Leadership

In his role, Mohamed oversees youth and adult workforce programs and services, and he provides leadership to the partnership and services at the Cedar-Riverside Opportunity Center. Mohamed has worked for EMERGE for 20+ years. He is drawn to EMERGE because it holds the same values as the ones he grew up with: helping your neighbors succeed, encouraging all people to value education, and doing whatever he can to help others realize their potential.

Aaron is the Director of Youth Programs with EMERGE who has worked with diverse populations in our Northside location, ECTC, for over three years. In 2019, he was honored as both an Employee of the Year and as a member of the top service team of the year. In 2020, in addition to his daily work, Aaron has led the effort to digitize EMERGE forms to enhance access for our participants during COVID-19.  Aaron holds a Master’s degree in IT and has completed training in both GCDF and Motivational Interviewing through EMERGE.

Kevin Engdahl is Executive Vice President of EMERGE Enterprise and Operations for EMERGE Community Development. In that role, Kevin oversees financial strategy for the organization, and provides leadership and strategic direction to EMERGE’s social enterprise businesses. Kevin was formerly the Vice President of Finance for Momentum Enterprises which merged with EMERGE in 2015. In addition to having responsibility for all finance and administration functions at Momentum, Kevin led the Custom Manufacturing business and played an integral part in the development and implementation of business development plans. Prior to Momentum, Kevin spent 20 years in the medical device industry where he gained broad operational experience in finance, operations, business development (mergers and acquisitions), product development and marketing. Kevin holds a B.A in Accounting from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN.

Sherry Glanton is Director of MFIP (Minnesota Family Investment Program) & the Diversionary Work Program for EMERGE. She also oversees Quick Connect MFIP services in south Minneapolis. Prior to joining EMERGE, Sherry served in a number of roles for Resource Inc. – Employment Action Center, including Division Director for Youth & Young Parent Programs, Welfare to Work Program Director, Program Supervisor – MFIP Demonstration Program, and Vocational Counselor where she provided career planning and direction to participants in the STRIDE program. Sherry is passionate about helping individuals and families achieve their employment and education goals.

Terra oversees program creation, goals, and execution at EMERGE, managing a team of Directors and staff dedicated to helping participants achieve their career aspirations. With a strong background in equity and community development, Terra has been a familiar face at EMERGE for many years. Prior to her current role, she engaged and empowered residents of the Near North and Willard Hay neighborhoods in Minneapolis to drive positive change in their communities. Terra also worked as a contractor for Housing and Urban Development (HUD), during the foreclosure crisis, specializing in pre-acquisition and assisting families in accessing resources to avoid foreclosure. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a minor in African American Studies & Psychology from the University of Minnesota. Terra finds fulfillment in motivating participants to make a change and be the best version of themselves.

Jill Pearson-Wood is the Vice President of Advancement at EMERGE. In that role, she provides strategic direction and leadership to the Development, Data & Evaluation and Communication teams. She has 20 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, and communications in nonprofit and higher education organizations. Jill started her career as a newspaper reporter covering education, city and county government for newspapers in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Jill holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Minnesota State-Mankato and a Mini-MBA from the University of St. Thomas. She has a passion for connecting volunteers, donors, and the general public to work that addresses social and racial justice issues.

Kris Solz serves as the Director of Human Resources at EMERGE. She earned a bachelor’s in social work from Minnesota State University, a Senior Professional in Human Resources certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute, and a Senior Certified Professional certification from the Society of Human Resource Management. She has over 30 years of working in nonprofit organizations. She chose to bring her talents to EMERGE because she was already deeply connected to the work, and it felt like coming home. She stays because she loves serving the community she claims as her own.

Mike Wynne is the President and CEO of EMERGE Community Development. He has led the organization since its launch in 2006. Before that, he served in a succession of positions with Pillsbury United Communities, EMERGE’s heritage organization. He was first hired as a direct service staff person in 1988, and then served as program manager, director and vice president before launching EMERGE in its current form. Under his leadership, EMERGE has grown from a $3 million annual budget and 35 FTE staff members to currently $12 million and 80 FTE staff and 50 ongoing paid training employees. During this time, Mike has led the development of a portfolio of highly acclaimed workforce programs, social enterprises and community development projects.

Mike earned his BA in Sociology and Urban Studies from Hamline University in St. Paul. He has completed a variety graduate level/executive education certifications including from the Executive Leadership Institute at the University of Michigan and Stanford Graduate School of Business Executive Program in Social Entrepreneurship. He has been recognized with prestigious alumni awards from Hamline University and DeLaSalle High School and has been a featured presenter at many national and regional conferences. Mike is a lifelong Minneapolis resident and grew up in North Minneapolis and Cedar-Riverside neighborhoods.