Staff Archive - Propel Nonprofits

Hibo Abdi

Andrea Sanow — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 19:24:48 +0000

I’ve worked in nonprofits for seven years. Prior to joining Propel, I worked for Seward Redesign where my work was focused on developing, implementing, and growing Seward Redesign’s lending program including planning, budgeting, fundraising, implementing programs and operations, as well as program marketing. Previously, I worked for the African Development Center (ADC) where I was responsible for supporting a portfolio of businesses as well as soliciting and servicing prospective and current clients to produce a variety of business loans. I was also involved with generating and managing a portfolio of non-loan businesses and corresponding relationships. I have a Master’s degree (MBA) in International Business from Hamline University, MN, and a Bachelor of Arts in Health Science and Management from George Mason University, Fairfax, VA.

Outside of work I enjoy walking, reading, hiking, and yoga.

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Sheila Adams

Andrea Sanow — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 14:25:33 +0000

In my current role as Training Program Associate, I apply a broad range of skills I’ve developed from over eight years as an educator and equity leader. My focus is creating an equitable and welcoming environment for nonprofit leaders to gain the knowledge they need to fulfill their mission. Before joining Propel in June 2022, I was a teacher in the Twin Cities. I received my MA in Teaching from Concordia University, St. Paul. In my free time I enjoy exploring trails around Minnesota’s many state parks and lakes with my dog, Billie.

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Heather Allen

Andrea Sanow — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 23:17:55 +0000

Much of my career has been grounded in the arts. I have played roles in community development as an artist, teacher and nonprofit administrator. Before coming to Propel, I spent ten years with the Central MN Arts Board- a Regional Arts Council serving St. Cloud and a 4-county region in Central Minnesota. There I was responsible for implementing regional grant programs and community programming to foster learning about race and the arts. I am a former board member and current Art Task Force member with the Great River Children’s Museum and a current board member with Create Community.

As a Fiscal Sponsorship Consultant, I get to draw from these experiences to support the growth and capacity of groups who share Propel’s (and my own) commitment to equity and justice.

In my free time, I like to kayak, listen to news podcasts, hike with my dog, hunt for mushrooms and make things with my hands.

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Elizabeth Appel

Julianne Ragland — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 16:37:48 +0000

I come to Propel Nonprofits with 10 years of training, technical assistance, and program development experience in service-learning, curriculum development, youth leadership, and asset-based community development. I believe in the power of a well-framed question, that all participants have something to learn and something to offer at every training, and that (almost) any problem can be solved with flip charts and sticky notes.

I have a B.A. in political science and economics from Luther College. In my free time, you’ll find me listening to podcasts about politics and reality television, refining my recipe for the perfect roast chicken, and drinking the best cup of coffee I can find (often all at the same time).

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Garrett Backes

Kallie Rollenhagen — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 15:34:12 +0000

In my nearly 15 years in the nonprofit sector, I have enjoyed building philanthropic partnerships in support of rural Minnesota communities, people with disabilities, arts and culture, and the broader community’s nonprofit organizations.

Here at Propel Nonprofits, I lead our fundraising efforts in relationship with our generous institutional funders and individual donors. I am grateful for the opportunity to ‘make more mission’ through the power of fundraising, and deeply admire the talent and drive of my colleagues and the nonprofit leaders Propel works with every day.

Outside of work, my wife and I call the north metro ‘home’ with our two kids and two cats. In my free time, I enjoy exploring the great outdoors, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

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Kate Barr

Julianne Ragland — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 21:42:46 +0000

I’ve been making meaning out of financial information and strategies for decades, with stints as an arts administrator, a bank executive, Executive Director of Nonprofits Assistance Fund and now President & CEO for Propel Nonprofits. Whether it’s from a conference podium, a classroom whiteboard, or sitting at a board meeting, my goal is to help people connect the dots between mission and business model.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me at arts events or diving into policy issues. I live in an old St Paul house with my husband and have two brilliant adult children. I’m proud to have been in all 50 US states (and working towards all 87 Minnesota counties.) I also drink a lot of coffee.

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Darrell Beauford

Julianne Ragland — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 16:41:22 +0000

I recently returned to the Twin Cities from Austin, Texas. I bring significant accounting experience to the Propel accounting and finance team from my prior work with the Neighborhood Development Center in Minneapolis.

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Jonathan Brown

Andrea Sanow — Thu, 18 May 2023 18:07:29 +0000

Jonathan Brown is a growing voice in people-centered leadership. With 14 years of work in rural, suburban, and urban communities, he has become a recognized leader in creating positive change by empowering individuals to perform to their best capacity. Jonathan has delivered over 2,000 public speaking engagements, inspiring audiences across the region to take a more human-centric approach to leadership.

Jonathan’s formal education includes a B.A. in Business Management and an M.A. in Communication and Culture, providing him with a strong foundation in both business theory and the social sciences. His Capstone work on the Economic Factors that gave rise to HipHop culture and the Temple of HipHop demonstrates his ability to blend academic rigor and cultural awareness in his work.

In addition to his academic and community work, Jonathan has 12 years of successful management experience in Higher Education, College Athletics, State Government, High School Athletics, and Nonprofits, making him a well-rounded leader with a broad perspective on organizational dynamics. Professionally, Jonathan is the Vice President & Chief Program Officer at Propel Nonprofits whose mission is to “fuel the impact and effectiveness of Nonprofits with guidance, expertise, and capital.” He is also the founder and Chief Strategy and Leadership Coach at Praxis Group MN, where he supports small businesses and nonprofits with: Leadership Training, Executive Coaching, and Community Engagement Initiatives.

Jonathan’s life mission is to “empower people to do their best work,” and he does that through an engaging, witty, and inspiring message that challenges leaders to reflect on themselves, their own motivations, and ask piercing questions about the ways they treat and support others.

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Tavyer Buechler

Andrea Sanow — Thu, 18 May 2023 18:43:46 +0000

I’ve worked in the nonprofit sector for over 20 years with Housing, Community Development, and Human Service organizations. Throughout my work experience, I’ve had the opportunity to practice program development, community engagement, program evaluation, mentoring and inclusive team building. I recently joined Propel Nonprofits, and I look forward to building on this knowledge as the Capacity Building Program Manager. I am a graduate of the University of MN Twin Cities and I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the Shannon Leadership Institute in 2008.

I am a parent of two young adults that are incredible champions for social justice. We live in south Minneapolis close to several parks and trails. I enjoy exploring the Twin Cities, road trips, walking and checking out live music.

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Laura Ciotti

Andrea Sanow — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 22:24:36 +0000

I come to Propel with with broad experience in the nonprofit sector, including time spent working in arts management, direct service, philanthropy, and nonprofit capacity building. I find joy in connecting nonprofits with resources, and am very excited to partner with emerging, community-based nonprofits as they create systemic change, remove barriers, grow their infrastructure, and build a better world.

I have a Master of Public Administration degree with a certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Washington, and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Oregon. When I’m not working or volunteering you can find me exploring Minnesota, cooking up a new recipe, or watching my daughters play sports.

Random fact: I have twice performed as a festival mascot. First as “Billy Bravo” the cello mascot for the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival, and second as the kiwi bird mascot for the New Zealand International Arts Festival.

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