Handmaids of MN Leadership Team

Central to our mission is "Reclaiming RED."  While the political right often claims the color, we have redefined it as a symbol of resistance.  To us, RED stands for Reproductive Rights, Equal Protection, and Due Process for all.  Through this lens, we transform the iconic handmaid's cloak from a symbol of silence and into a uniform of power, proving that the most effective way to change the system is to show up, speak up, and never back down.  

Founder and CEO - Deb: A driving force within the Minnesota activist community, Deb serves as a cornerstone of the Handmaids of MN. Known for her "boots on the ground" leadership, she excels at bridging gaps between community members to build a unified front for justice. Having orchestrated civic actions at both the local and national levels, Deb leverages her organizational expertise to resist authoritarianism through strategic grassroots mobilization and inclusive coalition-building. Her deep investment in democratic foundations is reflected in her constant presence in local politics, where she ensures every neighbor’s voice carries weight.

Founder and CFO - Colette: Activist, historian, essayist, and teacher, licensed in Minnesota and England, Colette has worked in education for over a decade.  She has a Baccalaureate degree in History and a Master of Arts in Teaching.  She is a recipient of the Executive Women's International Scholarship, a Jack Kent Cooke and Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Scholar, and a current iCivics National Network Educator.  Colette's research experience includes depictions of societal gender norms in the Civilian Conservation Corps, conceptions of indigenous populations in Roman occupied Gaul and Britain, and in funding equitable access for nutritional school meals for K-12 students.

Founder and COO - Alex: A nurse, a novice writer, an activist, and the host of the Once in a Millennial podcast... Alex has spent almost a decade working with medically complex children through home care nursing. The mission was simple: to serve the community and be a supportive agent in cultivating quality of life for others. When the political climate faltered, the mission evolved and the fight of her life came to fruition. Through her voice and fierce advocacy, Alex reminds us that The Handmaid’s Tale is not just fiction; it’s a warning. 

New Membership Team -

Jen: A strong proponent of educational equity, Jen studied Elementary Education, with a Special Education minor and Literature Arts focus, at Augsburg College. She later continued her academic journey with graduate studies in Elementary Education at St. Mary's University. She also completed EBD/LD licensure at Augsburg, focusing on supporting students with emotional, behavioral, and learning differences.  Her educational background reflects her strong commitment to helping students succeed in creating supportive learning environments for all learners. 

Heather: Since joining the Handmaids of MN in July 2025, Heather has demonstrated her deep passion for human rights, women's rights, and making the world better for the next generation. She is grateful for every opportunity to stand with her fellow Handmaids and loves to introduce individuals to our movement.