We’re here to learn as much as we teach.

We believe great leaders surround us every day and come from anyplace. Though our leadership team and advisory board help define our holistic, results-driven program, we do not believe in a top-down hierarchy. We are in this together — from leadership to staff to the families we serve. And only together will we enable a successful and happy future for all.

about_leadershipExecutive Director
Carolyn Smallwood

Since joining Way to Grow in 2004, Executive Director Carolyn Smallwood has pledged to be the voice for all Twin Cities children. Always focused on greater issues, Carolyn was once the vice president for Sales and Marketing at Twin Cities Rise! and executive director of the Minnesota Minority Supplier Development Council. Prior to entering the nonprofit field, she was a senior executive with ADC, the Broadband Company, and business banker at U.S. Bancorp.

With a passion for working with diverse communities, Carolyn brings a solid background in marketing, strong executive experience and an inclusive leadership style to Way to Grow. She is a bright, influential presence who puts the Way to Grow mission above all.

Passion comes from our hearts, not our titles.

The Way to Grow board of directors is composed of proven leaders from our community. As experts in their individual fields, they also collectively seek a bright future for our economy and know that success doesn’t start on Wall Street, it starts at home with our children. We are honored to have their passion and expertise on the Way to Grow team.

2011 Way to Grow Board of Directors

  • Judy Farmer, Interim Chair; Minneapolis School Board, Retired
  • Chris Malaeb, ScD, MPH, Past Chair; Capella University
  • James Boyle, Vice Chair; James R. Boyle & Associates Consulting
  • Laurie Lafontaine, Treasurer; Allina Health Systems
  • Phil Kibort, MD, Secretary; Children’s Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota
  • Judge Pamela Alexander; Council on Crime and Justice
  • Maria Christu; Children’s Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota
  • Amber Krchnavy; Delta Airlines
  • Robert Marsh; Synico
  • Suzanne McCarty; Cargill
  • Malcolm McDonald
  • Karen Mullery; Boston Scientific
  • Robin Schroeder; Schroeder Company
  • Joellyn Veninga; Ecolab
  • Julie Baker
  • Elizabeth Jolly
  • Julia Halberg; General Mills

2011 Way to Grow Advisory Board

  • Terri Barreiro, Director, Donald McNeely Center for Entrepreneurship, St. John’s University
  • Gary Cunningham, Vice President of Programs, CPO, Northwest Area Foundation
  • Todd Otis, President, Ready 4 K
  • Keith Halleland; HallelandHabicht