As a Northspan associate consultant, Stefanie Sjelin assists with community, organizational, and business development and supports Northspan programs by conducting research, making strategic recommendations, and engaging in community and workforce outreach.
Stefanie brings a background in Technology of Participation (ToP) facilitation methods, data interpretation and presentation, and diversity, equity, and inclusion, among other disciplines. She graduated from The College of St. Scholastica with a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and also holds an associate of arts degree with highest honors from Lake Superior College, including a distinction in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
How did you join the Northspan team? What drew you to your role? 
My interest in Northspan was first piqued after hearing about it through my involvement as a student employee in The College of St. Scholastica’s Career Services department. Naturally, when there was an opening for the associate consultant role just as I was graduating, I was eager to throw my hat in the ring.
It’s been a long-time dream of mine to work with a nonprofit that has a positive, tangible impact in northeastern Minnesota and the surrounding areas. I was also interested in the opportunity to apply and hone a broad range of skills in areas that I’m passionate about, like organizational development, data collection and analysis, and strategic thinking, to help maximize the almost limitless potential of our already wonderful region.
What projects are you most excited about right now and in the months ahead?
Recently, I was thrilled to work on my first organizational development project by helping to analyze client surveys and complete summaries of the results. I found it really enjoyable and look forward to doing more work with upcoming organizational development surveys. Aside from that, as a generalist, I’ll be providing assistance with a variety of projects. A few specific things I have coming up are supporting NORTHFORCE with its returnship program and doing some work with grant writing, both of which I’m extremely excited about.
How’s it going so far? Anything else you’d like to mention?
Everything has been fantastic so far! I’m delighted to work with a team as welcoming, knowledgeable, and downright capable as Northspan’s. It’s also been great to witness Northspan’s commitment to living out its vision, mission, and values at every step of the way. I’m honored to be part of an organization that occupies such a unique, meaningful niche in our region.
In my free time, I enjoy playing board/card games, doing puzzles of all varieties, reading, sewing, and rock picking. I live in Duluth with my amazing husband Nick, who I just celebrated our first wedding anniversary with, along with our elderly cat Selina.