Mary Helen Franze, Founder/Executive Director. As a social entrepreneur, Mary Helen is
committed to sustainability and holistic health. She comes to us with experience working in the nonprofit, corporate, and government sectors. She has both a Business Management degree from the University of Montana and Early Childhood/Youth Development degree from Pacific Oaks College in California. She has spent 25 years working and volunteering with youth and possesses ebullient passion for the YEA Corps mission. She has held management positions with Thomson Reuters and techies.com. As a consultant, she advised small organizations and nonprofits on business development/operations. She is an educator and was a Director of Aquatic Park Child Care Center in Berkeley, CA. She was a member of a Service Learning Steering committee at the MN Department of Education (2000-2005), and has lobbied in both the CA and MN legislatures advocating for youth.

Tammie Follett, J.D., MBA, Chair. Tammie has worked for Thomson Reuters for 20 years and currently a Senior Account Manager for MN Law Firms. She has a B.A. from Lawrence University, J.D. from Hamline University School of Law, and a M.B.A from the University of St. Thomas. For over 16 years, Tammie has served as a volunteer attorney for Chrysalis (now Tubman) and has been on the Board of Directors. She also serves on the Advisory Boards for Polish Your Star and The Eschowe Project (ECAG). In her spare time, she teaches Legal Research at Inver Hills Community College, is a Guardian ad Litem for Ramsey County, and enjoys international travel.

Emma Danskin, Strategic Communications. Emma is a marketing professional, specializing in website development, search engine marketing and sales material design and writing.  Her marketing background includes project management and over four years account management and sales.  She received her degree in Advertising and Journalism from Indiana University.

Zachary Robinson, Sustainability Lead. Zach brings project management and sustainable expertise to YEA. Zach is the co-owner and VP for Green Circuit, a local renewable energy company consulting on and installing commercial Photovoltaic Solar projects throughout the Midwest. With Green Circuit he performs business development, finance and project management functions. He introduced YEA to Systems Design Sustainability, and Aquaponics, and helps advise project teams. Zach also teaches Childrens Martial Arts at the Midwest Center for Movement. Zach graduated with highest honors from Indiana University - Purdue University of Indianapolis, and grew up in North St. Paul, MN.

Kris Sibik, Secretary, Treasurer and Technology. Kris has worked as a technical project manager for over 13 years in the healthcare, mortgage and retail industries. She has a BA in English from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas.