Who We Are
Meet Project Optimist's Board of Directors, staff, and Advisory Board.
Board of Directors
Mahado Ali, New Brighton
Mahado Ali came to Minnesota as a 13-year-old refugee from Kenya who was fleeing the Somali civil war. She lived in St. Cloud for 17 years. Mahado earned a Master's of Business Administration and has worked in the nonprofit sector for 10 years.
She served as a community health worker at the beginning of her career, and now runs a community health and dental clinic in Bloomington as a senior manager.
Mahado is married with one son and one step-daughter. Her hobbies are cooking and weight lifting.
"I’ve decided to join the board because I believe in the mission, and I believe in the founder," she said.
Abdi Mahad, St. Cloud
Abdi Mahad is the director of Diverse Voices Press, a bilingual publisher based in Minnesota. He is also an author and creator of curriculum for the first known elementary Somali immersion program in the nation. He has two Master's degrees – one in applied linguistics and one in computer science.
"I'm serving on this board because I would like to contribute to this organization so that I can help them give diverse perspectives," Abdi said.
Jenelle Hanson, Minneapolis, Board Treasurer
Jenelle Hanson is a project manager and systems engineer with experience leading diverse initiatives, including data migration, UX/UI design, security, system upgrades, and AI-driven projects. Jenelle earned a degree in biotechnology from Syracuse University and State University of New York College in Environmental Science and Forestry.
She has served her community actively since 2012, first in New York and now in Minneapolis. Jenelle has organized food drives, built homes, and connected individuals in need to essential resources.
Jenelle has a fur-baby named Zhou Zhou. She also enjoys ballroom dancing.
"Making a positive impact is something I'm passionate about, and I strive to support and uplift those around me," she said. "I am dedicated to continuous learning and growth, always aiming to adapt to the evolving needs of our communities."
Anna Sibenaller, Winona, Board Chair
Anna Sibenaller grew up in La Crosse, Wis., and has lived in Winona since 2018. She earned a degree in journalism and theatre arts from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
She started her career in Winona doing marketing work at a regional bank. She then worked in community engagement and development. Anna currently works for the Winona Health Foundation.
"I am a firm believer in the importance of journalism and storytelling —and an organization that focuses on solutions-based journalism feels like an action step toward progress," she said. "I'm honored to be part of the Project Optimist board."
Jeff Wig, Big Lake
Jeff Wig retired as vice president for entrepreneurship at the Initiative Foundation. He now works not-quite-full-time doing consulting with entrepreneurs and organizations that support them, with a special love for working with underestimated entrepreneurs.
Jeff earned a degree in management and finance from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management and a Master's of Business Administration from St. Cloud State University.
Jeff and his wife, Laurie, both volunteer on a variety of boards and committees. They and their puppy, Arlo, are lifelong citizens and fans of Central Minnesota.
"As someone who is concerned about the many challenges facing our state and nation, I am drawn to Project Optimist's approach of elevating organizations and people who are building solutions and fostering respectful discussions," he said.
Jen Zettel-Vandenhouten, Superior, Wis., Board Secretary
Jen Zettel-Vandenhouten is the staff representative on Project Optimist's board. She grew up in Egg Harbor, Wis., and earned a degree in journalism and English at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
She began her journalism career in 2011 as an education reporter in Watertown, Wis. Prior to joining Project Optimist, Jen served as regional editor for the Duluth News Tribune, where she oversaw the digital and print production of two weekly publications. Read more about her career in her staff bio below.
She is married with two children and a super cute goldendoodle. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and exploring the Northland.
"I see the impact solutions journalism can make, and I'm excited to help Project Optimist continue its mission," she said.
Staff
Nora Hertel, Founder and Executive Director
Nora Hertel is the founder and executive director at Project Optimist, which serves greater Minnesota with solution-focused news. Nora has more than 10 years of experience as an award-winning investigative reporter, political and public issues correspondent, and environmental journalist in the Midwest and earned a master's degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
She has worked for The Associated Press, Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, the St. Cloud Times, and USA TODAY Network-Wisconsin. She has won many awards from Best of Gannett to the Minnesota Newspaper Association and Wisconsin Newspaper Association. Nora has earned fellowships from the Reynolds Journalism Institute, the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative, Minnesota's Initiative Foundation, and the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Contact Nora: nora@projectoptimist.news
Jen Zettel-Vandenhouten, Managing Editor
Jen Zettel-Vandenhouten became the managing editor at Project Optimist more than a decade into her career as a journalist in the upper Midwest. Jen's work has received awards from the Minnesota Newspaper Association and the Wisconsin Newspaper Association. She also led teams honored with awards from MNA and WNA, including WNA's Best of Division award in 2022 and 2023. She was part of the team that received the 2017 Gannett Purpose Award for coverage of youth mental health in Wisconsin.
She launched her career as an education reporter in Watertown, Wis., then Appleton, Wis., after earning a bachelor's degree in journalism and English at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Jen served as an engagement editor for USA TODAY Network-Wisconsin and as regional editor for the Duluth News Tribune. Jen is an experienced solutions journalist, and has stories included in the Solutions Journalism Network's Story Tracker.
As its first managing editor, Jen is helping shape the Project Optimist newsroom.
Contact Jen: jen@projectoptimist.news
Erica Dischino, Visual Storyteller
Erica Dischino is the visual storyteller at Project Optimist responsible for the organization's presence on Instagram and Facebook and key in selecting art for the newsletter and website. She launched the organization’s TikTok channel in 2024. Erica is also a visual journalist and documentary photographer with interests in anthropology, human culture, and social issues.
She earned a master's degree in photography from Ohio University before moving to Duluth, Minn. Before that she worked for the Star Tribune of Minneapolis, the West Central Tribune of Willmar, Minn., as well as Ithaca Times and Made in Shoreditch. Her work has been published in The New York Times, Minnesota Star Tribune, AARP and more.
Contact Erica: erica@projectoptimist.news
Advisors
Melinda Vonderahe, Lebanon, Ohio, and Sartell
Jill Greendeer, St. Michael
Former staff
Alexa Shapiro, Event Manager
Alexa Shapiro was the event manager for Project Optimist from May 2023-November 2024. Alexa was responsible for organizing and planning the organization's moderated discussions and community events. She launched Project Optimist's Shades of Purple: Dialogue across difference series in 2023. She created a training program for volunteer moderators and transitioned our moderated discussion framework to a new model.
A key part of Alexa's role was establishing and fostering relationships with local organizations across Minnesota who partner with Project Optimist on events.
Alexa is passionate about the outdoors, and established a nonprofit organization called the Winona Outdoor Collaborative.