When it comes to changemakers, there are rebels and radicals, yielding big voices filled with big passion. There are also commonplace movers and shakers, listening deeply and planting seeds for transformation. They work within and against cultural inertia. And while they may not all make appearances as “community leaders", they do consistently challenge us, inspire others, and build greater collective awareness for what is good and necessary to be better - better neighbors, better citizens, better people. Hear their Stories.
Charles Blacklance
Baxter, MN
Drawing upon lessons from both his indigenous roots and the agricultural community around him, Charles has learned to embrace complexity. With his experience of living in two cultures, he is cultivating an educational environment that allows BIPOC students to thrive in predominantly white institutions.
Therese Kunz
Outing, MN
With her strong belief in the power of the arts to uplift rural communities out of their grief, fear of others, or fear of change, Therese Kunz uses storytelling to open hearts and have conversations that matter. She has learned that you have to love, really love, those you wish to teach, direct, change, and impact. Though this is not easy. Join us to hear how, as a theater artist, she is shifting cultural inertia.
English Version
Spanish Version
Carmen Urbina Oberton
Randall, MN
Carmen never expected to find herself in rural Minnesota, from Mexico, let alone find a sense of community or purpose in this new place. It takes great courage and risk to take root and bloom where you are planted, but Carmen has blossomed into a leader in her community as both a language and cultural translator, creating fertile ground for others to bloom too.
Jodi Dixon
Long Prairie, MN
As a relative newbie to the community with no political experience, Jodi Dixon may have been an unlikely candidate for mayor. But she is a well-liked mayor. With openness, passion and transparency, she walks the walk. She cares for the people first and believes everyone is equal, regardless of their age, ethnicity or immigration status.
Chris Lindholm
Pequot Lakes, MN
He’s strategic, calculated, maybe even quiet; yet Chris Lindholm is anything but passive when it comes to addressing inequities inside our schools. He is empowering a stronger voice of compassion and empathy within the leadership circles of the public school system to stomp out racism and prejudice inside our school halls.