Meet the CLNE team
BOARD MEMBERS:
Rev. Chatman is a nationally sought-after teacher of the church in the areas of multi-cultural leadership, community engagement and congregational revitalization. Prior to launching the CLNE, he served for 20 years as pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church and as Executive Director of Redeemer Center.
Lonna is an experienced administrator who brings to CLNE a love for North Minneapolis as well as passion for vocational discernment, youth ministry and leadership, and building inclusive communities. Her prior experience includes program development and assessment, budget and grant management, and organizing collaborative initiatives. Previously Lonna served as a Program Associate for the Christensen Center for Vocation at Augsburg University.
Board Chair:
Jacqueline Beck,
Cole Wit Trades, LLC
Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County (CAPHC)
Vice Chair:
Yordanos Kiflu-Martin,
Marriage & Family Therapist
Secretary:
Heather Anderson,
Advancing Equity
Treasurer:
Keven Ambrus,
Wilder Foundation
Directors:
Julia Beverly,
Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County (CAPHC)
Steven Delzer,
Nokomis Heights Lutheran
Craig Pederson,
Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA
Paul Slack,
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
Kendrick Hall, M. Div.
(He/him)
Director for Youth Outreach and Community Organizing
I am a 31 year old, African American male from North Minneapolis. I am a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College and Luther Seminary, where I earned a Masters in Divinity and a focus on Justice, Reconciliation, and Restoration. I have had the privilege of serving the broader ELCA as a Hunger Justice Advocate in a deployed position at Lutheran Advocacy Minnesota. I have also had the privilege in the Harrison Neighborhood as a community activist, youth developer, and manager at Venture North Bike Shop.
I stand here today in solidarity, realizing that together we have the power to change variables within the very communities where we reside, work and worship. I believe that God has called me to help in being the catalyst to provide spaces for healing.
Dan Bielenberg, M. Div.
(He/him)
Director of Learning and Equitable Social Change
Deacon Dan brings years of experience in learning and leadership development into his call to service in the church and community. Prior to joining CLNE, Dan was a leader in corporate learning and leadership development, specializing in innovation skills. Dan recently completed his MDiv; he is new to Minneapolis and learning to love the neighbors and neighborhoods.
Rachel comes to CLNE from many years doing justice-oriented experiential education and leadership development with youth and young adults. She is a lover of her hometown Minneapolis, an experienced facilitator, trainer, and organizer, and she brings a passion for cultivating embodied antiracist culture and community.
Richard Webb, M. Ed.
(He/him)
Lead Trainer
Richard is a well-known diversity professional who was instrumental in Augsburg University’s work to become one of the nation’s most racially and culturally diverse post-secondary institutions. Dedicated to organizational change, Richard is a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory and is certified in many areas of training. In 2019, Richard served as Director for Equity and Inclusion at Redeemer Center for Life before joining CLNE.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
–Margaret Mead
Jen has a background in public school education and worked 15 years in a church setting. She founded a youth yoga and art non-profit in 2008, working with teen girls on probation, house arrest, or felony sentence thru Dakota, Scott, Carver, and Hennepin County juvenile corrections. Through her personal journey using IDI guided development tools and impactful coaching by her mentor, Richard Webb, Jen supports others in building cultural capacity and systems change in their own work settings and areas of influence.
SPECIAL ADVISORS:
Rev. Dr. Robin Bell, Ed.D, Th.M.
(He/Him)
Youth Leadership Development & Beloved Community
Dr. Bell brings years of experience in urban, multicultural settings in Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and St. Paul, and as well as a passion for transformational and social justice education and youth development to his work with CLNE. In addition to collaborating with CLNE, he is an Assistant Professor of Intercultural Studies at University of Northwestern, and adjunct professor in Reconciliation at Bethel University in St. Paul. His teaching and research is focused on developing emerging leaders situated in urban and youth ministry, K-12 classrooms, and social work, creating participatory spaces for social justice organizing.
Don Samuels
(He/him)
MicroGrants
Don is the CEO of Twin Cities based non profit MicroGrants and Minneapolis School Board member. A graduate of Luther Seminary, Don was ordained in 2002, and shortly thereafter recruited by his neighbors to run for office. Don represented the 5th Ward on the Minneapolis City Council for 11 years, completing his service at the end of 2013 to pursue other ways to serve the community. Previously Don was a toy designer for 25 years, and a co-founder of the PEACE Foundation, now the Northside Achievement Zone.
Jenney Egertson
(She/her)
A published writer and author, Jenney is a seasoned communications strategist with both corporate and entrepreneurial experience. A skilled facilitator, executive coach and writer/editor, Jenney is a 34-year resident of Minneapolis.