Board

As Director of Development with Great MN Schools, Karn is lucky to serve as a connector between generous investors and remarkable school and community leaders working to make the everyday school experiences of Minneapolis students more equitable. Previously, Karn supported and managed The Achievement Network's midwestern and western sites, as well as the launch of new networks. She led the Eastern Massachusetts ANet team as the Executive Director. Before joining ANet, Karn served as a national and New York regional leader of programs at Teach For America. She began her career as a fourth-grade teacher in Baton Rouge, LA, where she was awarded Teacher of the Year. Karn is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin—Madison and Harvard Kennedy School. When not working, she enjoys walks with friends, exploring the city and state parks with her family, and attempting to make plants and flowers grow.

Jane McDonald Black is the Executive Director for the JAB Foundation and EdAllies’ Board Treasurer. With 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience in education and social services, Black currently serves on the Board for the BARR Center (founding Board Member), St. Alphonsus Catholic School, and Dougherty Family College, also contributing to the Great Minnesota Schools Advisory Council and Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission. Black is committed to fighting inequity within the state’s education system, recognizing Minnesota has the lowest math and reading scores in the nation for students of color.

Ginya is currently an Investigator for the Minnesota Department of Education where she investigates allegations of maltreatment against students by school staff. She formerly worked for the Minnesota Department of Human Services and Department of Corrections. She has spent the last 16 years working for the State of Minnesota in different roles focusing on the interpretation and application of MN Statute. Ginya is a graduate of the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology. She is a union steward for the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees and is dedicated to social justice causes. She is a mother of three and is married to a teacher within the Minneapolis Public School District.

Flor is the president of Frey Foundation Minnesota, which funds creative nonprofits throughout the Minneapolis/St Paul metro area working to improve their communities and aligned with social justice principles. The Foundation focuses on affordable housing, health and human services, and equitable education. Flor has an MBA from Indiana University and has extensive experience in marketing and business development. She began her career as a development manager with the American Cancer Society and more recently was Marketing Manager for 3M's Scotch brand, with work in the health and wellness industry and at a tech startup along the way. Flor has been on the Frey Foundation Board since 2012 and also serves on the board of the Minnesota Council on Foundations, as well as being an active member in the Heading Home Minnesota Funders Collaborative.

Joshua currently works as principal at Red Wing High School and was previously an assistant principal for Brooklyn Center Community Schools. He began his career in education in 2003 as a physical education teacher in Oakland Unified School District, at Oakland Technical High School, where he moved into a teacher on special assignment role before becoming the assistant principal. Joshua was instrumental in the turnaround of the school. He moved to the Twin Cities after 2011 and has served in and around the metro area as a District Assessment Coordinator, instructional coach, Equity Teacher, assistant principal and principal. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from University of California-Berkeley; Principal Leadership Institute, and cleared his Minnesota administrative license through Hamline University.

Ann currently works as a special education teacher with KIPP Metro Atlanta. After starting her career as a primary Montessori teacher, she went on to teach in a variety of public, private, and charter schools in Minneapolis, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Abu Dhabi. Ann has also held a wide range of leadership roles in public education: She served as a Turnaround Program Specialist with Minneapolis Public Schools, Director of Student and Family Services and Interim School Director at KIPP WAYS Academy, School Leader at The Academy of North Minneapolis, and Head of School at Bright Water Montessori in North Minneapolis. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Clark Atlanta University and Master of Literacy Education from Hamline University and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership.

TaShonda is currently Case Manager for the POWER program at The Link MN. Following a diverse career in the financial and medical fields, she went on to serve as a Family Advocate with Minnesota Comeback—working to close Minnesota’s educational achievement gap. TaShonda has vast experience showing up for and advocating for youth—in her work, as a community member, and as a foster parent. She has worked extensively—navigating complex systems and removing barriers—so that children and families may have the best outcomes.