Our Mission

To bring life and learning opportunities to Edina Public Schools students who are economically disadvantaged.

As a mission-aligned partner with Edina Public Schools, we are uniquely positioned to unlock  opportunities in academics, arts, and athletics for students who have financial need.

  • 2018.19 Go Report

  • 2017.18 Go Report

What’s Happening

August 2020 Executive Director, Maggie McCracken featured on MPR News with Angela Davis discussing learning support models during distance and hybrid learning. https://bit.ly/3ixtG4f

August 2020 Featured in IGNITE After School’s ‘Yes to Success’ – capturing partnerships, innovations & different ways of doing things in the COVID-19 era that are helping young people get their needs met through afterschool https://bit.ly/2S3fZyX

August 2020 Mayor Jim Hovland selected the Edina MealFund COVID-19 Response program for the 2020 Mayor’s Service to Youth Commendation (award presented to Edina Give and Go and the Edina Education Fund) https://bit.ly/2S3PMA9

December 2019 – Edina Give and Go was awarded a grant from the Frey Foundation of Minnesota in support of our work with students during summer 2020. The Frey Foundation of Minnesota is focused on strengthening the community through direct giving to organizations that promote self-sufficiency and stimulate creative change, resulting in improved quality of life for all.

August 2019- Edina Give and Go has been named one of two Edina Federated Women’s Club (EFWC) community grant recipients. The EFWC has been a pivotal partner in support of the Edina Give and Go mission. Learn more at edinafeds.org/feds-fest-2019

May 2019 – Edina Give and Go receives 2019 Mayor’s Commendation for Service Organization. An award given to an organization who has made outstanding contributions to the community at large.  https://www.edinamn.gov/1044/Mayors-Commendations

April 2019 – Edina Noon Rotary supports Edina Give and Go for the third year in a row. This partnership focuses on music instrument fees for students across all nine Edina Public Schools.

April 2019 – Edina Morningside Rotary supports Edina Give and Go along with eleven other community organizations.

July 2018 – Edina Give and Go named ‘Best Community Organizer’ in Edina Magazine’s Best of Edina 2018. https://edinamag.com/best-edina-2018

Sept. 2017 – Edina Give and Go is featured in Edina Magazine http://edinamag.com/edina-charity-give-and-go-assists-educational-and-extra-curricular-programs

How To Help

Here at Edina Give and Go, we are focused on unlocking opportunities for students, from academics to the arts to athletics. We are a mission-aligned partner of Edina Public Schools, uniquely positioned to remove financial barriers to participation for students.

Give

The Team

Cristina Silva Gleason

Executive Director

Cristina is a longtime educational advocate and Edina resident who is committed to ensuring that equitable access and inclusion to a variety of extracurricular programming is possible for every student. She holds an undergraduate degree from Tufts University and a Master’s in Educational Psychology from the University of Minnesota. Currently, she is pursuing her Ph.D. in Culture and Teaching at the University of Minnesota where she is also a course instructor. Cristina has also worked as a licensed school counselor for both Minneapolis Public Schools and St. Louis Park Public Schools. Prior to her career in education, Cristina worked in advertising and as a reporter for The Boston Globe and USA Today. Cristina grew up in Brazil and Costa Rica and enjoys traveling as much as she can with her husband, Jeff, and their two children.

Catalina Carrasco

Outreach and Student Granting Coordinator

Catalina is a passionate professional who has actively volunteered  in Edina Public Schools since 2017. She has a degree in Economics and International Business and has a background in international consulting, having worked with large organizations throughout Latin America. Catalina and her husband Javier have two kids in Edina Public Schools. Catalina is passionate about supporting children, working to present them with the world of opportunities and helping them choose the ones that would maximize their potential.

Jen Faeth

Finance Coordinator

Jen is a results-oriented problem solver and creative thinker dedicated to giving back to her community in tangible and meaningful ways. Her professional background includes over 20 years of experience in accounting, operations and project management with nonprofit organizations and financial services companies. She has a BS degree in accounting and extensive graduate coursework in training and organizational development. As a longtime member of the community, she has served as curriculum chair for Edina Parent Communication Network (PCN), treasurer of her children’s elementary school PTO and as a volunteer in Edina Public Schools and with several Twin Cities organizations. She and her husband, Sean, have two grown children and are recent empty nesters. As a lifelong learner, Jen is passionate about supporting families so children may reach their brightest potential.

The Board

Josie Tober

Board Chair

Bio
Josie Tober is a Journalism major, a foster parent for several MN animal rescue organizations, and an extreme recycler. An Edina resident since 2014, she is a tireless volunteer at her children’s elementary schools, organizing everything from Garden Club, Equity in Education and Literacy efforts, Wellness Committee, Green Team and the Scholastic Book Fair. She has been a board member for Edina Give and Go for three years and is passionate about using her talents to create opportunities for all students in our great Edina community.

Stephanie Pierce

Board Vice Chair

Bio
Stephanie and her husband moved their family to Edina in 2015. Since then, they have been actively engaged in discussions around equity & inclusion in the community and the Edina school district where their 3 daughters attend school. She believes that every action we take to bring the tremendous benefits we have in our community to all students is a powerful action we must take. Stephanie is originally from Chicago, IL and has worked at General Mills for over 20 years. She received her B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering and MBA from Northwestern - Kellogg Graduate School of Management. Stephanie and her husband, James, are the proud parents of three daughters, Olivia, Jamie, and Kaitlyn.

Cathy Cella

Past Board  Chair

Bio
Cathy provides the Edina Give and Go Board a unique level of experience with Edina Public Schools. Cathy served on the Edina School Board for 8 years and has been actively involved in school district activities for over 25 years. In addition to her work with Give and Go, she works with 4th grade math students at Cornelia, helps coach the Valley View Mock Trial team and works with students at the high school through the Access program. In March 2016 Cathy was recognized by the Edina Community Foundation and Connecting with Kids as a recipient of a Community Leadership Award for her volunteer work with Edina youth. Cathy is the mother of 4 grown children who all attended Edina public schools and lives in Edina with her husband, John Ellingboe.

Hattie Priem

Secretary

Bio
Hattie Priem lives in Edina with her husband and two sons. She graduated from Edina High School and has a B.A. from Middlebury College and a J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School. Hattie works as legal counsel for a medical device company and is a volunteer attorney at the Children's Law Center of Minnesota.  Hattie is an avid reader and an aspiring gardener. She has a passion for ensuring that all children have access to the resources they need to live joyful and successful lives.

Sarah Hardy

Treasurer

Bio
Sarah is delighted to serve as Treasurer on the Edina Give and Go board. Professionally, she supports parents and families as a Parent Educator in Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) programs as well as through her own business, Generations Parenting Support. Sarah is also committed to volunteerism, having recently served three years as the Treasurer for the Morningside Woman’s Club. She is an active parent volunteer with her children’s schools, including coordinating a Junior Great Books program for several years, serving as PTO Treasurer, and planning a school-based event (or several). Sarah also joyfully taught Music Together for eight years. Sarah moved with her family to Edina in 2010. She and her husband have two girls. She adores her golden retriever, and loves to exercise, read, sing, listen to live music, and enjoy quiet weekends at the family cabin. Sarah Hardy holds a BA from Stanford University in Human Biology and an M.Ed. from the University of Minnesota in Parent and Family Education. She is a Licensed Parent Educator.

S. Michael Briggs

Bio
Michael Briggs believes that impactful education is the foundation and driver of a strong society; and as such, every child is entitled to an educational experience that brings out the best in them. Michael volunteers his time tutoring math and occasionally working as the Thanksgiving Day cameraman at Sharing and Caring Hands, located in Minneapolis. With a background in economics and mathematics, he has pursued a career in corporate finance within the healthcare industry, working to make the healthcare system work better for everyone.

Alex Christianson

Bio

K.C. Danzansky

Bio
K.C. first became involved with Edina Give and Go when her children entered the world of travel sports and she was struck with the fact that many families could not afford to participate. She loves that Edina Give and Go helps level the playing field for all children in our community. Originally from Washington, D.C., K.C. graduated from Dartmouth College with a B.A. in English, and has worked at General Mills for over 20 years. She and her husband Scott are parents to two boys, Drew and Benji, who are proud students in the Edina Public School system.

Alison Ford

Chris Holden

Bio
Chris Holden is the Principal at Normandale Elementary French Immersion School in Edina. Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Macalester College in St. Paul and a Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction from the University of Minnesota. Prior to serving as the Principal at Normandale, Chris was principal at Cornelia Elementary in Edina, and at Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion School and The Technology and Language Campus in Robbinsdale, MN. His teaching experience includes teaching grades one, four and five at Normandale as well as working with the Extended French program as Dean of Students at Valley View Middle School. Chris has extensive global educational experiences as well, having studied and worked in France for several years and taught at the American School of Asuncion in Paraguay. Chris and his wife Kelly have three teenagers at St. Louis Park High School.

Isa Li

Bio
Isa loves connecting with people, with her favorite topics ranging from favorite ice cream flavor to action steps that promote the well-being of underserved Edina students. She believes the key to effective change is connection, particularly in bridging gaps between students and administrators. Isa is most passionate about bringing about change in policy within the district in terms of creating safe-spaces for students regardless of race, religion, or orientation. Outside of Edina Give and Go, Isa serves as President of Edina High School Student Senate as well as Managing Editor for EHS Zephyrus. Her favorite ice cream flavor is chocolate cherry.

Jennifer Samuel

Bio
Jennifer Samuel strongly believes every child deserves a good education. Previously she volunteered as a hockey coach and ESL tutor in North Minneapolis, and was the social media lead for the Beat the Odds gala. Now serves on the Morningside Neighborhood Association Steering Committee and is a host family for Edina A Better Chance. As a writer, she frequently contributes to national publications and is the author of 52 Fights.

Nassim Rossi

Streamline & Simplify Chair

Bio
Inspired by the opportunity to help enrich the educational experience of students in her community, Nassim Rossi jumped at the invitation to join the board of Edina Give & Go. She has served as the Treasurer of the Highlands PTO and coordinator of the school's Family Service Fair and Imagination Fair & Science Expo. Passionate about helping to foster a kinder more connected world, Nassim is an active volunteer in the Refugee Services program at the International Institute of Minnesota and until recently worked at Doing Good Together, a nonprofit organization empowering families to raise caring, compassionate children. Equally passionate about civic engagement, Nassim serves on the board of the League of Women Voters Edina and coordinates an internship program she created enabling high school students to experience their state government in action. Nassim has an M.S. in Neuroscience from UCLA and a Ph.D. in Art History from Columbia University. She enjoys listening to audiobooks, side-hustling on Etsy and spending time with her three daughters.

Kelley Siemon

Bio
Kelley grew up in Edina where she was helped by friends in the community when facing financial barriers to participation. She is thrilled to join Edina Give and Go to support their mission to do the same for kids growing up here today. Kelley works for the University of St. Thomas School of Law and lives in Edina with her two elementary-aged sons and her husband, Jeff.

Jessica Scherer

Development Chair

Bio

Peter Zambrano

Bio
Peter has been engaged in volunteer work both in Edina and the Greater Twin Cities area through various organizations such as Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Our Saviors Housing, MPLS English Learning Center and youth sports programs in both Minneapolis and Edina. He strongly believes in the mission of Edina Give and Go and is passionate about removing barriers to youth engagement. Peter has a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Wyoming, an MBA from the Carlson School of Management as well as Executive Education from the Harvard School of Public Health. He is currently a Managing Director at WebMD Health Services and is enrolled at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health Masters program. Peter and his wife Carol have two kids and live in Edina.

Advisory Board

Meg Rodriguez

Founder

Bio
Meg’s passion for education initiatives and community development has led her to hold several positions at various school and community organizations. Meg currently serves on the College Possible Twin Cities Board while also having previously served as Co-Chair of the Board of the Edina Education Fund. Prior to her work as a Community Volunteer, Meg worked at IBM Corporation as a Marketing Representative and Coordinator of Multi-Media Sales. Originally from Westfield, New Jersey, Meg earned a B.A in Economics and Business from Lafayette College where she still serves as an Alumni Admissions Representative. Meg and her husband, Tony, have four children and live in Edina, MN.

Jane Oberrender

Bio
Jane is active community volunteer who currently volunteers as a mentor in the EHS Access Program and loves working with students on post-secondary planning. Prior to Edina Give and Go, Jane served as an advisor and consultant to a variety of not-for-profit organizations, advising these organization on their strategic vision and mission, organization design and fundraising strategies. Jane is interested in assisting organizations whose missions focus on serving under-resourced youth and families in the community. In addition to her work with Give and Go, Jane currently co-chairs the Middlebury College Parents Committee and is a participant in the President’s Leadership Summit. Jane graduated from Georgetown University and remains active with Georgetown as an alumni interviewer. She and her husband have three grown sons and reside in Edina.

Kathleen MacLennan

Bio
Kathleen’s motivation for volunteering at Edina Give and Go is based on many years of involvement with the STRIVE and Access programs at Edina High School. She observed a significant population of student son the sidelines, unable to participate in the academics, arts and athletic enriching experiences. She also serves as a board member or trustee for Trinity College; Hartford, Connecticut, College Possible Twin Cities,; Twin Cities Rise and Minneapolis Foundation, Donor Advised Fund Advisory Committee. Kathleen has been honored by the Edina Community Foundation and Connecting with Kids with a Community Leadership Award for her volunteer work with Edina Youth. She obtained her B.A. from Amherst College and her J.D. from Loyola University of Chicago School ofLLaw.

Julie Baker

Ann Schulze

Bio
Ann Schulze is an active volunteer in the community and is honored to be a part of Edina Give and Go. She has been active in the STRIVE (Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education) and Access programs at Edina High School over the last four years and was a founder and former Board Chair of the Jabbok Foundation in Minneapolis.  In February 2013, Ann was recognized by the Edina Community Foundation and Connecting with Kids as a recipient of a Community Leadership Award for her volunteer work with Edina youth. She also served as a member of the District Equity Advisory Committee. Ann has 3 daughters who graduated from Edina High School.  Ann is hoping to bring equitable experiences to all Edina School students. She currently lives in Edina with her husband, Mark.

Financials

Edina Give and Go is a 501(c)(3) organization. Our work to bring life and learning opportunities to Edina Public Schools students who are economically disadvantaged would be impossible without the commitment and generous support of donors. All gifts are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. We are committed to stewarding these funds to make the greatest impact possible in our community. Our Employer Identification Number (EIN) is 47-5031672.

Edina Give and Go Financial Reports

990EZ Fiscal Year July 2017-June 2018 Public Disclosure

990EZ Fiscal Year July 2016-June 2017 Public Disclosure

Edina Give and Go 990EZ 6 30 16 Public Disclosure SIGNED