Board of Directors

Novak is founder of Anchor and Ascent LLC, consulting mission-driven organizations with a focus on strategy, alignment, and impactful real estate initiatives. Previously she served as senior VP for strategic integration at YMCA of the North.  

Barajas is executive director of community development at Met Council, where she has worked for over 17 years. She has also served as adjunct faculty instructor for urban and regional planning grad students at Humphrey School of Public Affairs. 

Tyra-Lukens is the former mayor of Eden Prairie, a role she served in 2002–2006 and 2011–2018, after serving on the city council 1994–2001. She also served many years on the SouthWest Transit Commission and Surburban Transit Association. 

Donaldson is senior vice president of program services and mission advancement at Volunteers of America – Minnesota and Wisconsin. Prior to that, she served as director of advancement at Pillsbury United Communities in Minneapolis. 

Garry serves as senior attorney at The Nature Conservancy. Previously he was an attorney at Best & Flanagan, working in the areas of real estate, civil litigation, and environmental law, and also served as a researcher at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.  

Loyd serves as economic development director of the City of Saint Paul, leading community lending and other programs to advance prosperity of residents. He served previously as community economic development director at Pillsbury United Communities. 

Wonosikou is Dean of Student Success at Saint Paul College where she develops and implements culturally affirming, student-centered services. Prior, she provided planning and fundraising consulting through Numan School Project and managed programs at Northside Achievement Zone.