We are delighted to introduce our new Lived Experience Leaders cohort!

Lived Experience Leaders is Engage Winona's cohort community leadership program. It provides training and support for folks with lived experience who are interested in civic leadership and community change work.

Participants selected for this year's cohort are as follows (pictured left to right, starting top left): 

Theresa Sadler, Courtney, Taliesin Nyala, Jen Hemmelman, Lisa Zarling, Sara Copeland, Elizabeth McDaniel. 

Not pictured: Anthony Alwan, Jacob Millen, Jason Rongstad, Keith Curtis, Vikkeda Johnson.

This group of 12 remarkable individuals brings a wealth of diverse backgrounds, stories, and perspectives to the LEL program, all united by their passion for making a positive impact in Winona. Each participant draws on their own lived experiences to create a community initiative, support existing efforts, and/or find a leadership role that fits their expertise. Focus areas for this year's participants include mental health support, youth programs, building stronger communities of color, and ensuring that every Winona resident is nourished and cared for. 

Lived Experience Leaders participate in workshops, mentorship, and other activities to build their skills during the 9-month program. This program is sponsored by WNB Financial, and supported by grants from United Way of Olmsted County, Target, Walmart, and operating support from the McKnight Foundation.