Tiyah Stone
Redwing Ignite

Benya Kraus
Co-Founder of Lead for america

Hailing from a fusion of Waseca, MN and Bangkok, Thailand, Benya graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Tufts University with a B.A. in International Relations and minors in Urban Studies and Colonialism Studies.  Searching for a pathway back to serve in Waseca after graduation, she realized that little infrastructure and cultural narrative existed to bring young talent back to small towns, rural, and economically distressed urban communities – particularly to engage in public service.  She went on to co-found Lead For America, a national nonprofit that supports young talent in returning to their hometowns through two-year paid fellowships with the mission of catalyzing community renewal and strengthening our public institutions. Benya is also on the 100 Rural Women Board of Directors, see her full bio here.

Liz Bloch
Chisholm and Hibbing public school district

Liz graduated from Mesabi Range College in Virginia, MN with an A.A. in Liberal Arts and is deeply committed to the Iron Range. In school, she learned about the disparity the community has faced and as a result, become involved with a student organization called LeadMN to advocate for our government to address food insecurity on campus, influencing legislators to pass the Hunger Free Campus Act in 2019. Having sparked the flame of civic engagement, she helped students register to vote, personally arranged free transportation to the polls for students in 2018, and educated her peers about caucuses and the election process. Liz Bloch grew up in St. Francis MN, and has enjoyed volunteering with community theatres and local libraries in her youth. Liz is serving in the Iron Range on mental health and in her free time enjoys Dungeons and Dragons, exploring the outdoors with her 3 ferrets, and reading books from her local library.

Alejandra Bejarano
Region Nine Development Commission, Mankato

Alejandra graduated with an MPA from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Alejandra hails from Colombia and moved to the United States at a young age to play tennis. Having a deep interest in research, Alejandra did her capstone project on corruption and institutional trust. She has diverse background experience in both the private and public sectors and is passionate about exploring new cultures, as she speaks multiple languages. Alejandra loves salsa dancing and hopes to eventually adopt a Saint Bernard. Alejandra is enthusiastic about serving with the Region Nine Development Commission in Mankato and believes that creating vibrant and resilient communities is more important than ever.