Meet Our Team
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Morgan Beryl
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
With a background in community development, Morgan has worked in communities across the country to improve quality of life. She fosters collaborative partnerships and uplifts those around her to strengthen organizations and the people they serve. Morgan is focused on enhancing YWCA Duluth's organizational foundation by supporting the board of directors, engaging with our community of supporters, and providing transparent fiscal management.
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Beth Burt
STRATEGIC ADVISOR
Beth is a long time women’s advocate and feminist activist with over 30 years in nonprofit work. She is currently strategizing with her colleagues to create a powerful organization that lifts up the voices of women in Duluth and takes on issues important to them. Beth works on public policy education and advocacy, leadership development and creating meaningful programs and initiatives that empower women and girls and eliminate racism.
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Lindsey Jacobson
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR
Lindsey was a Twin Ports resident during her college years and is not quite ready to give up her connections to this community! With the mind of an entrepreneur and the heart of a social activist, she is a self-taught creative interested in developing and sustaining nonprofit communication and development strategies as well as crafting engaging visual and written content. When she is not in front of her computer, you can find her either in the Colorado mountains with her two kids or at a live concert dancing with her friends.
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Rumbidzai Masawi
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Rumbidzai Masawi is a sustainability and climate equity leader with more than 15 years of cross-sector experience spanning government, nonprofit, and international development. Her work sits at the intersection of environmental policy, community health, and social justice; advancing equity, resilience, and wellbeing for women, families, and historically excluded communities. She joins YWCA Duluth as Program Director, where she will guide emerging initiatives that strengthen leadership pathways, bolster support for diverse families and working communities, and deepen the organization’s partnership development, community assessment efforts, and social enterprise strategy.
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Mariah McKechnie
BOARD PRESIDENT
Mariah is a creative entrepreneur and business owner with a passion for women's rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, and the fight against inequality and racism - aligning perfectly with the mission and values of the YWCA! Mariah spends her days overseeing multiple businesses within the wedding and event industry and is always looking for the next opportunity to expand her reach as an entrepreneur. At home, Mariah is married to her best friend and smartest person she knows, Nick, and the mother to identical twins Lily & Josie (16). She is obsessed with her doggos - Cheech & Whiskey Business and if she is not working or traveling, she can likely be found at home, in the sunroom, snuggling with the pups and watching reality television.
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Heather N. Wilde
BOARD VICE PRESIDENT
Heather N. Wilde is an indie publisher, writer, speaker, artist, and trauma survivor who transitioned from teaching to becoming a catalyst for healing. She has authored three books, including her memoir Tumbled: A Memoir or Perseverance, Personal Growth & Magical Transformation. She also illustrated Precious Child, a timeless children’s book. After leaving the public school classroom, Heather founded Hezzie Mae, her indie publishing company, embodying her belief that everyone can lead a beautiful life. Her work, art, and business reflect this philosophy, prioritizing genuine connection. Heather’s authenticity shines through her tattoos, compassionate nature, and commitment to personal growth. Through Hezzie Mae, she creates a space for others to learn, heal, and transform life’s challenges into powerful stories.
Her heart belongs to her three daughters, one granddaughter, the smell of a new book, and freshly brewed coffee.
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Haley Hedstrom
BOARD SECRETARY
Haley is a passionate advocate for building stronger, more inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. With a background in nonprofit leadership, she brings experience in policy & advocacy, fostering meaningful relationships, and driving impactful change. Committed to accessibility and inclusion, Haley works to ensure that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of participation, whether in organizations, programs, or everyday experiences. As the Executive Director of the Lake Superior Zoo, she blends a love for nature and community engagement, always looking for ways to create connections between people, nature, and opportunity. Haley is dedicated to advancing equity, empowerment, and a sense of belonging for all.
Outside of work, Haley enjoys spending time with her son, Maxton, and cat, Shiva, as well as reading, writing, and exploring the North Shore.
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Jackie Webb
BOARD TREASURER
Jackie Webb is the Director of Business Banking Operations at North Shore Bank of Commerce, where she oversees key aspects of commercial lending operations and business deposit services. With a career rooted in business banking, Jackie brings a wealth of knowledge, strategic insight, and a collaborative spirit to her work. She is passionate about fostering inclusive environments and believes in the importance of ensuring everyone has a seat at the table. Jackie joined the board to empower women and contribute to building a stronger, more connected community. She is excited to be part of an organization that aligns with her values and creates space for women to lead, thrive, and support one another. Outside of work, you can find Jackie reading a good book, spending time with her husband, Steven, and cat, Maci, or exploring the beauty of the North Shore.
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Liza Williamson
BOARD MEMBER
Liza, a passionate birth doula with Doulas of Duluth, has immersed herself in the world of maternal support for the past three years. Her journey into doula work began after the birth of her son, when she became acutely aware of the needs and challenges faced by expecting mothers in her community. This experience ignited a desire to empower others during one of the most transformative times in their lives.
Over the last year, she has extended her impact by mentoring young mothers through young moms program providing guidance, education, and encouragement as they navigate the challenges of motherhood. Liza’s nurturing approach not only benefits the mothers she supports but also fosters a sense of community and resilience among young families.
In her spare time, Liza is dedicated to expanding her knowledge in complementary therapies, particularly in herbal medicine. This pursuit of learning reflects her holistic approach to maternal care, as she seeks to provide well-rounded support to her clients. Additionally, Liza treasures the playful moments she shares with her son, often embarking on whimsical alphabet hunts that turn everyday outings into educational adventures. This balance of professional dedication and personal joy highlights Liza’s commitment not just to her work as a doula, but also to her role as a mother, blending her passions seamlessly to create a fulfilling life for both herself and her family.
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Emily Kuenstler
BOARD MEMBER
Emily joined the YWCA board driven by her dedication to empowering women and fostering a thriving, inclusive community. As Director of Community Health at Essentia Health, with a background in public health and healthcare administration, she brings experience in community outreach, collaboration, community based programming and advancing health equity. Emily is also a proud mother to a two-year-old daughter and is excited to be part of building a community that uplifts young women and mothers. Outside of work, she enjoys getting lost in a good book or exploring the woods with her dog.
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Laura Greensmith
BOARD MEMBER
Laura has worked as a public health nurse in the Duluth community for the past 15 years. Much of that time was spent supporting families during pregnancy, postpartum and the transition to parenthood. The experiences of journeying alongside families during this incredible yet challenging time ignited Laura’s passion for supporting women & children and working towards equity for all. Outside of work Laura enjoys trail running, folk dancing, reading and camping with her husband and two children.
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Carla Hamilton
BOARD MEMBER
Carla currently lives in her hometown of Wrenshall, MN but lived for 18 years in Stuttgart, Germany, where she studied art from the lens of a young African American woman who’d grown up in rural MN. Her art has predominantly taken the form of gallery installations, mixing photography, video projection, 3D and 2D visual art to construct environments that bring to light the nuances of systemic oppression, white supremacy and other pressing realities for BIPOC of our time. It has served as a contextual backdrop for social justice gatherings, such as local All Black Zine release events and the multimedia Goody Night storytelling experiences, and has on occasion been the target of racist attacks. Her advocacy for important social issues, such as mental health and identity, drives her creative goals and motivations.
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Emma Grover
BOARD MEMBER
Emma Grover comes to us as a local Northlander who is passionate about women’s rights, creating safe spaces for women to speak up, and sharing stories. Emma has experience in leading groups of young women as well as sharing tools to teach and empower those around her. Emma is also extremely passionate about eliminating racism and the fight against inequality. Emma works in the insurance industry and cares deeply about those with whom she serves. She enjoys spending a lot of time with her family and her two pups, Chester and Honey, traveling and experiencing new places, and participating in and watching sports. She also loves to be on a Minnesota lake in the summertime and a good BBQ.
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Aparna Katre
BOARD MEMBER
Aparna has been a member of the Duluth community since 2013. She is a professor at UMD and is passionate about building ecosystems between the University and the community by integrating her teaching, research, and service. A living example is her work in food access in Duluth. Aparna comes with international business and social entrepreneurship experience. Aparna finds herself lucky to live amid Duluth's pristine beauty.