Community builders: Alumni leading the charge in nonprofit organizations

Kristi Pogatchnik ’15—Girls on the Run Minnesota

Tell us about Girls on the Run Minnesota.
Girls on the Run Minnesota (GOTR) works to improve the well-being of girls across Minnesota through our physical activity-based positive youth development (PA-PYD) program. Dynamic lessons instill valuable life skills, including the critical connection between physical and emotional health, allowing GOTR to make a stronger impact than organized sports and physical education in teaching life skills like managing emotions, resolving conflict, helping others, and making intentional decisions with lasting impact in our community through positive social, emotional, and physical health outcomes. Teams of 20 or so girls meet with trained volunteer coaches twice per week after school to complete the 8-week, 16-lesson curriculum. By practicing running at each lesson, girls build stamina for the season-end celebratory noncompetitive 5K.

What inspired you to work for Girls on the Run Minnesota?
I first became involved in GOTR as a volunteer coach a dozen years ago in Redmond, Washington. In my role as development director, I lead our fundraising efforts, securing the financial support necessary to sustain and grow the organization’s mission. I absolutely love leading our fundraising efforts at GOTR MN because it means GOTR is available to any girl who wants to participate. With the help of generous donors and sponsors, we never have to say no to a participant because of her family’s inability to pay the program fee. Instead, we operate on a pay-what-you-can model, making it easy to access and confidential. It’s just one way that we say, “Yes, you’re welcome here” to all girls. Contributed revenue further supports our inclusion efforts by providing running gear to any girl who needs it to participate, transportation to the 5K for schools where that’s a barrier, and healthy snacks for all teams and participants. I love fundraising because I get to connect with so many people over a cause that they care about—and I care about it too. Giving brings people joy and helps them find meaning in this world, especially during uncertain times. I feel privileged to be a part of that experience with them. And the bottom line is that girls need us. Being part of the solution is hugely meaningful to me.

How did your education at Metro State University prepare you for the work you’re currently doing in the community?
What was most powerful about my classes at Metro State was learning from professors and students who held positions in nonprofits while also teaching or taking classes at Metro State. They brought real-world experiences and problems to the classroom. I learned about complex issues with a diverse group of mostly early- and mid-career professionals who also brought a range of perspectives and their own workforce experiences. I feel that prepared me to be more open-minded to different views and potential solutions, as well as how different people approach their work. Metro State’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity is a benefit and a gift to all students and should be highly regarded when considering where to invest in your education.

What advice would you give to current Metro State students or recent graduates who want to make a positive impact in their communities?
One of the lessons we teach girls through the Community Impact Project, which is part of our curriculum every season, is that no act of kindness is too small to make a difference in your community. So, my advice is “just start!” Don’t underestimate the impact you can make with even small acts in your neighborhood, community, or church. And, as we also like to say at GOTR, “Rock what ya got!” People and organizations need support in the form of time, talent, and financial resources, so decide which of those is a fit for you and find a cause that you’re passionate about. There are so many ways you can make a difference.

How can alumni learn more about your organization and ways to support your work?If you truly want to be inspired and see the impact of our work, consider joining us for a 5K run! Want to go the extra mile? Become a coach, start a site in your community, or make a financial gift. If you have an athletic event coming up, like a marathon or other run, consider becoming a SoleMate and raising funds for Girls on the Run Minnesota by asking your network to support you during your training. Everything is on our website: gotrmn.org. If you are affiliated with a company that would be interested in sponsoring Girls on the Run or volunteering as a group, please send an email to info@gotrmn.org! Finally, keep an eye on our website for internship opportunities!

Jeremy Evers ’05—Magnus Veterans Foundation

Tell us about your work at the Magnus Veterans Foundation.

I am the development director at Magnus Veterans Foundation. At Magnus Veterans Foundation, our goal is to promote healing and restoration for veterans and their families. We may never fully understand the profound impact of war on each veteran, but we can honor our heroes by providing the resources they need to bridge the gap between service and home.

Our Magnus Veterans Wellness Campus is a welcoming community of members, health specialists, and volunteers working together to provide a comprehensive approach to veteran well-being. Through our Five Performance Pillars model, we aim to understand and address the concerns of those who have served, help restore the warrior spirit, and ensure that veterans and their families remain healthy, whole, and connected.

How did your education at Metro State University prepare you for your current work at the Magnus Veterans Foundation?

This is my second career; my time at Metro State provided me with a supportive learning community and the knowledge that I still use today in my role as development director. The real-life knowledge I gained from professors and fellow students about their experiences made it possible for me to transition into this second career.

What were some of the most significant successes achieved by the Magnus Veterans Foundation?

Our greatest success has been expanding to provide no-cost care for 1,000 veterans or their immediate family members, equivalent to $850,000 in free care.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your work, and how do you overcome them?

The biggest challenge I face at work right now is finding a way to expand our campus so we can provide more care to veterans and their immediate family members. I am currently working on a capital campaign to expand our campus by adding six clinic rooms, one procedure room, three mental health rooms, and a large gym and physical therapy area.

What advice would you give to current Metro State students or recent graduates who want to make a positive impact in their communities?

There are many ways to help. Find what fits you and your passion, and research the organizations that align with that. Not all organizations operate the same way, and if you are donating money, find out as much as you can about what it will be used for. It means so much more if you follow along with the organization and what they are doing.

How can alumni learn more about your organization and ways to support your work?

To learn more about the Magnus Veterans Foundation or to find out how you can get involved, please visit our website at magnusveteransfoundation.org or follow us on social media through Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Rollie Olson ’24—Interfaith America

Tell us about your work at Interfaith America.

Interfaith America was founded in 2002 as a small, scrappy nonprofit organization with a $35,000 grant from the Ford Foundation, initially focusing on interfaith student service projects on college campuses. Over the past two decades, Interfaith America has partnered with nearly 1,000 college campuses to advance interfaith cooperation, transforming faith from a source of division into a bridge for collaboration. Our interfaith cooperation methodology and programming has a reputation for excellence. Our work has expanded well beyond higher education, with robust programming in the civic, corporate, and health sectors, equipping leaders and institutions to foster pluralism in their communities.

I recently transitioned into the role of research and media manager in the Office of the President at Interfaith America, after serving as a program manager on our Democracy Initiatives. My role involves supporting Founder and President Eboo Patel, in his writing, speech development, social media, and public engagements, as well as traveling with him on the road to ensure his ideas reach the right audiences and drive meaningful impact.

My path to this work was shaped by my time serving on the district staff for Congressman Dean Phillips in MN-03, starting with his first campaign in 2018, shortly after graduating from college, and continuing until my move to Chicago in 2023. The Congressman’s ethos—championing bipartisan collaboration and pragmatic solutions for the collective good—reinforced my belief in leadership that unites rather than exacerbates polarization.

How did your education at Metro State University prepare you for the work you’re currently doing at Interfaith America?

Apart from the practical benefits of a Metro State master’s program—its flexibility for working professionals, affordability, and strong alumni network in Minnesota’s social impact sector—I was drawn to what Metro State represents. As a proven social mobility accelerator, it brings together a diverse community of students whose life experiences showcase the transformative power of education. In every class, you find first-generation college students, older nontraditional learners, immigrants, military veterans, and parents juggling family responsibilities—all showing up each week to bring their best. Rather than pursuing an advanced degree touting prestige or exclusivity, my experience at Metro State showed how rich a learning environment can be with students from all walks of life.

Additionally, Metro State’s unique program focus on both public and nonprofit administration (MPNA) made it an ideal fit. Now having worked in both government and the nonprofit sector, I appreciated the opportunity to take courses tailored to each, equipping me with the skills necessary to lead across different types of organizations.

What advice would you give current Metro State students or recent graduates who want to impact their communities positively?

First, embrace that desire to serve the public with your career—it’s a rare and powerful trait! The world needs more people committed to constructive action. Whatever your skills—writing, speaking, managing, storytelling, or analysis—channel them toward being part of the solution, not just identifying the problems.

Second, show up, work hard, and commit to the mission wherever you are. Make an impression as someone who not only excels in their role but also contributes to a positive, collaborative team culture. Pursue excellence, stay adaptable, ask lots of questions, and keep sight of the bigger picture—sometimes the best path forward requires a pivot in approach, and it takes humility to recognize and embrace that.

Finally, understand that no early- or mid-career job will be your dream job in every aspect. Stick with roles that give you opportunities to grow, even if some parts aren’t ideal. Be vocal about your interests, but also patient with the process—that’s how doors open.

How can alumni learn more about your organization and ways to support your work?

For those curious about pluralism as a model for diversity and the urgent need for bridge-building in our society, I encourage you to explore interfaithamerica.org. Our magazine features compelling stories from leaders across sectors, and our podcast, Voices of Interfaith America, shares insights from those working to bridge divides and strengthen civic life.

Kelly Ireland ’23—Twin Cities R!SE

Tell us about your work at Twin Cities R!SE

Twin Cities R!SE is a nonprofit dedicated to helping people overcome barriers to employment through career training and coaching. I currently serve as the marketing and communications coordinator. I chose to study marketing at Metro State because it allows me to combine many of my natural skills and interests, including storytelling, design, photography, and more. However, I knew from the outset that I wanted my work to focus on creating genuine impact rather than merely driving profits. That’s where Twin Cities R!SE came in. Here, I get to help people discover our organization, which in turn helps them find hope—hope for a better life, hope for their dreams to become reality.

The support our career coaches and instructors provide is indescribable. They’re not just helping participants find jobs; they’re walking alongside them, providing the tools they need to achieve their goals. Twin Cities R!SE becomes more than just a program—it becomes family. Participants stay connected long after they graduate, checking in and sharing their wins. Seeing that transformation firsthand is just amazing.

How did your education at Metro State University prepare you for the work you’re currently doing at Twin Cities R!SE?

My marketing and public relations professors at Metro State were incredible sources of professional advice and mentorship. They guided me through projects that felt just like working in a real marketing agency—hands-on, team-based, and fast-paced. That practical experience was the perfect preparation for my current role, where I craft strategic messages and engage with diverse audiences on a daily basis. The combination of academic theory and real-world application at Metro State truly equipped me with the skills I use now to impact the community through my work at Twin Cities R!SE.

What advice would you give current Metro State students or recent graduates who want to positively impact their communities?

At Twin Cities R!SE, we help people find what we call ‘meaningful employment’—work that excites them, aligns with their skills and interests, and gives them a sense of purpose. I’m grateful to have found that for myself.

Do not settle for a job where you don’t feel excited or where your work doesn’t matter. I see the direct impact of my efforts every single day, and I love it. There are numerous incredible nonprofits in the Twin Cities (and beyond) that need skilled and passionate individuals to step in, utilize their talents, and make a difference.

How can alumni learn more about your organization and ways to support your work?

Do you know someone who could benefit from our program? Please send them our way! Interested in volunteering? We offer remote opportunities and are super flexible! Visit twincitiesrise.org to learn more about our program and volunteer opportunities!