Donate to the 2024-2025 Giving Project

Since 2015, our Giving Project program has trained 8 cohorts of community grantmakers, funded 97 Minnesota-based organizations, and moved nearly $1.7 million dollars to movements leading the way to collective liberation.

This year, Headwaters' 2024-2025 Giving Project Cohort, a cross-class, multi-racial, multi-generational cohort of community volunteers, has committed to fundraise $200,000 to support BIPOC-led organizations advancing gender justice in Minnesota. Over the course of six months, this group will develop a shared understanding of race, class, and power, make a personally meaningful monetary gift, fundraise their network through donor organizing, and practice collective grantmaking to meet this goal.

Join us in supporting their bold work advancing equity and justice!

Ahmed Makaraan

Ahmed Makaraan

Ahmed Makaraan leads the Ethnic Self-Help Alliance for Refugee Assistance (ESHARA), an organization dedicated to empowering New Americans and the BIPOC community in Minnesota and North Dakota. ESHARA is a pivotal community-based nonprofit that bridges gaps and fosters integration within these vibrant communities. With an extensive background in public health, community engagement, workforce, state and local government work, policy, and community advocacy, Ahmed has previously worked for the Minnesota House of Representatives, Clay County Public Health Department, and the North Dakota Department of Health.

Ahmed holds a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management and International Business with a minor in Community Development from North Dakota State University (2021) and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Metropolitan State University (2023). His skill set spans community engagement, analytical and strategic thinking, partnership building, and collaboration, underscoring his comprehensive experience in both nonprofit and public sectors.

A committed community advocate, coalition leader, and lifelong learner, Ahmed is deeply invested in educational initiatives as foundational tools for social change. He champions storytelling, education, negotiation, mediation, and continuous learning as methods to resolve community misunderstandings and foster peace. Ahmed's leadership at ESHARA embodies his dedication to creating meaningful change and nurturing resilient, inclusive communities.

Ahmed Markaraan
Andi Snow

Andi Snow

Andi Snow is a mother, artist, and dedicated activist based in Minneapolis. As the Executive Director of SWOP Minneapolis (Sex Workers Outreach Project), she is on the forefront of efforts to decriminalize sex work and unionize strippers, striving to create a city that is not only safer, sexier and more abundant for everyone.

With a strong commitment to social justice, Andi is deeply involved in the abolitionist coalition and actively participates in queer liberation initiatives. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Gender, Women’s, and Sexualities Studies from the University of Minnesota, equipping her with the knowledge and skills to be an effective advocate.

Before her role at SWOP, Andi spent two decades working in the Adult Entertainment Industry where she also redistributed funds to support crucial movements within the community. Her experiences have shaped her understanding of the complexities surrounding sex work and have fueled her advocacy.

In her personal time, Andi loves to dance, immerse herself in music, create art with her child, travel and read. With a blend of creativity and activism, Andi continues to make a positive impact in her community, championing the rights of those often overlooked and creating pathways for empowerment and change.

Andi Snow
Anna Lifson

Anna Lifson

Anna Lifson (she/her) was born and raised in Madison, WI; after exploring life in other locales, she is thrilled to have rooted herself in the Twin Cities, enjoying the beauty and abundance while also collaborating on work to address the very real disparities and harms present here. Anna is a proud alum of Macalester College, UMN’s School of Social Work, and many incredible community-based training programs. Anna has held a breadth of roles in education, health care, non-profits & small businesses, always with an eye towards gender justice, trauma healing, systemic transformation and relationships as a tool for social change.

Whether organizing teens, teaching college students, providing therapy or reviewing grant applications, Anna seeks to leverage her various privileges towards collective liberation and strives to gratefully receive all feedback and accountability. Anna is an introverted Virgo "elder millennial" and proud “stepmonster” and auntie, and is a fervent fan of books, song, mac n' cheese and most animals (especially dogs, seals, and sassy wild turkeys).

Anna Lifson
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Bridget O'Connor

Bridget has over a decade of committed engagement in a variety of gender justice spaces. They have direct experience working in domestic violence and sexual assault response and prevention, advocacy and direct service for LGBTQ older adults, and political organizing supporting paid family medical leave and abortion justice.

Bridget works as a clinical social worker, providing psychotherapy in the Twin Cities. Bridget feels immensely grateful and touched in the process of connecting with clients. During their career, they have been given the opportunity to recognize just how personal politics can be. They recognize that promoting our identity, values, and community as integral for all our wellbeing.

Bridget was born and raised in Chicago and has since lived in New Orleans, Denver, and now (and forever) Minneapolis. In their free time, you can find them on their bike, reading nonfiction, and listening to pop music

Bridget O'Connor
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Caspian Wirth-Petrik

Warm greeting. I am Caspian, I welcome she/her pronouns. My ancestors were in relationships with places now known as Czechia, Hungary, Germany, and Sweden. I grew up in White Bear Lake and currently live in Minneapolis Mni Sota Makoce. I am a craniosacral practitioner. I cherish being a daughter and a sister. I enjoy playing table top role playing games with friends, seeing puppet performances, creating gifts, embodied and curious listening, being whimsical, and skating with my partner. I am excited for the headwaters cohort because I am energized by what we can create when coming together.

Caspian Wirth-Petrik
Chetna Tandon

Chetna Tandon

Empowerment, healing, and wellness define Chetna’s journey, both personally and professionally. As the Director of People and Culture at Northwest Area Foundation (NAF), she is committed to nurturing the talent of the NAF’s team members while cultivating a values-driven, inclusive organizational culture. Chetna is an active leader in the philanthropic sector, advocating for inclusion and equity, and reimagining how philanthropies engage with their staff and communities.

Chetna’s rich cultural background greatly influences her work. Born in Minnesota's Twin Cities, she spent her formative years in India, and later lived as an expatriate in Singapore for over four years. With travels to more than 35 countries, her global experiences inspire her commitment to creating a culture rooted in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) within Northwest Area Foundation.

She holds a master’s degree in organizational development and change leadership, and a bachelor’s in finance and economics from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. Beyond her professional life, Chetna is a dedicated board member for Camp Fire Minnesota and a meditation guide. She enjoys vegetarian cooking and practices Ayurveda, reflecting her holistic approach to life.

Chetna Tandon
Claire Mathews Lingen

Claire Mathews-Lingen

Claire grew up in St.Paul Minnesota, and she now lives over the river in Minneapolis' Powderhorn neighborhood. Social change work became a staple in Claire's life early on through advocating for queer rights, environmental justice, and racial justice. She loves dancing, hiking, camping, and hanging out with friends. Claire went to Oregon for her undergraduate at Willamette University where she was elected student body president for her senior year and graduated ('21) cum laude with a double major in Spanish and Sociology. Claire moved back to Minnesota for a service year with LVC.

In 2022 she began working at Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en la Lucha (CTUL) as their Donor Organizer, where she has continued to fundraise and fight for workers rights. Claire is excited to delve into the important work of the Giving Project alongside other cohort members.

Claire Mathews-Lingen
Comfort Dondo

Comfort Dondo

Comfort Dondo is a dedicated advocate for equity and social justice, focusing on women’s empowerment and community development. With over ten years of experience, she has become a prominent Public Policy and Civic Change Leader, Social Worker, and Community Healer, dedicated to addressing inequities and promoting fair opportunities for all, regardless of race, sex, or gender identity. As the Founding Executive Director of Phumulani Minnesota – African Women Against Violence, Comfort leads efforts to support African immigrant victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, while also preserving cultural heritage.

Her work extends to several local, national, and international organizations, including serving on Minnesota's Governor’s Task Force on Ending Violence and consulting with agencies such as the UN and the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault. Comfort is also a Ph.D. candidate at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, pursuing studies in Psychology and Transformative Leadership. She is the author of "Facing the Giants," a self-help book for trauma survivors, and an accomplished public speaker on issues related to violence and social change. In addition to her advocacy, Comfort is a mother, real estate investor, and media personality, committed to fostering safer communities and empowering marginalized voices.

Comfort Dondo
Destiny Showers

Destiny Showers

Hello, my name is Destiny Showers (She/Her). a Chicago native with roots firmly planted in the vibrant heart of North Minneapolis. My career journey began with youth and family engagement, focusing on serving Black and Brown communities, and later expanded into working as an independent contractor esthetician.

I take great pride in building community through volunteering with BIPOC organizations, striving to make a meaningful impact where it’s needed most. This experience has allowed me to address a diverse range of needs within these communities.

Currently, my passion is centered on grassroots fundraising and advocating for marginalized communities. I am dedicated to being a compassionate leader and advocate within marginalized communities which is why I am so excited to join The Giving Project!

In my free time, you’ll find me immersed in nature, practicing yoga and wellness, enjoying R&B music, and sipping tea while diving into the writings of bell hooks.

Destiny Showers
Ellie Benson

Ellie Benson

Ellie Benson is a community-builder and proud South Minneapolis resident. As a former tenant organizer, Ellie supported renters in building powerful tenant associations across the Elliot Park neighborhood of Minneapolis—winning critical repairs and fighting back against discrimination and retaliation. She also organized for rent control and reimagined public safety in Minneapolis.

Ellie currently works as Operations Manager at Housing Justice Center. Ellie cares deeply about building institutions that are inclusive and safe for people to show up authentically and wholly. She received her BA from Macalester College and completed her Masters in Advocacy and Political Leadership (MAPL) at Metro State earlier this year. In her free time, Ellie loves to cook for her friends, watch trashy TV, and walk around Lake of the Isles. She is a doting aunt to three very spoiled cats.

Ellie Benson
Etan Newman

Etan Newman

Etan has always called Minnesota home. But it took the course of 15 years living elsewhere to grapple with the many histories and realities that had been largely invisible to him as a privileged, white, cisgender kid growing up here. Etan is still wrestling with what it means to return to this place and build community and a new conception of home.

He is excited for the opportunity to learn, be challenged, and grow through dialogue and relationships in the Giving Project, as we work together to resource the movements and organizations that fight for our collective liberation.

Etan works as an immigration attorney representing community members facing deportation. He loves camping, hiking, biking, and generally being outdoors. Most of his time and energy these days is spent fielding baseballs, jokes, and profound questions from his silly, brilliant kids, ages 5 and 2.

Etan Newman
Jacob Molho

Jacob Molho

Hi, I'm Jacob Molho! I am a relatively recent arrival to the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis, but I’m originally from Oak Park, IL by way of central Iowa. I love gardening out of my raised beds, playing ultimate frisbee and all things Lake Superior and prairie. I work in the City of Minneapolis making sure that vacant property owners are staying on top of their redevelopment plans, but I'm excited to meet a lot of really cool people and explore some new skills through Headwaters!

Jacob Molho
Tosha Cox

Latosha Cox

Latosha Cox (she, her, hers) is the mother of 2 daughters, a proud Millennial & St. Paul native from Ward 1. She graduated from Central High School & is a 1st generation college graduate who majored in English from Augsburg University. She brings a wealth of knowledge & lived experiences from working in various capacities & roles in finances (TCF Bank/ Huntington, Wells Fargo, Hiway/Blaze Credit Union), nonprofit (Northern Star Council, Boy Scouts of America & Public Allies Twin Cities), education (Anoka Hennepin School District) and philanthropy (McKnight Foundation).

Latosha is a strong advocate, vulnerable, unapologetically BOLD, FIERCE, Blackity, Black, Black woman leader who values transparency, integrity, authenticity, equitable & ethical practices. In 2021 she left her previous role in nonprofit to embrace a 18-month Black Girl Sabbatical healing & self-discovery journey of prioritizing her mental health & well-being & participated in experiences that brought her JOY! Her current title is “Curator of JOY” of Black Girl Sabbatical ™️ (BGS). Latosha is a keynote speaker, coach, consultant & trainer.

Latosha recharges, grounds & centers herself by going to therapy, attending retreats, traveling, walking, swimming in someone’s pool, reading, writing 2 books (one on life after divorce and the second on her sabbatical journey) & with her daughters at community events.

Latosha Cox
Lily Vue

Lily Vue

I grew up in East St. Paul, MN and live in South Minneapolis. I studied Psychology and minored in Business at St.Cloud State University. I work as a Customer Tech Manager for a company that focuses on Behavioral Economics and employee performance. A mindfulness life coach, a mentor for a global mentoring program for Hmong youth in various countries in SE Asia, and a DIY enthusiast. According to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), I’m an ENFJ, but also love quiet time.

Lily Vue
Maddie Hodapp

Madeline Hodapp

Madeline "Maddie" Hodapp (she/her) is a proud queer, Black/Multi-Racial mama of one who enjoys traveling, the arts, food, reading, the fall season, and taking her hot girl walks. Maddie has devoted her career to youth work to ensure enrichment programming is easily accessible to those she serves. As a North Minneapolis native, Maddie has been deeply influenced by her community’s dedication to inspiring and connecting young people with their passions, despite the challenges posed by negative stereotypes.

As the Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Upton Program, she is dedicated to empowering young parents on their path to financial stability and career readiness. Through her work, Maddie has confronted the challenges faced by community-driven initiatives in securing financial support.

As a member of this year’s Giving Project, she is committed to advocating for equitable access to funding. Maddie believes that communities have the solutions to their own challenges and deserve the opportunity to realize those solutions.

Madeline Hodapp
Matuor Alier

Matuor Alier

Matuor Alier is the Executive Director of the South Sudanese Foundation, a community-based nonprofit organization in the Fargo-Moorhead area. The foundation focuses on after-school programs, English Language Learning (ELL), and workforce development for New Americans. Previously, Matuor served as the Director of Equity and Inclusion with Moorhead Area Public Schools and as a Human Rights Commissioner in Fargo, ND.

Born in South Sudan and a former refugee from Ethiopia, he now lives in Fargo with his wife and children. Matuor is currently a doctoral candidate in the Educational Leadership program at Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM).

Matuor Alier
Molly Dubois

Molly Dubois

Molly’s core values are authentic connection, equity, accessibility, and accountability - all of which she sees as inseparable parts of each other. She holds an interdisciplinary BS from the University of Minnesota in Youth Studies, Political Science and Democracy, and Social Change. In her work, Molly prioritizes transitioning power within organizations and systems to better center BIPOC and low-income young people through youth lead problem solving, design thinking, and intergenerational relationship building/partnerships.

In her free time, Molly enjoys time outside with friends, eating and feeding others good food, crafting hyper-personalized gifts for loved ones, collecting rocks with her dog, roller skating and roller derby.

Molly Dubois
Nancy Vue Tran

Nancy Vue Tran

Nancy Vue Tran (she/her/nws) is mother to two and a first generation Hmong American feminist who comes to us with over 6 years as a public defender and 10 years in fundraising and philanthropy/development work. She has also run campaigns to win mental health services for Southeast Asian elders and worked with justice impacted folks facing final orders of removal. Her activism work is grounded in the belief that we must center the experiences of those most impacted.

She currently works as Development Director at the Southeast Asian Freedom Network, a network of organizations across the country that advocates for individuals facing deportation and seeks a more durable pathway to stabilize communities who are separated from their families due to the criminal/immigration systems.

Nancy Vue Tran
Nelle Rivers

Nelle Rivers

Nelle Rivers is a late-twenties, queer, Twin Cities transplant who has called Minnesota home for nearly six years. Originally from Florida, Nelle moved to the Midwest for its vibrant arts scene and diverse economic opportunities. With a decade of experience across technical support, the service industry, and nonprofit sectors, Nelle brings a broad skill set and working-class perspective to her work.

Dedicated to community building, Nelle is actively involved with Quatrefoil’s programming committee and enjoys volunteering with Our Justice. She currently works as a Housing Justice organizer with New Justice Project to empower low-income and no-income Black Minnesotans.

They are navigating life as a low-income Black person with undiagnosed ADHD which aids in a growing understanding of their black and queer identities. Their experiences highlight their resilience and commitment to personal, spiritual, and communal growth, focusing on building collective power for an equitable future for all.

In her downtime, Nelle enjoys Latin partner dancing, especially bachata, spending time with friends, and finds comfort in cheesy queer romance novels. Overall, they're just a silly goofy gyal who loves cats and is excited to learn how to mobilize resources for underfunded marginalized communities.

Nelle Rivers
Rosalva Hernandez

Rosalva Hernandez

I’m a queer indigenous chicana woman. A mother and sister to many. The daughter of Maria Socorro del Perfecto Castillo Gallegos Hernandez and the descendant of storytellers, healers, and farmers. I’m forever an imperfect sketch finding connections with others, seeking justice and liberation through our shared stories. I’ve called so many places home over the years but the two that hold my greatest memories are Uvalde, Texas and the Twin Cities, Minnesota. My journey to this moment is filled with joy, hardship, and humor and I enjoy sharing those stories with friends. I love connecting through food, visiting new spaces, and all the things which give life joy.

I co-direct ROOT (Reclaiming Our Own Time) with Sook Jin Ong.This work supports BIPOC leaders toward dreaming, reconnecting with self, visioning, and resting as a means to value our gifts and restorative cycles. We also aspire to strengthen and build the capacity of organizations and movements to hold that healing space.

Curiosity is central to my worldview and with that I lean into experimental learning and failing forward. I bring a lifetime of experience in the judicial, public school, higher education, health care, and human services fields. My love for this work is rooted in my family’s personal experience navigating systems. I have an associate of arts degree from Southwest Texas Junior College, a Bachelor of Arts from Metropolitan State University, a Human Services Leadership Certificate and Master of Public Affairs from the University of Minnesota. I've served on the Cultural and Ethnic Communities Leadership Council and am an alumni of the Latino LEAD ALP and Shannon Leadership Institute.

Rosalva Hernandez

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