Minnesota

Monica L. Herrera, Program Director
Monica is currently the Program Director for the Horizons Program at University of Minnesota Extension. She has over 20 years experience working with nonprofit and government organizations in policy development, planning, administration, finance, and organization development, with special emphasis on issues that impact women’s and children’s lives. This work has included program management, training and consulting services on strategic planning, governance, teambuilding, conflict resolution, community building, collaboration, and cultural competence. Monica has a Bachelor’s Degree in family life studies, a Master’s Degree in public administration, and has completed training programs in both individual and multi-party mediation.

Jessica Peterson - Community Coordinator, Southern Minnesota
Jessica is the community coordinator for southern Minnesota. She is based out of her home in Northfield. Jessica settled in Northfield after graduating from Carleton College with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She then started her own arts supply store that eventually transitioned into a gallery and framing business. She became involved in local politics and was elected county commissioner for Rice County (becoming the youngest person ever elected to a county commissioner seat in Minnesota). Jessica has been recognized as a Woman of Distinction by the Cannon Valley Girl Scout Council and recently completed the Humphrey Institute Policy Fellow’s program.

Jessica works with Olivia, Mountain Lake, Saint James, Elmore, Ellendale, and Hokah.

Lori Rothstein - Community Coordinator, Northern Minnesota
Lori is the community coordinator for northern Minnesota. She is based out of Staples. Before coming to Extension, Lori was engage in extensive international work, most recently in Kenya where she conducted Micro-Enterprise and Women’s Empowerment trainings. Prior to that she was in Marcala, Honduras working with Cooperativa Mujeres de la Sierra going business development assessments, planning, and training. She has also worked as a youth educator in Copán, Honduras; drug and alcohol prevention specialist in Juneau, Alaska; and Peace Corps volunteer in Hoachanas, Namibia. Lori has a MA in Sustainable Development and a BA in Ethnic Studies. Lori was named one of the Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans in 2007 by the Minnesota Jaycees. She volunteers extensively with the Stomping Grounds Coffee House in Staples as a board member of this community founded, youth focused organization.

Lori is working with Fertile, New York Mills, Chisholm, Eveleth, and Floodwood. She will also support a number of the communities Sitting Bull is working with in the White Earth and Leech Lake reservations.

Arnell Sandstrom, Executive Office and Administrative Specialist
She provides administrative assistance to the Horizons principal investigator and program director. Arnell brings fifteen years of University of Minnesota service to her position, including accounting work int he Department of International Agriculture and Parking and Transportation Services. In addition, she has provided administrative assistance to the Executive Director of the Alumni Association Foundation for the Program in Healthcare Administration. Arnell has an Associates Degree in Speech Communications as well as additional course work in Art History. She serves as a volunteer to support work for the relief of poverty in rural India through education with the SRIVERM project.

Sara Radjenovic, Blogging Technician
Sara is the blogging technician for the Horizons program. She also works as a development officer for the Headwaters Foundation for Justice. Sara received a Masters in Public Policy from the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, a Masters in womens studies from Rutgers University, and a Bachelors degree in foreign affairs from the University of Virginia. She currently serves on the board of Pro-Choice Minnesota and volunteers with a number of other organizations.