Where are they now? Southwest Minnesota Initiators Fellows

Are you ready to turn your passion for social change into a thriving enterprise? The Initiators Fellowship is here to help you. This fellowship supports early-stage entrepreneurs in Greater Minnesota who are eager to tackle social or environmental challenges while pursuing leadership growth. We’ve gathered stories from our southwest Minnesota fellows past and present to give you an idea of where the fellowship could take you!

Anne O’Keefe-Jackson, Initiators Fellow 2020-21

Anne is a member of the Caŋṡa’yapi Oyate (Lower Sioux Indian Community), an artist, an entrepreneur and a human resources professional. Her fellowship focused on building a Native arts supply business, Mni Sota Arts.

“For myself, the mentorship has probably been one of the best parts of the fellowship,” said Anne, who worked with mentors Mary Bordeaux and Peter Strong of Racing Magpie Native art studio and gallery.

What Anne started as a business on wheels is evolving into something bigger. Last year, Mni Sota Arts purchased a former cafe building in Redwood Falls and is in the process of a major renovation including replacing the roof, HVAC and electric and revealing the original facade along with many interior updates such as restoring the original tin ceiling and wood floors. All this is working toward a space that is welcoming, nourishing, and comfortable for Native artists as well as the surrounding community.

Erin Schutte Wadzinski, Initiators Fellow 2020-21

Erin Schutte Wadzinski is an attorney in her hometown of Worthington. Her social enterprise is Kivu Immigration Law, a law firm focused on closing the justice gap in Greater Minnesota.

“This fellowship gave me the launchpad I needed to bring my vision to life,” Erin said.

Previously, southwest Minnesotans in need of assistance with immigration legal matters would have to drive up to three hours just to speak to an immigration attorney, which wasn’t attainable for many residents. Since Kivu Immigration Law launched, Erin has met with over 1,500 local residents one-on-one to speak with them about their immigration concerns and legal questions.

Kris Shelstad, Initiators Fellow 2022-23

Kris saw the need for a multipurpose space in her community of Madison, and the fellowship provided her with funding and technical assistance to bring her social enterprise to life. The Madison Mercantile, known locally as “The Merc,” now houses a coffee shop, stage for live music, multiple business offices, space for community meetings and gatherings, youth hang out space, woodworking shop and more.

At The Merc, people have a place to connect, create friendships and build support systems. They talk about their families and pets, ideas for community events, ancestry, survivorship, caretaking and art.

“I think the biggest resource [in the fellowship] is the connections you make. The people that we’ve met along the way and the relationships and the bonds we’ve formed both within our cohort and within the community of entrepreneurs and innovators and social enterprise, that will go far into the future. That’s not something that ends when the fellowship ends,” Kris said.

Suree Sampomitwong, Initiators Fellow 2024-25

Suree is currently wrapping up her two-year fellowship. Her social enterprise is Creative Healing Space in Worthington, a place for people to create and spend time together. Suree built this nonprofit after being inspired by her own healing journey. She has focused on engaging more local people and providing more opportunities for people to create and connect.

“I know I can do it all, but I don’t want to. My primary commitment is to Creative Healing Space, and I want to ensure it receives the attention it deserves. Additionally, I remain passionate about my artistry, whether through sculpting, painting, or writing. I never want to lose that creative side of myself, no matter how busy life becomes,” Suree said in a profile piece for Bold Journey magazine.