Staff

As Executive Director of StoryArk, Meghan Bridges leads with the belief that every young person’s story matters. She is passionate about co-creating opportunities for youth to discover the power of their voices and the impact their stories can have on both themselves and others. By centering empathy, creativity, and community, Meghan strives to make StoryArk a place where youth feel inspired to lead and belong.

Laichia Vang (they/she) is the Program Director of Youth Empowerment at StoryArk. They are a Senior at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, and studies Political Science, Sociology, and Racial Justice in Urban Schooling. They were a previous YEB member from Fall 2019–Spring 2020, and transitioned into their role as a Facilitation Team member from Fall 2020–Spring 2022. She is passionate about youth leadership and activism, education justice, critical pedagogy, and community engagement. They enjoy painting, attending community events, and exploring their drag artistry. 

Amanda Hayden is the Youth Program Specialist at StoryArk. Amanda brings years of experience in the field of theatre education. She has worked as a theatre teacher in Minneapolis Public Schools and has a passion for creating and devising original works with students. She has directed and designed several plays and musicals and her favorite was “A Chorus Line.” She attended the College of Saint Benedict and completed her Bachelor’s in Theatre and Peace Studies to better understand how the creative process can bring communities together to ignite change. She is currently earning her Master’s Degree in Teaching at Hamline University. When she is not working she loves spending time with her husband, son Theodore and corgi named Mabel.

Jenna Yaron is the Director of Content Management and Web Design, bringing over a decade of experience in sound recording and engineering. From the inception of StoryArk, she has played a pivotal role in podcasting, vocal coaching, audio recording, and editing. Additionally, Jenna is represented as a voiceover artist by Moore Creative Talent Agency in Minneapolis.