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Inspired after sponsoring a Laotian refugee and his family for resettlement in the U.S., Neal Ball founded the American Refugee Committee (now Alight) in 1978 with a focus on people helping people. Initially based in Chicago, ARC aimed to reunite refugee families and engage everyday Americans in sponsoring and aiding refugees in resettlement. In 1979, prompted by witnessing refugee camps in Thailand, Neal and ARC’s first Executive Director Stan Breen launched the organization’s international programs, which have since expanded to numerous countries, impacting millions worldwide.
Dr. Brenda Cassellius, a dedicated educator with over three decades of experience, has made significant contributions to education at both the local and state levels. As Boston Public School Superintendent during the pandemic, she prioritized equity, passing historic admission policies and raising graduation requirements while securing substantial funding for the district. Her tenure as Minnesota's commissioner of education saw comprehensive reforms benefiting all children, including increased funding, expanded preschool access, and improved graduation rates. Cassellius's commitment to equity is evident in her advocacy for policies such as anti-bullying legislation and support for marginalized communities. Across various leadership roles, she has demonstrated a proactive approach to student-centered change, emphasizing collaboration and effective strategies.
Mark Dayton, Minnesota's 40th Governor from 2011 to 2019, implemented impactful policies, including raising personal income taxes on the wealthiest 2% of Minnesotans, leading to budget surpluses and funding initiatives like all-day kindergarten and expanded early childhood learning programs, as well as extending Medicaid coverage to over 500,000 uninsured residents. Dayton also championed marriage equality, strengthened environmental protections, and protected essential social services. Prior to his governorship, Dayton served as State Auditor and United States Senator, notably voting against the Iraq War Resolution and advocating for veterans through initiatives like the "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Program." Before politics, he taught in New York City and worked in social services in Boston.
Lynn Hiestand, a retired partner of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, played a pivotal role in shaping the firm's Corporate Restructuring Department over nearly three decades, transitioning it from a litigation-centric approach to one focused on multidisciplinary, transactional strategies for distressed companies. Specializing in international restructuring, Lynn spearheaded the firm's European corporate restructuring practice from its London office, handling complex financial restructurings and troubled company M&A transactions across global jurisdictions. After retiring from Skadden in 2010, she dedicated herself to human rights work in Iraq with Heartland Alliance International, serving as Legal Programs Director and Iraq Country Director, focusing on strengthening the rule of law and providing services to vulnerable populations. Since returning in 2014, she has continued her humanitarian efforts as Heartland's Senior Technical Advisor for Rule of Law Programs. Presently, Lynn is the founding director and president of Common Threads Project Inc., working to support women affected by sexual and gender-based violence in conflict zones through capacity building, interventions, and research, alongside her involvement in Kiawah Island's Turtle Patrol, dedicated to protecting loggerhead turtles.
Vanessa is a seasoned brand leader and marketing strategist renowned for her transformative approach in building and expanding global brands over her two-decade career. Her expertise spans from high-growth startups to multibillion-dollar corporations, where she has spearheaded values-based brand strategies, fostering meaningful connections with both customers and communities. Notable roles include Chief Brand Officer at IDEO, Chief Marketing Officer at J.Crew, and executive leadership positions at Williams Sonoma Group and West Elm, where she championed sustainability and ethical practices. Vanessa's editorial background at lifestyle brands like Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia underpins her holistic approach, as highlighted in her personal project, Soul Safari.
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Muffy Macmillan has held directorial positions on various boards including Cargill Inc. and the Cargill Foundation, her family business, and serves on numerous international, national, and local boards such as the American Federation of Arts, Global Minnesota, and Opportunity International. She has received accolades like the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the Pioneer Award from The Women's Entrepreneurship Day Organization for her philanthropic endeavors, and in 2019 was honored as an Outstanding Individual Philanthropist by the Minnesota Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Over the past 25 years, she has been actively involved with organizations such as the Minnesota Children’s Museum and Children’s Hospital of Minneapolis and St. Paul, demonstrating a commitment to philanthropy and volunteering worldwide, including in Africa, India, and Colombia.
Mark A. Mortenson has been with M. A. Mortenson Company since 1990, initially as a financial analyst before earning his law degree in 1995 and subsequently rejoining the company, serving in various project roles including assistant corporate secretary, until his appointment as corporate secretary in 2002. In 2005, he led the company in restructuring its investment program and in 2007 became president of Lansing Group, LLC, managing investment programs for the parent company, subsidiaries, Mortenson Family Foundation, and private entities, expanding into impact investing. Under his leadership, Lansing has facilitated the Foundation's growth in impact investment, becoming a leader in sustainable investing. Mark is also involved in various philanthropic and mission-driven organizations, having chaired Alight's board and served on the boards of Minnesota United FC and several other mission-driven businesses, and held positions in organizations like the Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota, Minnesota Zoo Foundation, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, and Daystar U.S.
Rolando Nuñez Baza is a seasoned executive with a diverse background in the nonprofit and education sectors. As CEO of Roundtable by The 92nd Street Y, he leads a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing culture, connection, and enrichment globally. Before Roundtable, Rolando held key roles at Khan Academy, where he focused on revenue partnerships and expanding educational reach, particularly in Latin America. Prior to that, he contributed to the growth and innovation of Innova Schools, a network of affordable K–12 schools in multiple Latin American countries. His experience also includes leadership positions at WRI Mexico, a global research organization focused on environmental sustainability, and as Bloomberg's General Manager for Mexico and Central America. Rolando's diverse expertise spans areas such as revenue generation, education, innovation, and environmental advocacy, making him a valuable asset to the organizations he serves.
Owen Olende, a renowned global hearing health advocate with more than 15 years of experience in the ear and hearing healthcare industry, represents Starkey, where he has established strategic collaborations across various sectors. His focus lies in developing sustainable ear and hearing healthcare programs, particularly in underserved regions like Africa, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and the Caribbean. Committed to community-based initiatives, Owen's efforts have impacted thousands worldwide, improving their quality of life. As Vice President of Sales and Operations for Latin America and Africa at Starkey Hearing Technologies, he continues to champion revolutionary technologies and advocate for hearing health. Beyond his professional endeavors, Owen serves on the board of the Beth Mugo Cancer Foundation, demonstrating his dedication to societal well-being and creating lasting positive change on a global scale.
Greg Page, the retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cargill, boasts a career spanning back to 1974 when he first joined the company as a trainee in the Feed Division. Throughout his tenure, he held various positions in the United States and Singapore, contributing significantly to key initiatives such as the establishment of poultry processing operations in Thailand and the management of Cargill’s Excel subsidiary's beef and pork processing in Wichita, Kansas. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the Financial Markets Group based in Minneapolis. Presently, Page sits on the boards of directors for Eaton Corporation, Deere & Company, and 3M, assuming the role of non-executive Chairman of the Board for Corteva Agriscience. Beyond his corporate engagements, he has dedicated his time to serving on the boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and the Northern Star Council of the Boy Scouts of America, demonstrating his commitment to both business leadership and community service.
Sridhar Prasad, a partner at Bridgespan's Boston office, specializes in Philanthropy and Global Development, collaborating with nonprofits, foundations, and philanthropic groups like Women’s World Banking, Gates Foundation, and The Audacious Project. His work focuses on creating effective platforms to channel philanthropic capital, removing barriers for aspiring philanthropists, and providing access to scale capital for high-impact change agents. Sridhar co-authored articles for publications like Stanford Social Innovation Review and has presented at events such as the Skoll World Forum and the Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneurship Summit. Prior to Bridgespan, he served as a project leader at the Boston Consulting Group, working across sectors like healthcare, education, and technology.
Virginia Rustique-Petteni holds the position of Vice President of Global Enterprise Communications at NIKE, Inc., where she oversees a team focused on enhancing the company's corporate reputation. Her responsibilities encompass a wide array of areas including strategic communications for global finance, global strategy, human resources, legal, government and public affairs, and purpose, which encompasses sustainability, social impact, community engagement, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. Virginia initially joined NIKE through the Nike Foundation, leading global partnerships and advocacy from London, and has since held various roles within the organization, including overseeing engagement and partnerships for global sustainability and leading purpose storytelling within global communications. With a diverse career spanning private and public sectors, government, political campaigns, and non-profits, Virginia has garnered experience from roles at Bloomberg LP, the White House, the American Embassy in London, and advising global philanthropists and foundations. Additionally, she has contributed her expertise to several boards including the US-UK Fulbright Commission and the North American Advisory Board for Chatham House.
Stefanie Schram is a prominent C-Suite and leadership advisor with a focus on customer-centered strategy, aiming to empower leaders to navigate their organizations towards greater success. She collaborated with experts like Roger Martin, Jennifer Riel, and Josie Fung to develop The Playing to Win Toolkit for Harvard Business Publishing, which she integrates with design principles to address specific business challenges. As a lecturer at the Rotman School of Management and former Associate Director at Rotman DesignWorks, Stefanie brings her expertise in strategy and design to executive programs. She's a sought-after speaker, having presented at TEDx and The Conference Board of Canada, and has contributed writings to publications like Globe & Mail and Rotman Magazine. Stefanie holds an MBA from the Rotman School at the University of Toronto.
Hamse Warfa is a longtime champion of Alight's work. As a senior advisor in the U.S. State Department, he played a key role in advancing a global democracy agenda. Prior to his federal appointment, Warfa served as Deputy Commissioner for Workforce Development in Minnesota, overseeing key state programs. Alongside his public sector roles, Warfa is a successful tech entrepreneur, co-founding BanQu Inc. and Tayo Consulting Group, and contributing significantly to philanthropic endeavors. His accolades include a Bush Foundation Fellowship, the Minnesota Statewide Facing Race Award, and recognition as an Ashoka Global Fellow. Warfa is also an accomplished author and filmmaker, known for works such as "America Here I Come: A Somali Refugee’s Quest for Hope" and a forthcoming documentary.
With a background in Early Childhood Education, Family Relations, and Social Work, Mary Farnham Whitney initially contributed to the Children's Home Society of Minnesota during the emergence of Post-Legal Adoption. Transitioning into consulting roles within philanthropy and interior design, she diversified her professional portfolio. Mary's involvement in public engagement expanded during her husband's tenure as the U.S. Ambassador to Norway. Throughout, she has been an active board member of several non-profits, including the Minnesota Zoo Foundation, the Persephone Foundation, the Children's Museum of Oslo project, and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. Additionally, Mary co-owns a gallery featuring art and fine craft.
Whitney Williams boasts a rich background spanning over two decades in domestic and global development, characterized by her adeptness in uniting diverse stakeholders to drive common good initiatives worldwide. Through her firm, williamsworks, she offers strategic guidance to individuals, foundations, and advocacy groups, leveraging her expertise in strategy, government relations, and grassroots advocacy to tailor solutions to their needs. Additionally, Whitney plays a pivotal role in the Eastern Congo Initiative, overseeing substantial grants and advocacy efforts aimed at enabling local Congolese communities and shaping policy for the region. Her commitment to amplifying marginalized voices is evident in initiatives like Snowbird Stories, dedicated to sharing underrepresented narratives, and the Snowbird Fund, supporting Montana Native families in community searches for missing loved ones.
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Stay connected and learn how we respond to emergencies, amplify displaced voices, and provide sanctuary for those facing adversity.