| Board of Directors |
Diversity Foundation Board of Directors
Mr. Oscar Reed
Creator & Director of programs for youth and families challenged by poverty
Minneapolis, MN
A former outstanding running back for Colorado State University that led to a legendary nine-year career as a running back for the Minnesota Vikings that included seven NFL Division championships, along with 3 Super Bowl appearances. Mr. Reed later served 15 years as youth programs director for the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority. He is now director of the Community Empowerment and Prevention Program in Minneapolis, and a consultant on the circle process for preventing violence and resolving conflict. With fellow Viking legend Jim Marshall, he is co-founder of a youth and family service agency, Lifes Missing Link, Inc. He has an extensive background in the Native American restorative justice program, and in leading programs for youth development, employment and pre-apprenticeship, as well as many other experiences related to volunteerism, community Public Relations and charitable fund-raising.
Travis Zimmerman,Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post Ex. Director
Minnesota History Society (MHS) Native American liaison
St. Paul, MN
As a Native youth whos family came from the Reservation Rez(Grand Portage band of the Ojibwe), Mr. Zimmerman has always felt the need and purpose to help improve conditions and life for all Indian people and the commitment to serve as a unifying liaison between all racom St. John's University, he has worked in several areas of youth development, Race relations and Human Rights with special emphasis in American Indian cultural recovery and advancement. Prior to his current position, he provided family self-sufficiency and support services es and cultures. After completing military service and graduating fron behalf of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce in Minneapolis and was a lead organizer and Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe (the first ever on a Minnesota reservation).
From 1995-97, as executive director of the St. Cloud Area American Indian Center, Mr. Zimmerman helped develop programs to provide services and opportunities to the urban Indian population never before served. He was instrumental in starting the annual Unity Pow Wows designed to create awareness and improve understanding between the Native and Non-Native populations in St. Cloud and surrounding Central Minnesota. He has served on the St. Cloud Human Rights Commission and worked with at risk youth as a substance abuse/Youth counselor and as a community liaison worker with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota, and at the St. Cloud Children's Home.
Nate Damian Emerson
VP Finance of Student Affairs
Minnesota State College, SE Technical
Winona, MN
Dedicated, resourceful, and decisive individual who successfully maintains multiple tasks in all facets of the college. Work in a multi-campus environment supporting over 3500 students. Has been an Admissions Counselor at a four-year university, a Financial Aid Director, Director of Institutional Research, Interim Director of Finance, and currently the Vice President of Student Affairs at Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical.
Current duties include the supervision of over 30 full time staff members. Oversees all aspects of student affairs including Learn Resoruce Center, Admissions, Financial Aid, Registrars, Institutional Research, Enrollment Services, Placement, and Marketing.