HUTCHINSON, Minn.— Than Than Kyaw of Worthington has joined Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) staff as community engagement specialist. In this role, he works to identify local strengths and challenges, build community-based skills and serve as a liaison between the foundation and community leaders, as well as the nonprofit community.
Previously, Kyaw worked in community organizing, corporate community engagement, student services and community education. He moved to Minnesota from a refugee camp in Thailand at age 11 and is a graduate of Worthington High School.
“Mentored by my community leaders, I am passionate to support people and believe in their success stories. Southwest Initiative Foundation has been a great support for our communities across the region, and I was drawn to its mission. I’m excited to work together with the team here,” Kyaw said.
Community engagement is core to Southwest Initiative Foundation’s mission of connecting people, investing in ideas and building communities. The foundation brings people together with innovative approaches to build vibrant and welcoming communities. It’s one of the pillars that kids need to succeed in the foundation’s Grow Our Own strategic framework, which is focused on helping all southwest Minnesota kids and families reach their full potential from cradle to career. This work is led by a growing team of SWIF staff – including Kyaw – focused on rural equity, youth and family, and civic and community engagement.
“We are happy to welcome Than Than to the SWIF team. His experience and creativity will help develop new initiatives and projects that move us toward a southwest Minnesota where all people thrive,” said Nancy Fasching, SWIF Vice President of Community Impact.
Kyaw started his role Aug. 22. As community engagement specialist, he is responsible for nurturing community opportunities that impact critical needs and supporting community-led partnerships especially with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. SWIF is currently hiring for a second community engagement specialist to support this work in the region.
About Southwest Initiative Foundation
Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) is a nonprofit community foundation connecting people, investing in ideas and building communities to create a southwest Minnesota where all people thrive. Since its founding in 1986, SWIF has distributed more than $107 million through its grantmaking and business finance programs. Learn more at swifoundation.org.
