Staff

Mohamed Alsadig brings a wealth of experience and cultural insight to his role as the Executive Director and CEO of the Greater Mankato Diversity Council. A longtime Mankato resident and immigrant fluent in English and Arabic, Mohamed holds a computer science degree from Minnesota State University. His deep engagement with the community is reflected in his work with the Small Business Development Center, Mankato Public Safety, and La-mano Inc., as well as his role as host of KMSU's Quiet Storm. He is a former board member and president of the Diversity Council, where he now leads efforts to foster inclusivity across the region.

Widely recognized for his leadership, advocacy, and ability to build consensus, Mohamed collaborates with local governments, businesses, and organizations to create a welcoming environment for all. His influence extends through his involvement as a board member of the YMCA, The Carnegie, and as president of the Mankato United Soccer Club. Additionally, he is an active member of Mankato Kiwanis.

Mohamed is certified as an Intercultural Development Inventory® (IDI®) Qualified Administrator and a CQ ntelligence Facilitator, equipping him with the tools to promote cultural competence and intercultural understanding.

Selena Medellin is a dedicated advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the community. As the Executive Assistant at GMDC, she supports various initiatives through administrative tasks, volunteer coordination, and community outreach. Her role allows her to engage with diverse voices and contribute to meaningful events that empower the community.

Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Selena, holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master's degree in Ceramics from Minnesota State University Mankato. Her passion for the arts extends to her work as the Gallery Coordinator at the Carnegie Art Center, and she also serves as the Board Secretary for the Arts Center of Saint Peter.

Selena is committed to building connections and fostering collaboration to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

Samantha Maranell is committed to making a difference. As the Education Director, she brings GMDC's longstanding Promoting Respect Workshops to the local schools so that students learn and experience the value in diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Samantha has spent most of her life in southern Minnesota, growing up in Waseca and earning a Bachelors' degree in English at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter. She lived in Samoa for two years as a primary school teacher with the Peace Corps, wrote for the Waseca County News as a local reporter, and has spent the last decade focusing her work in local non-profits: Mankato's Committee Against Domestic Abuse (CADA), where she was a shelter advocate, and Planned Parenthood, where she worked both in the clinic and as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist. Samantha is also certified as an Intercultural Development Inventory® (IDI®) Qualified Administrator.