Community

Jesse Gates

In 2025, Voyageurs Conservancy and Voyageurs National Park Service are celebrating 50 years. Jesse Gates is an Education and Dark Sky Specialist at Voyageurs and has dedicated his career to igniting a passion for science and nature, helping people of all ages appreciate the natural world. Through field trips, programs, and the Voyageurs Classroom Initiative, he has connected thousands of people to the beauty of Voyageurs National Park. we thank jesse for his commitment to environmental stewardship and education, and for building a community of people passionate about adventure and conservation.

Date Honored: August 16, 2025

Kelley Munson

Kelley Munson Is the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Program Development at ACES – Athletes Committed to Educating Students! At ACES, Kelley plays a key role in closing the academic opportunity gap for students by creating and delivering math and social-emotional curriculum, using the lens of sports in everything they teach. Throughout her career working in education, Kelley brings creativity, fun, collaboration, and a deep commitment to every student she works with. Her energy inspires young learners to believe in themselves, on and off the field.

Date Honored: August 10, 2025

Katie Selph

Katie Selph is passionate about inspiring people to build vibrant communities, together. In her role as the Director of Communications for CommonBond Communities, Katie is an all-star at making connections and raising awareness for the St. Paul based affordable housing providing that serves nearly 13,000 people across the Upper Midwest. CommonBond has been a valued nonprofit partner for the Do Good Stuff Foundation, the Dark Clouds and other supporter groups, and Katie has been the champion nuturuing the partnerships. Katie is proud to be part of an organization that believes that everyone deserves a place to call home.

Date Honored: July 16, 2025

Justice Haom

Justice Haom is a proud descendant of the Ho-Chunk, Kaw, and Potawatomi Nations, as well as Cambodian, and represents the Heart of the East Side of St. Paul. Over the past 7 seasons, Justice has grown deeply with dream of wild health—starting as a Cora’s Kid, stepping into the rhythm of the land as a Garden Warrior, rising to lead as an intern, and now serving as staff, continuing to sow seeds of change.

Dream of Wild Health is a Native American-led nonprofit in the twin cities dedicated to restoring indigenous foodways, health, and culture. Rooted deeply in cultural resilience and healing, this organization has spent decades restoring the sacred connection between people, plants, and the land.

Date Honored: July 12, 2025

Kim Horton

Libraries are essential to thriving communities. As the Senior Director of Communications at The Friends of the St. Paul Public Library, Kim Horton loves sharing how the nonprofit acts as a catalyst for libraries to strengthen communities. Through fundraising, advocacy, and investments in programs, The Friends help inspire readers and support a diverse literary community. Kim is a fierce and committed advocate committed to expanding support for libraries, leading with kindness, empathy, and joy.

Date Honored: June 25, 2025

Amber Poppe

Clare Housing provides supportive and affordable housing that creates healing communities and optimizes the health of people living with HIV. Amber Poppe is a warm, determined, and valued member of the Clare Housing team. Amber works with people experiencing homelessness, helping them transition to stable housing and receive needed resources. With safe housing, clare house residents are supported as they work towards their personal goals to be healthy, thriving, and living in community.

Date Honored: June 14, 2025

Scott Accurso

Scott Accurso served for 26 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and National Guard. During his military career, Scott served as an HR Specialist, Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor, and Primary Marksmanship Instructor. For the final 16 years, he was a Canvassing Recruiter and NCOIC, helping enlist 257 service members.

Date Honored: May 24, 2025

Dana Malan

As a guiding voice at Nami Minnesota, Dana Malan is a dedicated leader whose work helps heal communities through compassion, education, and advocacy. She teaches others how to recognize and respond to mental health challenges, especially suicide prevention, emphasizing that talking about mental health saves lives. Dana embodies the belief that Nami isn’t just an organization—it’s a movement of people supporting one another. Her commitment, empathy, and tireless efforts have made a lasting impact in the mental health community.

Date Honored: May 17, 2025

Rich Melzer

Rich Melzer, the CEO of Youth Link, has had a lifelong commitment to service in the twin cities community. Under Rich’s leadership, Youth Link not only empowers youth but also helps protect and revitalize the community. Rich has championed initiatives that bridge gaps in mental health, housing, education, and employment, ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to thrive. His advocacy for young people, the teams he serves, and his commitment to community revitalization make him a beacon of inspiration for all.

Date Honored: May 10, 2025

Leika Pierre-Louis

Small Sums has been dedicated to helping individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of it successfully enter and stay in the workforce. Each year, Small Sums equip over 1,000 workers with essential job-starting tools, including work gear, boots, and transit passes, ensuring they are prepared and able to keep their new positions and achieve long-term economic and housing stability.

Date Honored: April 27, 2025

Anna Waugh

Lead by assistant director, Anna Waugh - Mississippi Park Connection strengthens the enduring connection between people and the Mississippi river by enriching the life of the river and the lives of all who experience near river national parks, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. MPC supports the park through education, stewardship, and community programs with all season programs around the Mississippi river. When Anna is not on the river – she enjoys cross country skiing, traveling to visit family, and playing board games.

Date Honored: April 19, 2025

Greig Metzger

Little free library strives to build community, inspire readers, and expand book access for all.their mission focuses on providing books to children, especially in underserved areas. This month, they installed the 200,000th little free library book-sharing box at the Benjamin E. Mays School here in St. Paul! Little free libraries is now in 128 countries, all 50 states, and even on all 7 continents, making books accessible to people everywhere.

Date Honored: March 29, 2025

Alice Buckner

Karen Organization of Minnesota is a pioneering organization that provides vital services to refugees, particularly those from Burma, helping them adjust to life in Minnesota. Founded by Karen refugees, K.O.M. has been instrumental in uplifting the Karen community and others in need. Their mission focuses on assisting refugees in their transition, achieving personal goals, and building a supportive community under alice's leadership since 2023, K.O.M. has expanded its services to refugees from all cultures, continuing its commitment to empowerment, support, and cultural understanding.

Date Honored: March 22, 2025

Susan Murray

For the last seven years, Susan Murray has served as the regional director for tickets for kids in Minnesota, and under her leadership, the organization has grown exponentially. What began as providing 10,000 tickets to children in need each year has now flourished into an incredible force—offering more than 55,000 tickets annually. What tickets for kids gives to these children is not just access to events and activities—it’s access to a world of possibilities. For kids who face barriers every day. They create memories, shape character, and open doors to futures full of promise.

Date Honored: March 1, 2025