Meet the 2026 Growing Local: Emerging Leaders

Growing Local: Emerging Leaders exists to cultivate the next generation of community-minded changemakers, people who are ready to step into leadership, strengthen connections, and help rural communities thrive. Through shared learning, relationship-building, and skill development, the program creates space for participants to practice listening deeply, collaborating across differences, and turning ideas into meaningful impact close to home.

Our incoming cohort includes emerging leaders at many stages of life and career: professionals stepping into leadership roles for the first time; longtime community members ready to deepen their impact; entrepreneurs and business owners invested in local growth; and individuals working across sectors including healthcare, finance, education, nonprofit leadership, public service, agriculture, and trades. They are parents, advocates, mentors, and neighbors who care deeply about the places they call home.

Over the coming months, these emerging leaders will grow alongside one another, sharpening their skills, expanding their understanding of local leadership, and discovering new ways to contribute. The result will not only be individual growth, but a ripple effect across communities throughout the region.

Introducing the 2026 Growing Local: Emerging Leaders

Makayla Ebbers, Worthington

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I’m excited about the Growing Local: Emerging Leaders program because it feels like a chance to better understand my community, connect with other emerging leaders, and learn how to make a meaningful impact locally. I’m especially interested in gaining a clearer sense of how local leadership and collaboration can shape stronger communities and create real opportunities for people.

I have a bachelor’s degree in business management and professional experience in financial services, banking, and marketing. I currently work at Ameriprise Financial Services supporting a financial advisor.

Leadership, to me, is about being dependable, listening well, and helping others succeed alongside you. I’m inspired by leaders who demonstrate consistency and accountability while also encouraging growth in the people around them. I want to continue developing those qualities in myself through this program.

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Leslie Gens, Slayton

I’m a mother of two and a 28-year banker with U.S. Bank. I’ve been interested in becoming more active in my community for a few years now. As my children have grown, I find that I have more time and want to volunteer more. I want to use my talents and strengths to the best of my ability to enhance my community. I feel our small rural communities need resources to continue to grow and thrive, so I want to educate myself on what is available and how best to bring those to my community.

I’m excited to learn about opportunities in Southwest Minnesota and what skills I could develop to bring to the table. I’m interested in building leadership skills, leading with heart and passion to inspire others.

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Kelsey Hedlof, Spicer

Born and raised in the Willmar area, I returned home almost 10 years ago after graduating college and starting my career. My professional background spans sales, manufacturing, project management, and retail management—most recently leading process implementation for Hormel Foods. Recently, I made the exciting pivot from corporate life to entrepreneurship alongside my husband. When off the clock, I’m chasing my two active young boys.

With an MBA in leadership and change, I am deeply passionate about how culture impacts organizations. I love building up those around me, challenging people to grow, and helping others step into leadership roles. This passion is exactly why I’m excited about Growing Local: Emerging Leaders. I can’t wait to demystify how local boards work, connect with purpose-driven neighbors, and collaborate to create meaningful change right here in our communities.

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Kiona Hermanson, Dawson

I am excited to participate in the Grow Local: Emerging Leaders cohort as an opportunity to continue growing alongside others who are passionate about strengthening rural Minnesota. I look forward to deepening my understanding of leadership, storytelling, and community impact while building meaningful relationships across the region.

What inspires me about leadership is the ability to bring people together around a shared vision and help communities recognize their own strengths and potential. I believe leadership is not about having all the answers, but about listening well, building trust, and creating environments where people feel empowered to contribute and thrive.

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Brittney Hodge, Belview

I am the crime victim service coordinator for Redwood County at New Horizons Crisis Center. When I’m not at work, I spend my time with my family. My husband and I have three kids who keep us pretty busy! I’ve been living in Redwood County for the past five years, but I’ve lived in Southwest Minnesota nearly my entire life. This region is definitely home for me.

I’m excited about Growing Local: Emerging Leaders because it offers the opportunity to meet new people, learn, and network with others involved in the community. The part of leadership that inspires me most is seeing how much of a difference just a small group of people can make in their area.

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Kyle Hoffman, Hutchinson

I grew up in the country outside of Lafayette and married by high school sweetheart, Mackenzie. Together we have four beautiful kids. I went to school and became an electrician by trade. Since I was young, I’ve wanted to own my own business and as a family we own and operate Hoffman Electric.

I look forward to all the new ideas and ways we will learn to Grow Local: Emerging Leaders: New ways to get involved within our communities and new ways to help others get involved, learning new resources and ways to find information for our communities, and how to get answers to questions regarding those communities.

Since a young age, leading and being in a position of leadership has inspired me. In my mind, it comes down to being knowledgeable and using that knowledge to help others around you. Helping others succeed and building others up so they can lead is a huge part of how we can keep moving this world forward for future growth.

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Lindsey Houston, Westbrook

I grew up in Jackson. I have lived in Omaha and Maui, however, coming back to a small town in Southwest Minnesota was where I wanted to be. I am married, with three adult/teenage children. I have been in healthcare for 25 years and I truly love helping and encouraging people!

I am excited about Growing Local: Emerging Leaders because of the connections that you can make and the trust that can be built, also learning more about the being authentic and showing empathy, being able to be transparent and using active listening skills. I am inspired by leading by example. I am always willing to jump in and help where it’s needed.
What inspires me most about leadership is not only the ability to speak to and motivate others, but also the ability to guide, direct, and support people toward meaningful growth and success.

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Antonio Ledbetter, Marshall

I was born and raised in Georgia and moved to Minnesota in 2014, a change that reshaped my life in the best ways. I’m a proud Black man, a devoted husband, and a father of six who believes deeply in family, community, and growth.

What excites me most about Growing Local: Emerging Leaders is the chance to connect with people who share the same passion for positive change. I’m driven by the opportunity to learn new skills, strengthen my leadership, and help build stronger, healthier communities. Whether in my neighborhood, my profession, or my personal life, I’m committed to showing up as the best version of myself and inspiring others to do the same.

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Abdifatah Mohamed, Willmar

I am passionate about community leadership, youth empowerment, and helping families access resources and opportunities. Professionally, I work in food safety and quality assurance, and I serve as the Executive Director of Community Connectors Services in Willmar, where I focus on supporting immigrant and underserved communities through education, outreach, and community programs.

What excites me most about Growing Local: Emerging Leaders is the opportunity to connect with other leaders, learn from different experiences, and continue building positive change in our community. Leadership to me means serving others, creating opportunities, and helping people feel connected, supported, and heard.

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Medardo Moreno Castellón, Brewster

I am originally from Nicaragua and currently living in Worthington. I am a veterinarian by profession, and I also work in food safety and production control at JBS Foods.

I am excited to be part of Growing Local: Emerging Leaders because I want to continue developing my leadership skills and connect with people in my community. I believe leadership is important because it helps create positive change, improve teamwork, and support others to grow.

I am especially interested in learning how to become a stronger and more confident leader in both professional and community settings.

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Harley Pfarr, Fairfax

I’m an entrepreneur and founder of River Valley Low Voltage. I live in Fairfax with my wife, Myranda, and our two sons. I was born and raised in Southern Minnesota and graduated from Redwood Valley High School. I attended college for computer science, which helped shape my interest in technology and communications. My wife is also an entrepreneur and has owned her dog grooming business in Morton since 2016. As a family, we value small business, community involvement, and supporting local growth.

I am excited to attend the Growing Local: Emerging Leaders program to gain new ideas, strengthen my leadership skills, and continue growing both personally and professionally. I plan to become more involved in the community through organizations like the Fairfax Chamber and potentially serve on a city or county board in the future.

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Iztlacihuatl Ramirez, Worthington

I am passionate about helping individuals grow, learn, and reach their full potential, both professionally and personally. Much of my experience has centered around developing people, building confidence, and creating opportunities for others to succeed. I currently work as a technical training manager. Outside of work, I value community, continuous learning, and finding ways to make a positive impact in the lives of those around me. I have five kids, including three I adopted.

I am excited about Growing Local: Emerging Leaders because it offers an opportunity to connect with others who are equally committed to strengthening their communities. I look forward to learning from different perspectives, collaborating with fellow leaders, and gaining new insights that will help me contribute more effectively both in my role and in my community.

What inspires me most about leadership is the ability to influence positive change and empower others. To me, leadership is not just about guiding people; it’s about listening, supporting, and helping others discover their own strengths. I am inspired by leaders who lead with authenticity, empathy, and purpose, and I strive to reflect those qualities in my own journey.

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Charity Rudnick, Benson

What excites me most about Growing Local: Emerging Leaders is the opportunity to connect with others who care about strengthening their communities and creating positive local impact. I’m especially interested in learning from people with different experiences and perspectives while continuing to grow as a leader myself.

I currently work at the Mini Sota Agricultural Children’s Museum, where I recently earned a promotion into a new leadership role. Being young and stepping into leadership so early has been both exciting and motivating, and it has encouraged me to keep growing personally and professionally.

What inspires me about leadership is the ability to encourage others, build confidence in a team, and create spaces where people feel supported and valued. I believe leadership is about listening, learning, and helping others succeed alongside you.

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Michelle Vazquez, Willmar

I absolutely love helping others, building connections, and getting involved in my community. I’m really excited about Growing Local: Emerging Leaders because it’s a fantastic chance to learn, grow, and meet amazing people who share a passion for leadership and making a difference.

Leadership really inspires me! Great leaders uplift others, create positive changes, and make sure everyone feels supported and motivated.

Jordan Walter, Worthington

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I have been a Community Health Worker at Southwestern Minnesota Opportunity Council for about 5 years now. I have two daughters and have lived in Minnesota since 2018.

I am excited about Growing Local: Emerging Leaders because I will be able to meet new peers who have a similar vision as me. I am inspired by leadership because leaders inspire others to do more. I plan to mentor the next generation of medical leaders.

Meet the 2026 Growing Local: Emerging Leaders Program Team

Khou Lor, Southwest Initiative Foundation

Khou enjoys the relationships and the people of Southwest Minnesota. As a first-generation immigrant, many of her younger years were spent navigating systems and being the voice for her immigrant parents. It was through these lived experiences, that she realized her love for creating space for others to speak on behalf of themselves. As the Community Development Officer at Southwest Initiative Foundation, Khou is a resource for communities. Khou’s passion lies in the unique stories and relationships she has fostered through community interactions. Her scope of work includes cultivating and strengthen local BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) leaders and organizations in Southwest Minnesota. She has a background in community organizing and engagement work.

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Toby Spanier, University of Minnesota Extension

Toby is an Extension Professor in Leadership and Civic Engagement with the University of Minnesota. In his educator role, he has over 25 years of providing leadership development research and education to individuals, organizations, and communities. He began his educational career in the U.S. Peace Corps before working with other educational organizations nationally and internationally. He has lead leadership educational experiences in numerous countries. In Toby’s Extension role he serves as the Program Leader for the Minnesota Agriculture & Rural Leadership (MARL) program. A leadership program for individuals in the food, agriculture and natural resources sectors. Toby brings extensive experience in leadership coaching, group facilitation, program design, curriculum development, cultural agility, and evaluation to his work.