Director of Operations Dena Anderson brings over 15 years of experience mentoring youth and 6 years as a lead teacher in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her dedication to empowering young people is rooted in her own journey—having spent 5 years in foster care before being adopted at age 8. These formative experiences have given her deep insight into the unique challenges faced by underserved and foster youth.
Dena credits the support and opportunities she received from caring adults as the inspiration behind her career in teaching and social services. She is passionate about helping youth and families unlock their potential, fostering resilience and growth in every interaction.
A devoted mother, Dena has raised two incredible teenage children on her own after the tragic loss of their father. Her unwavering commitment to family and community defines her work and fuels her mission to create lasting impact.