Get Informed/Current Staff

STLF National Core

STLF is supported through the dedication of eight full-time Staff Members. See below to learn more about each staff member.

Click here for contact information for the following people.

IRENE FERNANDO, Co-Executive Director & Co-Founder

Director of Marketing & Human Resources

Irene is Californian at heart, originally from Carson, CA (Los Angeles Area). She graduated May 2007 with a BS Business degree in Marketing from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Education at the University of Minnesota, in the Youth Development Leadership program. Irene also serves on the Board of Directors at the Charities Review Council. She is also actively involved as a sorority alumna of Alpha Gamma Delta.

NICK LINDBERG - Co-Founder

Manager of Finance and Operations

After growing up in North Branch, MN, Nick attended the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. He is a May 2007 graduate of the Carlson School, and has a BS Business degree with an emphasis on Finance and Accounting. Following his graduation, Nick spent a year and a half working for Ameriprise Financial, all the while volunteering one day per week for STLF. The organization is lucky to have him back in the office full-time since the beginning of the new year. During his spare time, you will most likely find Nick working on his car, racing, or giving yeah buddies!

BRIAN PETERSON, Co-Executive Director & Co-Founder

Director of Operations & Finance

Brian was born and raised in Crookston, MN. He graduated May 2007 with a BS Business degree from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, with an emphasis in Finance and Nonprofit Management. In addition to STLF, Brian enjoys traveling, running, and being outdoors. He currently serves on the Volunteer Committee of the Twin Cities Marathon.

TANYA SCHMITT

Program Core

Growing up between fields of baseball and corn in St. Martin, Minnesota, Tanya came to Minneapolis to attend the University of Minnesota. After 3.5 quick years including a short stint in Sydney, Australia, she graduated with a BSB in Human Resources and Nonprofit Management from the Carlson School in December 2009 and joined the staff shortly after. In her free time, Tanya volunteers with various youth serving organizations in the area, enjoys coffee with friends, and spends time outside golfing or watching baseball.

JOSH REIMNITZ - Co-Executive Director

Director of Development

Josh was Bismarck born, Bismarck bred, and when he's gone he'll be Bismarck dead. After graduating from North Dakota State University in 2008, Josh moved to Atlanta, GA (where the players play) and taught fourth grade through the Teach For America program. He wrapped up two successful years in the classroom, leading his students to over a 1.5 years of academic growth in a single school year. He enjoys playing basketball, frisbee golf, reading, and reigns as the lankiest member of the STLF team.

DANNY WALTER

Program Core

On a warm July afternoon, Danny was introduced to the world in Dayton, OH. 19 years later, his love of airplanes soared him to the University of North Dakota where he studied Air Traffic Control and Communication. While there, a friend introduced him to STLF and he's been hooked ever since. After graduating in 2009 and a short stint back in Ohio, Danny joined the staff of STLF on the Program Core and looks forward to helping start new chapters and expanding the Summer Leadership Camp program. On September 5, 2010, Danny married his best friend, Anastasia, after 5 years of dating. Anastasia loves STLF too.

CAITLIN PLAZA

Program Core

Born and raised in Illinois, Caitlin grew up in the wonderful town of Lake in the Hills. Graduating from Illinois State University, Caitlin received her BA in Political Science while minoring in Sociology and Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. Caitlin fell in love with STLF her freshman year after going on her first tour. Along with STLF she was greatly involved with Invisible Children at ISU and danced with Absolute Deviation Dance Troupe. She will watch any sport (especially Chicago teams!) and you can always get her to grab some coffee with you.