Speakers

David Engstrom started as the Superintendent of Robbinsdale Area Schools in 2021. He grew up in the town of Mountain Lake, southwest of the Twin Cities, and received his Master of Education degree from the University of Minnesota. He taught for many years in the Anoka-Hennepin School District. Beginning in 2001, Engstrom served in Colorado Springs School District 11 as a teacher, an assistant principal, principal, and most recently as Deputy Superintendent of Achievement, Learning, and Leadership.

Before his time in Colorado, Mr. Engstrom taught business and marketing for seven years at Champlin Park High School in the Anoka-Hennepin School District. Prior to beginning a career in education, he worked in marketing and ran a small business. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Broadcast Communications from John Brown University in Arkansas; a Master's Degree in Marketing Education from the University of Minnesota; Career and Technical Education leadership from Colorado State University; and Superintendent and Principal credentials from University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.

Christina Heineken Woodlee, Senior Director of Strategy & Partnerships

Christina joined The Bridge as Program Director in January 2018; became the Associate Director in summer 2018 providing leadership to the program and development departments and in May 2020 was promoted to Senior Director of Strategy & Partnerships. Prior to The Bridge she spent nearly a decade with The United Way developing nationally recognized donor affinity groups, including Women United, Emerging Leaders, and Arise Project. She began her career at Discovery Creek Children’s Museum in Washington, D.C., as the Special Events and Board Relations Manager, in this capacity focusing on philanthropy advocacy and legislation. Christina graduated with honors from the University of New Mexico with a Master Degree in Public Administration, as well as an undergraduate degree in Sociology and Family Studies.

Jack Elsnes joined CEAP as a Community Engagement Manager in August, 2020. He is originally from Brooklyn Park and is a member of the Brooklyn Park Rotary.

Nine-year-old Alexandra “Allie” Wilcox, from Golden Valley, is currently basking in “golden girl” status! The third-grader at Breck is the daughter of Elizabeth and Bill Wilcox. She was crowned winner of the age 7-9 division of the National American Miss (NAM) Minnesota Jr. Pre-teen 2021 pageant held on August 6-8, 2021. In November, 2021, she competed for the National title in Orlando, Fla. She placed 2nd runner-up and won a few NAM awards, including the inaugural iam Brand Ambassador Award and the NAM Alumni Essay Contest.

Allie is an accomplished chess player, figure skater, Latin dancer, and an avid reader as well. Fluent in English and Chinese, she’s also studying Spanish at school. She hopes to create more awareness of cultural diversity through her pageant participation. Allie’s grandfather was Rotarian.

Read the Sun Post story about Allie from October, 2021 here.

Brenna is a registered and licensed dietitian, with a Master’s Degree in Applied Nutrition. After completing her Dietetic Internship at West Virginia University Hospital, she worked for Phoebe Sumter Memorial Hospital in Americas, Georgia. After moving back to Minnesota in 2012, she went on to work at two health and wellness clinics before joining the Stepping Stone Clinic team in 2018. She is passionate about teaching people how foods interact with their body and helping patients learn how what they eat affects how they feel. She has experience working with people who struggle with autoimmune disease, digestive disorders, cardio-metabolic disease, infertility and women's hormones, food sensitivities, chronic pain, binge eating, and just about anything in between.

Ryan Larson is president and CFO of Golden Valley Supply, a building materials supplier located in Golden Valley. Larson has experience in global asset management and equity trading, with an MBA from DePaul University. He was recently elected to the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota Board of Directors. Ryan will serve on the board through June 30, 2022.