Continuing Our Mission: Meet Our Interim Executive Director, Andrea Reese
Mni Sota Fund welcomes back Andrea Reese, this time, as its Interim Executive Director.
As a Citizen of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Andrea Reese spent her childhood in the northern Minnesota village of Onigum. She now resides in South Minneapolis where she owns her first home while taking care of multiple generations in her household. Her leadership foundation stems from the teachings of her family and community which continue to direct her life’s purpose and path.
Andrea has spent more than ten years working at Mni Sota Fund previously, developing and leading in homeownership, financial empowerment, and community development. Her career includes experience as a homebuyer educator and credit coach and lending program director. She was instrumental in helping Mni Sota Fund obtain its Native Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) certification. Throughout her professional experience Andrea demonstrated leadership through her humble approach while maintaining integrity alongside her dedication to develop community-oriented solutions.
Andrea serves as the Chair of the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee for Minneapolis Public Schools while also being a parent board member at Baby’s Space in addition to her status as a Native Nation Rebuilder from Cohort 13 through the Native Governance Center.
She builds relationships through her trusted collaboration and thoughtful listening while addressing complex situations with careful optimism. Through Indigenous family-centered leadership she works to build systems by creating accessible spaces that promote dignity and healing across generations.
We feel privileged to have Andrea take on this role and we look forward to maintaining our vital work through her wise and principle-based leadership approach.
“Andrea leads with heart, humility, and a deep commitment to our community. She returns not only with more experience, but a lived understanding of what Mni Sota Fund stands for. The board is excited to support her as she steps into this interim role, her leadership feels like both a return and a renewal.”
