Board of Directors

Chair | Dr. Yolanda Majors
Hurston Institute for Learning & Development
Dr. Yolanda J. Majors (she/her)  is the Founder and Director of The Hurston Institute for Learning & Development, MN. and an Associate Professor at the University of Illinois in Learning Sciences. She has been an Assistant Professor of Education at The University of Georgia, Athens, Associate Professor of Education with the University of Illinois, Chicago, and Visiting Associate Professor of Education with the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, with her most recent academic role as Associate Director of the Minnesota Center for Reading Research. She has 23 years of experience focusing on learning within and across K-12 and non-school-based learning experiences. Dr. Majors has led the design, implementation, and evaluation of various institutional learning programs to understand how individuals and organizations transform through social, institutional, and cultural engagements. Dr. Majors is a member of the Academics Committee.

Vice-Chair | Madaline Edison
Self-employed
Madaline Edison (she/her) is a Minneapolis resident, educator, organizer, and parent. In her professional career, she has previously worked as a kindergarten and first-grade teacher, a founding executive director, and chief of staff for a national education nonprofit organization. Now a self-employed consultant, she supports organizations on people engagement strategy and operations. She brings governance experience having served on two charter school boards in the past and is excited to join the Hiawatha community. Ms. Edison is a member of the Academics Committee.

Treasurer | Robbie Soskin
Yum! Kitchen and Bakery
Robbie Soskin (he/him)is an entrepreneur and business leader. He has served as President of MOBE, LLC, President of Ovative/group, CEO and owner of Compass Marketing, and President of Weisman Enterprises.  Mr. Soskin was also formerly a trial lawyer and partner at Winthrop & Weinstine.  He now serves on the Advisory Board of US Bank, as a Director of Hospitality Minnesota, and as a Director of Intergenerational Living & Healthcare, Inc. Mr. Soskin received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Minnesota. He and his wife Patti have four children, Zach, Maddie, and Jorie, and his wife Stephanie, and two grandchildren, Riley and Parker. Mr. Soskin is board treasurer and a member of the Executive Committee, and chair of the Finance and Facilities Committee.

Secretary
(Secretary to be appointed at April Board of Directors Meeting)

Director | Dr. Alicia Muñoz
Macalester College
Dr. Alicia Muñoz (she/her)  is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at Macalester College. She is originally from East Los Angeles and is the daughter of Mexican immigrants. She is thrilled to have now taught two Hiawatha graduates at Macalester. Dr. Muñoz is the chair of the Family and Community Engagement Committee.

Director | Jose Gomez
Hiawatha Academies Parent
Originally from Mexico, Jose Gomez has been living in Minnesota for over 16 years. He has been with Hiawatha as a parent for 7 years.  As part of the Hiawatha Family Association, over the years he has had the pleasure of being part of different initiatives such as the envisioning of the then new high school building and culture, programs like Happy Saturdays, and Family Academy, among others. Mr. Gomez is currently part of the Family and Community Engagement Committee and represents the Family Association. His goal is to provide a voice for all Hiawatha families.

Director | Eric Hanson
Hiawatha Academies Parent
Eric Hanson (he/him) grew up in Richfield and lived on the East Side of St. Paul for over 10 years before moving to South Minneapolis in 2016. Mr. Hanson has two children who attend Hiawatha schools. He is excited to serve as a parent representative and learn more about how our schools operate to become a better advocate for students and families. Having worked in healthcare for over 20 years, his passion lies in mental, physical, and nutritional health as well as the personal safety of students. Mr. Hanson is a member of the Finance and Facilities Committee.

Director | Anna Thiede
Hiawatha Academies Teacher
Bio coming soon

Director | Charles Braman
Bio coming soon (community member)  

Director | Stephen Kent
Bio coming soon