With Gratitude

The following individuals, businesses and organizations were vital in moving Envision Communities from an idea to reality. We’d like to thank them for their commitment and support through the beginning stages of our mission.

Fundraising Advisory Board Members

  • Andriana Abariotes

  • Liz Hewitt, Director of Annual Giving, DeLaSalle High School

  • Jon Cole

  • Joanne Kosciolek

  • Courtney Cushing Kiernat, Executive Director, Peris Project, Graves Foundation

  • Kyrra Rankine, Director of Partnerships and Initiatives, Graves Foundation

  • Tom Fisher, Director, Minnesota Design Center

  • Lauren Withers, Keystone Program Manager, Tradition Bank

Research Team

Assists the Envision Leaders and serve as co-investigators on research studies. This group focuses on the intersection of housing, social-connection, and health.

  • Jon Aga

  • Stuart Grande, PhD, University of Minnesota School of Public Health

  • Austin Watanabe, Alchemy Architects

  • Andrea Brown, Human Centered Designer

  • Blair Harrison, Minnesota Department of Health

  • William Walsh, MD, Hennepin Healthcare and Minnesota Design Center

  • Mageen Caines, Minneapolis Health Department

  • Lawrence (Ripley) Smith, PhD, Bethel University

  • Michelle DeVaughn, Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church

  • Ashley Thorfinnson, Human Centered Designer

  • Tom Fisher, Director, Minnesota Design Center

  • Geoffrey C. Warner, AIA, Alchemy Architects

Businesses & Organizations

  • Twin Cities EcoVillage

  • St. James Lutheran Church

  • Sparrow Properties

  • Project for Pride in Living (PPL)

  • Integrated Community Solutions

  • Freedom From the Streets

  • First Covenant Church

  • MICAH

  • Minneapolis Public Housing Authority

  • North Central University

  • St. Stephen’s

  • Elim Church