Empowering our next generation of leaders.
While Minnesota may be a leader in education, our children of color are too often left behind. With one of the largest opportunity gaps in the country, we made a promise to our community—we will be there for you.
At Way to Grow, we support families with children from birth to age eight, empowering our next generation of leaders. We are proud to work with more than 1,700 individuals in Minneapolis and the surrounding suburbs—neighbors who work hard to provide for their children and are active in their community and their child’s education. With a team of talented Family Educators, we provide year-round services every day to Way to Grow families and their surrounding communities.
Meet Our Team
Coco Du, CEO
Programming
Preschool Pals
Administrative
Board of Directors
Coco Du, CEO
Coco Du is an experienced executive leader dedicated to fostering inclusive, community-driven programs that empower youth and families.
Coco was previously the Chief Experience Officer at Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys, leading member recruitment, program development, camp, and community engagement strategies to ensure culturally responsive experiences for all participants. A Chinese immigrant and first-generation college graduate, Coco’s personal journey fuels her commitment to breaking down systemic barriers and creating environments where families and individuals can thrive. Prior to Girl Scouts, Coco served as Assistant Dean at Macalester College and held leadership roles at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and St. Catherine University.
Coco is recognized nationally and locally for her expertise in cultural competency, curriculum development, and evidence-based practices. She holds a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and serves as an advisor for the Twin Cities PBS Lifelong Learning Advisory Board, supporting accessible educational resources for Minnesota communities.
Programming
Program Leadership
Patricia
Ronel
Program Supervisors
Anthony
Roxanne
Programming Staff
Nichole
Pamela
Sheena
Family Educators
Alison
Amanda
Amina
Autumn
Ayan
Eveline
Guadalupe
Jocelyn
Juliet
Maria
Marisa
Nick
Paris
Phoua
Ruth
Sadia
Saleta
Santa
Shany
Preschool Pals
Preschool Pals Staff
Craig
Eka
Olivia
Willie
Administrative
Development & Communications Leadership
Jessica
Kim
Melissa
Development & Communications
Ann Frances
Chelsea
Kate
Data Team
Andrew
Daniel
Tom
Office and Administration
Mark
Roggie
Sara
Vinny
Board of Directors
Leadership
Michael Garrett, Chair
Retired, Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Inclusion, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis
Julia Halberg, Vice Chair + Secretary
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Dean’s Cabinet, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota
Darrell Ellsworth, Treasurer
Retired, Senior Manager, Business Risk and Control, Wells Fargo
Directors
Gaye Adams Massey (Emeritus)
Retired, Chief Executive Officer, YWCA of St. Paul
Julie Baker (Emeritus)
Community Volunteer
Bob Barnett
Senior Fellow & Principal Consultant, MDA Leadership Consultants
Jim Boyle (Emeritus)
President, James R. Boyle & Associates
Janis Clay
Retired, Executive Director, Board Chair, Civic Caucus
Karen Contag
Community Volunteer
Susan Corridoni
Director, The Corridoni Foundation for Agency and Self-Determination
Brian Crosby
Vice President, Community Accountability Officer, Associated Bank
Mel Dickstein
Retired, Hennepin County District Court Judge
Heidi Doherty
Managing Director, Seidl Foundation
Kyle Green
Senior Manager, National Department of Professional Practice, KPMG LLP
Laurie Lafontaine
Retired, Vice President of Finance and Treasury, Allina Health Minneapolis
Vanessa Laird (Emeritus)
Executive Director, Center for Integrative Leadership, University of Minnesota Center for Integrative Leadership
Vickie Mattys
Community Volunteer
Sarah Mitchell
Director of Marketing, Midwest Region, Comcast Business
Chris Mongeon (Emeritus)
Wealth Advisor, Parable Wealth Partners
Luis Moreno
Co-Founder, The TCBPN
Dave Nassif (Emeritus)
Retired
Anusha Nath
Senior Research Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis
Jeanne Ravich
Community Volunteer, Founder, Books to Grow Project
Art Rolnick
Senior Fellow, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota
Nasibu Sareva (Emeritus)
Chief Executive Officer, The African Development Center of Minnesota
Randy Sauter
Assistant Vice President, Information Security, U.S. Bank
Frank Schweigert
Professor Emeritus, College of Liberal Arts, Metropolitan State University
Angela Slaughter
Vice President, Associate General Counsel, Capital RX
Jaime Stilson (Emeritus)
Partner, Dorsey & Whitney
Lisa Walker
Originating Branch Manager, The Walker Group, CrossCountry Mortgage
Yohuru Williams
Distinguished University Chair, Professor of History & Founding Director of the Racial Justice Initiative, University of St. Thomas
Ann Yates
Director, Pharmaceutical and Biotech Vertical, Evoqua Water Technologies
"Alison and Way to Grow give us access to resources, opportunities, and events that we never would have been able to experience otherwise."
Sydney, Way to Grow Parent
Our Stories
Paying it Forward
An early start and so much support truly paid off for Octavio. A fast learner, he would pick up new skills quickly and his comprehension consistently challenged his Family Educator to bring different and interesting lessons to the home.
Now a seventh-grader, Octavio’s performance in math and science far exceeded grade level. Yet rather than coasting through his classes, he stepped up to help those around him. “I was just able to grasp what was being taught and then helped others understand it as well,” he explains. Octavio was such an asset to his class that he was asked to help tutor kids in a summer school program.
All for One, One for All
With the help of Patricia, her Family Educator, Lauren was able to get her son Zachariah into speech and occupational therapy, then into a Head Start program. “He first came to us not talking and now we cannot get him to be quiet,” Patricia laughs. “Even this early, I think he knows he has some obstacles, but he is determined to overcome them.”
“Miss Patricia is my backup, my resource. I know I can count on her,” expresses Lauren. Patricia agrees: “We all just have a tight knit bond. Working with them has elevated my experience as a Family Educator.”
People to Look Up To
Often the first and last Way to Grow employee our preschool students see, Mr. Willie makes it a point to be not just a driver, but an integral part of their lives every day.
“We bond because I listen to them. Sometimes they have problems, sometimes they have concerns, and sometimes they just want someone to talk to,” Mr. Willie explains. “Each child is different, and they are so intelligent and energetic. When I look at our bus, I see that we have the makings of future lawyers, doctors, politicians—almost every type of position that will contribute to our community in the future.”
Culture to Culture
“Having Alison, having a native person as my Family Educator, has positively contributed to my experience at Way to Grow. There is something about sharing a culture; she just understands where I am coming from and what I am going through,” Sydney expresses. “She makes it easy and comfortable…. Alison and Way to Grow give us access to resources, opportunities, and events that we never would have been able to experience otherwise. They have been able to show us what community really is, and we are so grateful.”
