Than Than sees Southwest Initiative Foundation as a great partner for communities across the region, and he was drawn to its mission and vision for the people of southwest Minnesota. His role as community engagement specialist allows him to build and strengthen southwest Minnesota toward a more inclusive region where all people belong and thrive. That work includes identifying communities’ strengths and challenges, building community-based skills and being a resource to the region through community-led partnerships, especially with Black, Indigenous, People of Color and marginalized communities. He is also responsible for nurturing community opportunities that impact critical needs in our region by connecting to and working with southwest Minnesota residents, teams and organizations that span sectors.
Thanks to mentorship from his community’s leaders, Than Than is passionate about working with people and believing in their success stories. He has experience in community organizing, corporate community engagement, student services and community education. Than Than moved to Minnesota from a Thai refugee camp at age 11 and graduated from Worthington Senior High School. He is a two-time recipient of the Equity and Inclusion Award from Minnesota West Community and Technical College. Than Than serves on the Meeker-McLeod-Sibley Community Health Services advocacy team and is a long-time committee member for Worthington International Festival. During his free time, Than Than enjoys creative arts, quality time outdoors in nature, traveling and sports activities with friends and family.
Position: Community Engagement Specialist
