Greater Mankato Diversity Council

President

Tara Snilsberg – A native of Mankato, Tara sees the potential to build an inclusive community full of opportunity and support for all. A spinal cord injury in 1997, resulting in tetraplegia, has encouraged her to educate and advocate for the unique differences in all. "Seeing differences is one thing, but living it is very eye opening. I see potential in individuals that may not be realized even within themselves." Tara dabbles in interior design, flower gardening, accessible travel opportunities and cooking. She appreciates her time with the Greater Mankato Diversity Council as a Board Member and facilitator in the classroom. "We need to embrace one another and learn from each other. The horizon can never be too broad."

Past President
Dr. Michael T. Fagan – Michael has more than 35 years of experience working in multicultural studies and diversity training. He hopes to see Mankato develop more structures to serve its growing diverse population. Michael has earned a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree and doctorate in educational psychology. He is the Special Advisor to the President at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Additionally, he has served as chairperson of the Mankato Human Rights Committee, as president of the Leisure Education for Exceptional People (LEEP) Board of Minnesota, Interim President of the Mankato Area Community National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), on the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, on the Greater Mankato Ethnic Diversity Council and on the Southern Sudanese Association. He and his wife have three grown children and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Secretary
Carie Robb– Caroline Robb believes in diversity and has committed the past 36 years of her life to it. She has worked as the Cultural Diversity Activities Coordinator at MSU and has recruited minorities nationally while employed at the MSU Minority Group Studies Center. She has also served on the St. Cloud District 742 Multi-Cultural Task Force, where she received the College of St. Benedict/St. John's University Cultural Relations Award for outstanding personal and professional involvement in building bridges of understanding across cultures in central Minnesota. Carie serves on the Blue Earth County Social Services Task Force and the BE County Community Corrections Advisory Board, where she makes sure that all groups are served equally through proper representation. She currently coordinates the Four Directions Interpreting/Translating Services (F.I.T.S.), a division of LA MANO, Inc. Carie has more than 36 years experience working with students, adults and advocacy agencies. She wants to see a positive change by building bridges between cultures. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology and minority studies.

Treasurer

John Kind– For the past two years, John has served as the Executive Director of the Mankato Family YMCA. In that position John works with a population consistently growing in its diversity. Prior to coming to the YMCA, John worked almost 25 years for Taylor Corporation, where his roles included Financial Analyst, Corporate Controller, Divisional President, and Group Vice President. Before his stint at Taylor, he worked as a teacher for MN State and for the Mankato and Faribault Technical Colleges. John also currently serves on the boards of the MN State University Foundation and Pathstone Living.

Jodi Sapp – A single mom, Jodi works for REM Heartland in Mankato and serves on the District 77 school board. Her son’s schizophrenia spurred her interest in mental heath issues. Jodi also serves on the Board of Directors for the MN School Board Association and the board of directors of the South Central Service Cooperative. She notes that historically, Mankato is home to a large number of disabled who live in group homes and that this speaks well of our inclusiveness. Jodi’s dream for the future is that we all live cohesively in Mankato and believes that the Diversity Council will help provide respect, education and celebration for people of all diversities.

Yvonne Cariveau – Yvonne's youngest brother is deaf. Though he is different from her in some ways, he is the same in many others. Throughout her youth, Yvonne met kids with lots of physical and mental differences. She learned early that all of us have limits, all of us have strengths and that judging by just one part of who a person is can lead to wrong conclusions. When she was in school, Yvonne studied Spanish and French. As an adult, she has lived in Mexico and has traveled in Europe and Canada. Yvonne hopes to visit every continent, as she loves to learn about other cultures and people.

Kinney Eberhart – Kinney grew up in this community and has delighted in the changes that have brought diversity to Mankato, Teaching in the Mankato Public Schools for 26 years gave her the opoortunity to interact with people who have come to this city from far places and different backgrounds. She is proud to be a member of the school board for the Mankato Area Public Schools. Kinney hopes that she will be better informed in the decisions she makes on behalf of the entire community through her work with the Diversity Council. She looks forward to working in classrooms, sharing her commitment to diversity and the learning opportunities that come with it.

Julie Homan –As an educator for over 28 years, the goal has been to teach others to form respectful, welcoming, caring, and inclusive relationships with all people. When you work with others, remember you are a team and work together. The idea of, "We're in this together, it's o.k. to take a risk, and embrace uniqueness," are threads that are interwoven throughout the education. Julie has a passion for being an educator in the classrooms with Greater Mankato Diversity Council. It gives her a chance to begin building understanding with students about the uniqueness of each individual. Julie attained her Master's in Education and Leadership from St. Mary's University in Winona. Julie has created and is implementing a Professional Development/Mentoring Program at Loyola Catholic School, where she currently teaches.

Karen Foreman –

Brian Fors – Brian is the Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Chief Diversity Officer at South Central College. He received his PhD from the University of Iowa in American History, has served as an archivist at the National Archives in Washington, DC, and as the Archivist of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Brian taught history and political science for 11 years in Michigan. He also has served as a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission, the accrediting body for post-secondary institutions in the region.

Dr. Jean Haar– Jean is currently serving as the interim dean for the College of Education at MN State University, Mankato. She has also been a professor and chairperson in the Department of Educational Leadership. She began her education career as an English teacher and later served as a high school principal. Jean completed her bachelor's degree in English and her master's degree in Educational Administration at South Dakota State University. She completed her doctorate degree in Administration, Curriculum, and Instruction at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. She has taught and developed leadership programs for individuals and school districts. Her research has included the study of the role school leaders play in the development of an inclusive multicultural environment. Jean is committed to creating a learning environment that meets the needs of all students.

Cindy McCabe – Cindy is a member of the Greater Mankato Diversity Council as an appointed representative for Nicollet County Social Services. She is a social services supervisor for the Children and Family Unit. The services she administers include: child protection, children’s mental health and general child welfare. Cindy is also the Coordinator for the Nicollet County Family Services Collaborative. She participates in a wide variety of local, regional and state meetings that are part of her job duties and responsibilities.

Stewart Ross– Stewart is the founding Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at MN State University, Mankato, where he served as Director of Bands for 21 years previous to his directorship position. He was the chair of the Kiwanis International Diversity Committee and also serves on the MN State University Diversity Commission. Stewart is currently a Kiwanis International Board member. He presents often in the community on Judaism and was the chorale director for a number of years at the United Church of Christ in Mankato. Stewart points out that the Jewish population is probably the smallest minority in all of Mankato at maybe 12-15 total.

Vance Stuehrenberg–

Tim Tupy– Tim graduated from MN State University, Mankato. He has worked as Product Manager at Hickory Tech and as Product Development Manger at Midwest Wireless. He currently co-owns LIV Aveda Salon & Spa with his wife.