Staff & Board

Laura Zabel is an advocate and champion of artists and their role in building healthy and just communities and systems. For more than 20 years, she has worked to imagine and grow a more durable ecosystem of support for creativity and culture in the U.S. A frequent writer and speaker on the power and value of culture and creativity, Laura’s work has been featured by  Stanford Social Innovation Review, Bloomberg News, The Guardian, PBS NewsHour, Aspen Ideas Festival and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Laura has been honored with numerous awards, including the YBCA 100, Gard Foundation Award of Excellence, Common Future Local Economy Fellowship, ASU Creative Placemaking Policy Fellowship and the Bush Foundation Leadership Fellowship. Laura is the Past President of the Board for the Minnesota Consortium of Community Developers.

I’m an artist! Laura is a theater artist and holds a degree in Theater from the University of Kansas, where she serves on the Professional Advisory Board. She has performed with Mixed Blood Theater, Brave New Workshop, Theater in the Round and Comedy Suitcase.  

As Rural Director, Michele leads overall strategy and partnerships for Springboard’s rural programs in support of rural artists and creative community development, including the Rural Regenerator Fellowship, the Rural Futures Summit, Artists on Main Street, and the Falls Community Arts Exchange. 

In 2024, she authored Heartland, Heartwork: A Field Guide to Place and Possibility for Rural Leaders. Developed in partnership with the Blandin Foundation, this comprehensive field guide is designed to empower rural leaders in planning and executing effective place-based projects centered in arts, culture and creativity.

I’m an artist! Michele is a composer, creative writer and pianist with a BA in Music from Lewis and Clark College and an MA in Cultural Sustainability from Goucher College, where she was awarded the inaugural Rory Turner Prize in Cultural Sustainability. In 2015, Michele was selected by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits for their Catalytic Leader Award. Her work is about creating and seeking out multiracial and multi-generational pathways to new rural futures rooted in repair, stewardship and joy, whether through policy, poetry, or karaoke!

As Community Development Director, Ricardo Beaird leads the Community Development work at Springboard to create pathways for artists to collaborate with their communities to address community challenges and opportunities. Ricardo also leads cohorts of artists in creating work that strengthens communities, focusing on dispelling harmful narratives, combating social isolation, and inspiring new ways of thinking.

I’m an artist! Ricardo Beaird is a theater artist, teaching artist, and cheese curd enthusiast originally from Nashville, Tennessee. As a devised theater practitioner, Ricardo collaborates to create original performances from scratch, prioritizing collective voices over pre-written scripts. They have performed with Pangea World Theater, Park Square Theatre, Red Eye Theater, and Ten Thousand Things Theater, and were a Core Artist with Full Circle Theatre and an advisory council member for the queer-led theatre collective, Lightning Rod. From 2021 to 2023, they served as an Artist Council member for the Northern Spark Arts Festival. Currently, Ricardo and their collaborators are crafting a new show that weaves together ghost stories and line dancing.

As Financial Controller, John manages Springboard’s financial operations and facilitates our Fiscal Sponsorship program, Incubator. Right now, John might be answering a question (or several) about fiscal sponsorship from a new Incubator project! 

John received his undergraduate degree from Grinnell College in 2008 and his MFA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 2010.

I’m an artist! John works primarily in painting and sculpture and shows his artwork in galleries, park districts, and natural history museums, primarily in the Midwest. Find more of John’s work at johnmartinbell.com.

As Community Organizer, Sam helps facilitate and foster Springboard’s community-centered work in Saint Paul, MN, such as Springboard on Ice, Artists Respond, and neighborhood collaborations. You might find Sam out and about in the Frogtown/Rondo Neighborhood, so if you do, say hi!

I’m an artist! Sam was the community organizer for Frogtown Neighborhood Association for almost 10 years, and helped the organization become one of the most representative, innovative and influential district councils in St. Paul.  Sam has worked for the League of Pissed off Voters, using Hip-Hop and the arts to encourage young people to become active participants in the electoral process. Through this experience, as well as his family’s deep connections to the arts, Sam has recognized the power of arts and artists to create positive change in the world.

As Advancement and Storytelling Manager, Colleen supports Springboard’s strategic fundraising and shares stories about the impact of Springboard’s work. Right now, she might be designing the next fundraising campaign or annual report, and developing materials for a new grant proposal. 

Colleen has reported on Minnesota’s music and art scenes for a variety of publications including The Current and KFAI. In 2018 she founded the blog and podcast Pass The Mic to amplify stories of women, trans and nonbinary folks in music. Before joining Springboard, Colleen created digital and internal communications for Planned Parenthood North Central States.

I’m an artist! Colleen is a musician and fiber artist. She performs as a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter in the Minneapolis band Rabeca at venues around the Twin Cities. An avid knitter, sewist, and mender, her fiber art has been displayed at Fresh Eye Gallery and the Minnesota State Fair.

As Communications Director, Destiny leads communications/marketing strategies and systems across Springboard, and directs the editorial initiatives that keeps folks in the loop of the who, how, what, and why of our work. 

Right now, Destiny is probably collaborating with staff across the organization to support Springboard projects both currently happening and yet to come. 

Destiny has over a decade of experience in Communications and Marketing, graphic design, brand strategy, and development. A graduate of the University of Minnesota, Destiny has worked for arts organizations, film festivals, theaters, and artist clients both locally and nationally. 

I’m an artist! Destiny is a cartoonist, animator, performer and multimedia artist who describes her work as “a mix of the real, the unreal, and the in-between.” Destiny’s artwork has been featured on Apple TV, Planned Parenthood, the Minnesota State Fair, TPT Almanac, the Star Tribune, Gamut Gallery, White Bear Lake Center for the Arts, the Minnesota Billboard Project, and others. More at destinydavison.com.

As Rural Program Manager at our Fergus Falls office, Dominic works with Molly J and Michele to support artists and partners in our rural programs, including the Rural Regenerator Fellowship and the Falls Community Arts Exchange. Specifically, Dominic focuses on managing our rural headquarters in Fergus Falls. Right now, Dominic is likely working with a community member who is curious about what Springboard does for rural leaders, or giving a visiting artist an orientation of Fergus Falls. 

I’m an artist! Dominic Facio is a multidisciplinary artist with a focus on subculture, challenging the status quo and provokes curiosity. Dominic has been creating since the mid-2000s, beginning with makeup design and photography, expanding to wearable art and, what they’ve become known for today, unique inclusive live production experiences with immersive ethereal aesthetics. They are the founder of the Fergus Falls Zombie Crawl (est. 2009), Danse Macabre (est. 2018) and Catwalk Party in Fergus Falls, MN (est. 2018).

As Community Development Manager, Julia works closely with Ricardo, Sam, and nouf on a range of Springboard’s local programs, including Springboard on Ice, Artists Respond, and narrative change work.  

I’m an artist! Julia is a dancer, writer and community organizer committed to uplifting the intersections of justice, healing and the arts. She is a ballroom instructor at Dancers Studio in St. Paul and serves as a steering committee member for the Network of Politicized Adoptees. In 2019, Julia produced her one-woman show, Motherlanded, exploring her personal narrative as a Chinese adoptee. Learn more about her artistic work at www.juliagay.com.

As Community Development Coordinator, Erika supports the logistics and planning  of Springboard’s signature events and local programs, including Springboard on Ice, Artists Respond, narrative change initiatives, and more.

A proud first-generation Xicana college graduate, educator, and community organizer with ancestral roots in Puebla, Mexico, Erika  brings nearly a decade of experience in leadership development, program coordination, and community building in the Twin Cities. With a strong foundation in Chicano and Latino Studies, Hernandez is deeply committed to social justice, racial equity, and honoring community narratives. Her work centers on creating culturally-sustaining and asset-based programming that affirms identity and fosters connection. 

I’m an artist! Erika is a  multidisciplinary artist, writer, and connector. She enjoys building community through arts and culture and has collaborated with local artists to uplift the stories of immigrant communities, youth leaders, and grassroots activists.

As Rural Program Manager at our Fergus Falls office, Molly ensures that the artists and partners in our rural programs, including the Rural Regenerator Fellowship and the Falls Community Arts Exchange, are supported and have what they need for a joyful and impactful experience. Molly also supports the Community Development and Economic Opportunity teams to align goals and programming across rural and urban spaces.  

I’m an artist! Molly is a dance artist and cofounder of DanceBARN Collective in Battle Lake, MN. Molly holds a BFA in Dance from University of the Arts and an MFA in Dance from the University of Oregon. As a dancer and choreographer, Molly has worked with the Fergus Falls School of Dance, Art of the Lakes, the Creative Arts Center, and enjoys collaborating with artists across disciplines to create site specific performances that celebrate rural places.

As Operations & Finance Director, William champions the internal systems that make Springboard run. William oversees financial and administrative operations to support the sustainability of our programming, artist-led projects, and organizational health. You can find William across our work ensuring Springboard not only survives, but thrives. 

William holds a Master’s and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with accounting and nonprofit financial management certifications. He also has over 15 years of leadership experience in various management roles. William believes that great organizations start with great people and is passionate about mentoring, motivating, and developing future leaders.

I’m an artist! William has been a performing musician, songwriter, and music producer in the twin cities for over 20 years. He played keyboards and bass guitar at local venues, improv theaters, and houses of worship with some of the metro area’s prominent musicians, singers, and actors.

As Relationship Manager, Mollie helps nurture the relationships that sustain Springboard’s work, from our donors to the artists we serve. Right now, they might be making sure our donor database is up to date so every gift is celebrated, or preparing an artist contract for an exciting new program!  

I’m an artist! Mollie Lacy is a nonbinary lesbian poet. Their poetry has appeared in Paper Darts, Typishly, Drunk in a Midnight Choir, and on Button Poetry. Their work has been presented by Pangea World Theater, Patrick’s Cabaret, Word Sprout, and Mother Goose’s Bedtime Stories.

As Advancement Director, Amanda leads the organization’s strategic fundraising and communications efforts. Amanda brings over 18 years experience in development, fundraising, and nonprofit leadership to Springboard. Amanda holds dual master’s degrees in Nonprofit Management and Arts Administration from the University of Oregon, and is a graduate of the Rockwood Leadership Institute. She currently serves as Secretary on the board of directors of Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center.

I’m an artist! Amanda is a letterpress printer, writer, clown, and juggler. She once took the stage at a local Moth Story Slam to share the story of her time traveling across Brazil with an international eco-circus.

As Program Specialist, Zaraawar helps manage technical operations that make our programs possible such as event registration, as well as helps address questions artists may have about one of our career development programs like Work of Art.

Right now, Zaraawar might be helping an artist sign up for an Artist Career Consultation to get 1:1 guidance for the next steps in their creative practice!

I’m an artist! Zaraawar Mistry is a theater artist and storyteller. He has performed in and directed many works for several Twin Cities theater companies, and mentored dozens of artists in the creation and production of original works for the stage. He has an M.F.A. in Theatre from UC, San Diego and a B.A. from Bennington College in Vermont.

As National Program Manager, Sara tends to the development, implementation, and stewardship of national programs like the Creative Change Coalition. Right now, Sara might be working with Jun-Li on the next series of Technical Assistance Workshops and Field Conversations offered by the Coalition.

Sara has worked to support artists and their partners in creating original community-engaged projects across the country as a program manager with organizations such as the American Library Association (ALA) and Center for Performance and Civic Practice (CPCP). She is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Theatre Program. 

I’m an artist! Sara is a theatre artist with a focus on devised and participatory work. She tours internationally with Emmy Award-winning cinematic puppetry company, Manual Cinema and has been a collaborator and company with Sojourn Theatre since 2011.

As Artist Resource Manager, Andy, you guessed it, manages our library of artist resources! That list includes our Opportunities & Jobs boards, Grants and Professional Services board, Minnesota Lawyers for the Arts, Equipment Library, and our Resource Lab in Saint Paul.

I’m an artist! Andy is a writer, artist, and designer. He is the author of four full-length nonfiction books, including the Minnesota Book Award-nominated book Closing Time: Saloons, Taverns, Dives and Watering Holes of the Twin Cities (with Bill Lindeke). Art books published by his small press, Birchwood Palace Industries, have been featured in Artforum, New York, TASTE, and Blackbird Spyplane, and can be purchased in shops in North America, Europe and Asia. Andy holds a B.F.A. in painting from the University of Louisville. Learn more at www.birchwoodpalace.com or andysturdevant.com.

As Site Manager for our Saint Paul office, Peter manages the day-to-day operations of our building and access throughout the year. Talk to Peter about Space Rental for your next community event! 

Peter also helps manage Springboard’s Ready Go program, which connects neighborhoods to artist-led mobile tools for hire. 

I’m an artist! Peter’s primary mediums are participation, interaction and conversation. Many of his projects involve making together with folks-often signs and flags. Some of his works include: The A Project, Art Shanty Projects, Expeditionary Conversation Tents, Mobile Sign Shop and the Temporary Table Tennis Trailer. He is a past recipient of a McKnight Fellowship for Photographers and holds a BFA from the California College of Arts and Crafts and an MFA from the University of Minnesota. www.phtpht.com

As Economic Opportunity Director, Wone leads programs at Springboard that aim to create equitable and just economies for artists. These programs connect artists to essential resources, including the Guaranteed Income for Artists, Growth Fund, and Artist Career Consultations. Additionally, Wone manages Makers 2 Market and organizes artist pop-up markets such as SpringPOP! and Last Minute Gifts.

Wone has been working with artists for over a decade, developing artists and curating events in the community.

I’m an artist! Wone is a fiber artist who creates under the name Third Daughter, Restless Daughter, alongside her sister. Their work is characterized by a playful, snarky attitude with references to pop culture. This unique style originated in their youth when they learned the traditional Hmong embroidery known as Paj Ntaub from their Grandmother. Their artworks have been showcased at Centro, the M, and the Textile Center.

As Springboard’s Associate Director, Jun-Li leads strategy and programs at Springboard for the Arts with a focus on national programming and partnership development. Jun-Li also stewards the Creative Change Coalition, a national coalition of place-based organizations that center people, creativity, and equity working together to create a stronger ecosystem for communities and artists. She holds a BA from Vassar College and an MPS in International Development from Cornell University. Talk to Jun-Li about big ideas, collaborations and partnerships!

I’m an artist! Jun-Li is a craft artist and community organizer. She has received multiple grants for her projects Saint Paul Hello, an initiative welcoming newcomers, and Board Repair, a network supporting people of color on nonprofit boards. Occasionally she creates small artworks in public spaces to provide moments of surprise and delight.

As Operations Manager, Laura supports our Operations team to sustain our internal systems, site operations, and human resources.  You can find her connecting with community members to use our spaces and helping Springboard to flourish in our values.

Laura is a theater artist and arts administrator. Her view has been shaped by running several small non-profit organizations, board service, and twenty years in theater production. Laura holds an MFA in Directing for Theater, a mini-MBA in Non-profit Organization, and a Graduate Certificate in Project Management. Her goal is to be a thoughtful voice championing change, fostering sustainability, and supporting equity.

I’m an artist! Laura is a puppeteer, props designer, director, and theater producer. Her work has been seen on stage at the Guthrie, Children’s Theater, Ordway, Chanhassen Dinner Theater, and Mixed Blood Theatre to name a few. She serves as Artistic Director for Mad Munchkin Productions producing works of imagery and imagination in the Twin Cities. She also currently sits on the Equity Impact Assessment Committee for Minneapolis Public Schools. When not creating or advocating, Laura enjoys spending time with her family of four, adventuring in the great outdoors, attending theater and music, backyard gardening, and puppeteering.