that are most affected by systemic racism in the food system through collective power and shared resources. The 20+ members of the Leadership Team represent frontline communities, groups and organizations. This BIPOC-led, intergenerational team represents decades of collective action towards a more just food system in MN.
Melissa Miller she/her
Melissa started in fundraising at The Open Door food pantry where she led a capital campaign in 2021 that doubled the capacity of the food shelf serving Dakota County. She now serves as a fundraiser on the development team at Second Harvest Heartland where she works one-on-one with individual donors who are passionate about hunger relief work. Melissa has a strong communications and storytelling background informed by her work in small-business coaching and her background in theater and education. Melissa is driven to help strengthen the hunger-relief network in Minnesota and understands the first way to achieve that is by strengthening the partners that are serving neighbors directly.
Dan Narr
Currently, Dan serves as the Executive Director of ICA Food, Jobs, and Housing. In this role, he is focused on redefining traditional social service access throughout the community to remove barriers and build equity more effectively.
His career is marked by a strong international focus as well. He previously served for 10 years as the Executive Director of Mano a Mano International Partners, where he focused on community development and served impoverished Bolivian communities. His passion for international community development as a career path was sparked by his travels abroad to diverse cultures, including the Philippines, Russia, and Bolivia.
Dan and his wife, Sally, reside in Columbia Heights. They share a love for travel and learning about other cultures. Together, they have a large and loving family, including 5 children, 15 grandchildren, and 1 great-granddaughter.
Lindsey Ochmanek
As the Director of Sourcing and Demand Planning at Second Harvest Heartland, Lindsey Ochmanek leads a team of dedicated individuals committed to maximizing the amount of food available to neighbors through a variety of different food streams and programs. Prior to her time at SHH, she spent more than eighteen years in retail buying, inventory management, and sales-related roles.
Rachel Smith she/her
Rachel Smith was born and raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota and she is an enrolled member of the Sicangu Lakota Tribe of Rosebud, South Dakota. She is a mother of four and works as a family coach with the Economic Mobility Hub at the Montessori American Indian Childcare Center. She works with parents and families to help them get out of the cycle of poverty and build intergenerational wealth. In previous years, she had worked as a chef at The Sioux Chef, Lucia's and Tipsy Chicken. Each place had a focus on either Indigenous foods or farm-to-table, sustainable, ethical and organic culinary practices. Before that, she worked in the American Indian community at Ain Dah Yung, American Indian Family and Children's Services and Women of Nations Eagle Nest shelter. Rachel enjoys helping and serving others and loves working with her community to promote wellness and health.
Nicole Tyrell she/her
Nicole Tyrrell is the Neighborhood Program Manager at The Open Door Pantry, serving Dakota County. She leads a team focused on bringing food directly into communities for individuals and families who are unable to visit The Open Door Pantry in Eagan. Her work includes expanding access to food through schools, summer mobile lunchbox programs, senior housing, and concentrated neighborhood sites. Through these neighborhood programs, her team serves approximately 11,500 individuals each month. She is passionate that everyone deserves access to healthy food in a dignified and respectful manner.
Jordan Vernoy he/him
Jordan spent 13 years in the Feeding America network, starting as an agency relations director at Northeast Iowa Food Bank, then becoming the founding state director of the Iowa Food Bank Association before working at the Feeding America National Organization. His tenure in the Feeding America network concentrated on challenging people to think differently about the work of ending hunger in America. Networks can realize their vision by focusing on the people facing the issue, understanding the value each member of the network holds, and maximizing those resources to have the biggest impact. He works with organizations to embrace practices for deepening engagement. Jordan holds a master’s in nonprofit management and is a Certified Nonprofit Professional.
Jason Viana he/him
Jason Viana is the Executive Director of The Open Door - a food pantry in Eagan which hosts a robust mobile distribution program. Jason earned a master’s in nonprofit management from Hamline University and worked for the Minnesota Red Cross in disaster preparedness and international services. He has led The Open Door since 2016 following almost 20 years of work in the nonprofit sector. He was honored with the Burnsville Community Builder Award in 2022 for his strategic work growing The Open Door's reach. Jason hails from the deep south and now lives in Burnsville with his wife and two young boys Eli and Noah.
Joe Walker he/him
Joe Walker is the Director of Nutritional Services at The Sanneh Foundation, where he oversees one of the largest community-based hunger relief operations in the Twin Cities. He directs all food shelf operations, mobile distributions, food-rescue logistics, and compliance with local, state, and federal requirements, including TEFAP. Joe manages a cross-functional team spanning program management, warehouse operations, VISTA members, and youth workforce development staff, ensuring high-quality service delivery and strong community partnerships.
With more than 15 years of experience in Minnesota’s hunger relief sector, Joe has led statewide food access initiatives, including multi-million-dollar federal commodity distribution (TEFAP), managed the Minnesota Food Shelf Grant (MFSP), and directed emergency COVID-19 relief programs. His leadership roles at Appetite For Change, Northfield Union of Youth, and Hunger Solutions Minnesota centered on strengthening food systems, advancing community-driven solutions, and building operational excellence across nonprofit programs.
Susie West she/her
Susie West, MPH, is an extension educator on the Health and Nutrition team in University of Minnesota Extension’s Department of Family, Health and Wellbeing. Her areas of focus are food insecurity and mental health, with a special emphasis on how service experiences in food access and healthcare settings influence wellbeing. Susie’s work centers on uplifting the voices of marginalized groups through participatory processes and integrating the wisdom of community-based practitioners to effectively elevate lived experience as expertise. Since coming to Minnesota in 2022, she has helped operationalize those in the hunger relief sector through her leadership of SuperShelf programming and her work on the Minnesota Food Shelf Survey team.
Virginia Witherspoon she/her
Virginia Witherspoon has served as the Executive Director of Channel One Regional Food Bank in Rochester, Minnesota since 2018. Channel One is the largest hunger relief organization in southeastern Minnesota responsible for distributing over 19 million pounds of food annually to 14 counties in southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
Virginia came to Channel One after serving as the Executive Director of Legal Assistance of Olmsted County, a non-profit organization that provides free civil legal services to people with low incomes. At Legal Assistance, Virginia worked directly with domestic abuse survivors and started the legal clinic at the Rochester Women’s Shelter.
Virginia graduated from the University of Iowa with degrees in English and Political Science. She graduated from the University of Iowa College of Law with distinction. While practicing business law, Virginia accepted court appointed child protection cases. This was Virginia’s introduction to social services and the community-based supports that people rely on to stabilize their lives and reunite their families.
Virginia currently serves as the Chair of the National Council for Feeding America, the largest public charity in the U.S. She also serves on the Boards for Think Bank, the Mardag Family Foundation, and Feeding Wisconsin. Virginia is a founding member of the Rochester Nonprofit Consortium and serves on the advisory committee. Virginia lives in Rochester, Minnesota with her two elementary school-aged children.
Peter Woitock he/him
Peter Woitock serves as Government Relations Manager at The Food Group, where he champions anti-hunger initiatives at the Capitol. He earned his Master’s degree in Advocacy and Political Leadership from the University of Minnesota–Duluth in 2008. Since then, he has played an active role in political campaigns and nonprofit organizations, bringing a strong voice to issues of equity and access. Driven by a deep commitment to combating poverty and hunger across Minnesota, Peter works to ensure that communities have the resources they need to thrive.