Events

Hailey Bailey (she/her) is the Chief Advancement Officer for the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota (ACLU-MN). Hailey is responsible for holistically and strategically directing all fundraising, communications, and outreach activities of the ACLU-MN. She develops and executes coordinated fundraising strategies that include established special events, increasing individual giving and new methods of corporate and community support. She works to develop and maintain a healthy and thriving organizational culture that values the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, with the goal of fighting for systemic change and racial justice internally and externally. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in public health. Originally from Idaho, she has lived and worked in almost a dozen countries.

Meet in the parking lot behind Rustica (3220 West Lake Street) at 9:00 AM.  Everything you need will be provided. We will do our magic and those who are interested in some fellowship will meet either at Rustica or Steel Toe.

Craig Wilson has long been active in neighborhood and citywide community organizing, bringing people together to build a stronger, more connected Minneapolis. His background in cultural studies and comparative literature, along with landscape architecture and urban and regional planning, shapes his interest in how culture, place and community intersect. As editor of Hill & Lake Press, Craig is dedicated to highlighting local stories, championing civic engagement and nurturing the shared spirit of the Hill & Lake community — often with his two whippets by his side on neighborhood walks.

Heather joined Opportunity Partners in July 2022. She brings over 25 years of advancement leadership and fundraising success with nonprofit organizations across the Twin Cities, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Minnesota Orchestra, and Breck School. As Vice President of Advancement at OP, she provides leadership and strategy for both the Development and Marketing & Communications teams.

Katherine is a Minneapolis native, born and raised in South Minneapolis. She currently serves  as a Gifts Officer at People Incorporated, where she supports fundraising efforts to expand access to critical mental health services. Katherine is passionate about building meaningful relationships and connecting individuals to causes that create lasting community impact. Outside of work, you can find her running around Bde Maka Ska, walking the family dog around Lake Harriet, or enjoying ice cream from Sebastian Joe’s, all places that have shaped her love for this community. Katherine enjoys connecting with fellow leaders, contributing to service initiatives, and continuous personal and professional growth while making a positive difference in Minneapolis.

Markus Flynn is the Chief Executive Officer of Black Men Teach, a nonprofit committed to increasing the number of Black male elementary school educators in the Twin Cities. Under his leadership, the organization has grown into a vital coalition of school districts, teacher preparation programs, and community partners working together to recruit, prepare, place, and retain Black men in the classroom. Markus brings a bold vision for systemic change and a deep commitment to racial and educational equity, building strategic initiatives that not only support future Black male educators but also strengthen the communities where they teach.
‍Before stepping into his current role, Markus taught 5th and 6th grade science at Prodeo Academy, where his passion for culturally responsive instruction and relationship-driven leadership took root. A former public health researcher, he bridges data-informed strategy with lived experience to disrupt long-standing disparities in education.

‍Markus holds both a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University. He is widely regarded as a mission-driven leader, educator, and advocate working to transform the educational experiences of Black boys by ensuring they see themselves reflected at the front of the classroom.

Dave serves as a Senior Partner of Community Outreach and Institutional Adjunct Instructor who works directly with civic organizations and community leaders to strengthen our network of Community Partners, Employment Partners, and Support Services Partners. As an instructor of the Virtues for Success™ course, he helps Associates build the foundation for a successful reentry. He also plays a role in matching Associates with Partners who will walk alongside them, ensuring they have the guidance, opportunities, and support needed to thrive.

Tabitha Benci DeRango is an engagement organizer, event planner, place-maker, and educator who strives to strengthen communities by connecting human knowledge and investment into communities and their needs. She works collaboratively with volunteers and stakeholders to ensure that planning is done authentically and encourages action. Tabitha prides herself in conference planning for issues that impact the community through her role at JFCS of Minnesota where she guides planning Mental Health and Caregiving conferences for all. 

Marion Greene has served as Hennepin County Commissioner for the 3rd District since 2014. District 3 includes Downtown and Southwest Minneapolis and the entire suburb of St. Louis Park. Marion served as chair of the Hennepin County Board for four years, during which time she stewarded significant federal COVID relief funds, with an emphasis on public health response, racial equity, and affordable housing. Marion is currently Chair of the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority.

Marion is married to Bart Cannon, and is an adoring stepmom to two grown daughters. In her free time, she enjoys walking her dog and trying new recipes.

Ilon Preston is the Community Engagement Coordinator for Bridging, a nonprofit furniture bank in Bloomington, Minnesota, serving an average of 120 households each week. Ilon joined Bridging in July 2025 as part of the Strategic Partnership team, bringing experience as a Program Manager at a food pantry before transitioning to a furniture bank.

As Community Engagement Coordinator, Ilon leads volunteer groups, introduces new people to Bridging’s mission, and fosters connections between staff, volunteers, and the community Bridging. Ilon emphasizes the organization’s 1–2–3 model: connecting those with excess furniture/housewares to those in need, keeping functional items out of landfills, and providing stability and comfort to individuals and families 

Katie Burwell (Affleck) is the Director of Development at Jack’s Basket, a nonprofit dedicated to providing free baskets to families of babies with Down syndrome from diagnosis or birth up to the baby’s first birthday. She is also a Basket Delivery Parent (BDP), delivering baskets to families in her community and connecting with parents outside her area. 

Originally from Massachusetts, Katie has lived in Texas since 2007. She built a successful career in Talent Acquisition before transitioning into nonprofit leadership. Her personal journey took a pivotal turn when her daughter Tatum was diagnosed with Down syndrome. This experience deeply influenced her mission and led her to join Jack’s Basket. 

Shelby Ankrom’s work at the Center for Victims of Torture includes supporting the New Tactics program, where she assisted with training, researched successful tactics, and developed online courses. She also contributed to the creation of a promotional video and a blog post on vicarious trauma among human rights workers. Shelby’s contributions to CVT have been recognized, including her role as an events specialist and her involvement in the annual Restoring Hope Breakfast, which was the most successful in the event's 15-year history. Her work at CVT reflects her passion for human rights and her dedication to supporting survivors of torture.