Kathy Wehking is retiring from our board of directors following 6 years of service. Kathy started her term in 2018, drawing from her experience as an educator, community leader and farmer. During her service, SWIF accelerated its investments to support access to quality, affordable child care; launched Welcoming Week and the Growing Local: Emerging Leaders program; and leveraged connections and expertise to ensure relief and recovery funding flowed into the region’s businesses and communities.
Give Where You Live
Grant Spotlight: MACCRAY 2180 Foundation supports academic and extracurricular activities for students
The new school year is off to a strong start at MACCRAY School District thanks in part to grants from its local education foundation. The district serves 758 students from the communities of Maynard, Clara City and Raymond. The MACCRAY 2180 Foundation is a resource for teachers, coaches and other staff, who can submit grant requests each year to the foundation’s volunteer advisory board members.
Abdirizak Mahboub completes 6 years of board service with Southwest Initiative Foundation
Abdirizak Mahboub is retiring from the Southwest Initiative Foundation Board of Directors following just over 6 years of service. Zack joined the board in 2018, stepping in to complete several months of an open term, then staying on. His interest in helping families and youth build safe, successful neighborhoods and lives shaped his decision to serve.
Patricia Dols completes 11 years of board service with Southwest Initiative Foundation
Patricia Dols is retiring from the Southwest Initiative Foundation Board of Directors following 11 years of service. During her term, she brought her wisdom and leadership to the board starting in 2013, taking on many key roles. In honor of her service, Patricia is directing a $1,100 grant from SWIF to support the Willmar Early Childhood Initiative at Willmar Public Schools.
Johanna Markgraf joins foundation staff
Johanna Markgraf of Buffalo Lake has joined Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) staff as development and operations assistant. In this newly created role, Johanna will support resource development and regional fundraising initiatives. Johanna earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Minnesota-Twin and started her career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture before joining the finance industry. Her strong financial background positions Johanna well to support SWIF’s fundraising efforts.
Celebrating our outgoing board members
Board members Kathy Wehking, Abdirizak Mahboub and Patricia Dols volunteered a combined 23 years on our board, and we want to share our gratitude as they end their terms of service. During their service, we accelerated our investments to support access to quality, affordable child care; launched Welcoming Week and the Growing Local: Emerging Leaders Program; and leveraged our connections and expertise to ensure relief and recovery funding flowed into our region’s businesses and communities. Southwest Initiative Foundation and southwest Minnesota are better because of their service!
