Stephani Halleen Atkins is the founder and former Executive Director of StoryArk. In her professional life, Stephani serves as a freelance grant writer and is the President of SummerSnow Publications, a multimedia company that publishes and produces stories that entertain and ignite. As an artist, Stephani works on literary art projects that are realized on multiple formats (video, audio, web, print and other media). Prior to StoryArk, Stephani worked as a marketing director, substitute taught middle school English, and served as a director of student programming for both large and small non-profit educational programs. She graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. In both her personal life and in her professional life, she has seen the power of stories transform individuals, communities and systems as they build empathy and understanding of the human experience and is inspired daily by the students at StoryArk.

Emily Tamrat is a recent graduate from the University of Minnesota where she obtained a Bachelor of individualized studies with her area of studies being psychology, communication and journalism with a minor in media and information studies. She began her journey with StoryArk in 2019 as a student, creating narrative podcasts later transitioning to Pre Professional Mentor assisting youth in creating their stories and now is part of the Board of Directors. 

Leslee Menjivar is a student at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, currently pursuing a major in Elementary Education. She began her journey with StoryArk Programming as a student, contributing to the Original Carnation podcast, and transitioned into an emerging professional to support programming, and how now joined the Board of Directors. As an activist within the Latine community, Leslee brings a unique perspective to the board, having once been a student within the very program she now helps guide. She is deeply committed to empowering and encouraging both students and community members.

Cornelius Rish is considered a genuine, outgoing, caring, passionate, and creative educator, Cornelius is grounded in 26 years of experience in education as a Teacher, Theater Director, Athletics Coach, Consultant, Principal, and now Equity Specialist. Principal Rish earned his BA from Lawrence University, Appleton,WI and his Masters’ Degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University, Portland, Or. As an award-winning educator, Cornelius believes that student engagement drives learning. “A school that is ‘Alive’ thrives!” Cornelius believes that students should be “active” learners and the classroom should be a safe space where our students’ academic and social-emotional needs are met. Cornelius has received the Minnesota Peace Prize and other recognitions for his equity work in schools. In addition, Cornelius has been featured in both local and national publications and has presented to professional conferences throughout the country.