About Us

Bo Thao-Urabe, co-founder & Chief belief officer

Bo Thao-Urabe is co-founder of Rooted to Last and serves as its Chief Belief Officer, providing strategic leadership and start-up support. She is principal of Seed Grow Bloom LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to partnering with nonprofit and philanthropic executive leaders and organizations bridge theory to practice to achieve their missions.

Bo co-founded and served as the Executive and Network Director of the Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL), spearheading power-building, leadership development, and policy initiatives. She also previously served as Chief Operating Officer of RedGreen Rivers, connecting women artisans in Southeast Asia with U.S. markets to preserve indigenous art forms and enhance economic well-being for women and their families. She’s served in leadership positions at Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP), Hmong National Development (HND) and the Women’s Association of Hmong and Lao (WAHL).

Her experiences with war, poverty, immigration, and issues of gender, culture, and race profoundly shape her journey. For her leadership and impact, she has earned local and national recognition, including the Racing Race Award, a Bush Fellowship, the Twin Cities Business Magazine’s 100 People to Know, Minnesota Business Magazine’s Real Power 50, the AZN List of 100 Most Influential Asian Americans, and the Governor’s MLK Day Commitment to Service Award. Bo served as a Commissioner to President Obama’s Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and was a member of Governor Walz’s One Minnesota Advisory Committee. She continues to serve on the Boards of Minnesota Public Radio, Drake Bank, Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, and the University of Minnesota to build a strong ecosystem for equity, democracy, and prosperity.

Marcus Owens, co-founder

Marcus Owens is a co-founder of Rooted to Last and serves on the Core Team. He is an influential social entrepreneur and community developer, has demonstrated unwavering commitment to forging equitable and thriving communities. With over a 20 year career in community development and business, Owens has significantly shaped institutions across Minnesota, reflecting his profound dedication to infrastructure enhancement and sustainability.

In his former roles as the Executive Director of the African American Leadership Forum (AALF) – Twin Cities, and President and CEO of the Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON), Owens revolutionized strategies to bolster the economic vitality of underserved communities through the creation of unique opportunities via public and private partnerships.

Owens, a north Minneapolis native, holds degrees from Metropolitan State University (BS Business Management) and the University of St. Thomas (MBA). With his dedication to community growth, Marcus Owens exemplifies the transformative power of partnering with community to create enduring systemic change.

Tracy fischman, co-founder

Tracy Fischman is a member of Rooted to Last’s Core Team. She is principal consultant of Fischman Consulting helping clients advance and shape equitable strategies and systems, and supports executive leaders. Tracy’s leadership spans fields and sectors. She worked as an Assistant Commissioner at Minnesota Revenue, helping advance equity in tax policy and administration. Previously, Tracy served 11+ years as the Executive Director of Prepare + Prosper, where she led expansion of their footprint, scope, and impact. Tracy’s leadership includes roles with Planned Parenthood of Illinois, as VP of public policy, as well as the Chicago Department of Public Health, as director of policy and legislative affairs for STD/HIV/AIDS. Tracy’s current and past Board experience includes GiveMN, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, Women Winning, Girl’s Best Friend Foundation, HMPRG, AIDS Action Council, and CAEAR Coalition. Tracy holds a bachelor’s degree from Macalester College and a Master’s Degree of Public Policy from the University of Chicago.

camille caster-cyprian, chief network weaver

Camille is a dedicated change-maker, Camille is passionate about empowering individuals and organizations to engage in transformative practices that advance liberation and justice. They have an extensive history as a community organizer and justice activist, devoting their career to advancing social justice. Camille’s recent contributions to the movement ecosystem have centered on creating spaces for change-makers to integrate intersectional healing justice into their daily social change work.

Camille is also actively pursuing a doctorate at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, focusing on Indigenous ways of being and knowing within the African Diaspora, primarily in cultural healing and spirituality. Their research explores the potential applications of these concepts in organizational development and educational leadership. In addition to their current academic pursuits, Camille holds a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Hamline University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. They are a certified community healing justice coach, certified embodiment coach, and a certified mind-body medicine facilitator.

Camille resides in St. Paul, Minnesota, with their spouse Michelle and their dog Harry. They enjoy live music, international travel, gardening, and sports. Camille is also an entrepreneur, having founded or co-founded three businesses. They currently serve as a Firekeeper of Maji ya Chai Land Sanctuary. 

Most recently, Camille served as the Wellness Director for Penumbra’s Center for Racial Healing. They also bring invaluable experience from roles with the Minnesota Council on Foundations and Greater Twin Cities United Way. She is enthusiastic about stepping into the role of Chief Network Weaver at Rooted to Last.

naomi ko, network orchestrator

Naomi is an award-winning artist, cultural producer, and community organizer who has more than 10 years of experience working at the intersection of art, culture, racial and gender equity, and social enterprise. She co-founded Funny Asian Women Kollective (FAWK) and the APIA MN Film Collective, two grassroots organizations that develop and empower Asian Minnesotans in comedy and film. Naomi is a 2020 Finnovation Fellow, a 2021 Bush Leadership Fellow, and has received multiple fellowships and awards for her individual artmaking, including from the Sundance Institute, McKnight Foundation, Jerome Foundation, and more.

Anita Patel

Anita is a dedicated leader currently serving as the Vice President of Grantmaking at the Bush Foundation. In this role, she provides guidance and support to the grantmaking team, ensuring that the foundation’s core grant programs have a meaningful and lasting impact. With a deep commitment to equity, Anita actively advocates for liberation and justice within the Bush Foundation region and nationally. Her expertise lies in developing programs focused on leadership, equity, and racial justice, making her an invaluable asset to the Rooted to Last team. Anita’s exceptional contributions have been recognized through prestigious awards, and she holds degrees from Valparaiso University and the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Drawing from her personal experiences growing up in greater Minnesota, Anita firmly believes in the talent and potential across our state.

Carly Bad Heart Bull

Carly Bad Heart Bull (Flandreau Santee Dakota) is Executive Director of Native Ways Federation. She is a dedicated leader who has worked closely with Indigenous nations and communities across the country, including in the Midwest region while at the Bush Foundation. Carly’s background includes teaching the Dakota language and a practice in law. Some notable achievements include reclaiming the Dakota name for Minneapolis’ largest lake, Bde Maka Ska, being named a Minnesota Attorney of the Year in 2020, and selected as a Community Leadership Network Fellow with W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Carly holds a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Minnesota Law School.

chanda Smith baker

Chanda Smith Baker is a highly regarded community leader with over 25 years of experience working in, for and with underestimated communities. She is the host of “Conversations with Chanda” podcast and former Chief Impact Officer at The Minneapolis Foundation, where she spearheaded transformative grantmaking programs. Chanda’s tenure as president and CEO of Pillsbury United Communities showcases her commitment to addressing systemic inequities. Notable for her civic leadership on nonprofit and philanthropic boards, including the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, she has received prestigious accolades like the Hubert H. Humphrey Leadership Award. In her personal life, Chanda finds joy in traveling, football, and retail therapy.

RepRESENTATIVE Kaohly Her

Representative Kaohly Her is a Hmong-American politician serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2019. She represents District 64A in Saint Paul. As a former refugee from Laos, she has dedicated herself to public service. With a background in finance and investment, she has led Hmong women’s organization Hnub Tshiab and served as a policy director for Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter. Kaohly Her holds degrees in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin and Northeastern University, and she is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education Leadership at the University of Saint Thomas.

kate barr

Kate Barr is a knowledgeable leader in the nonprofit sector, well-versed in strategic, financial, and leadership aspects specific to different fields of service. With expertise in assessing organizational and financial situations, she develops effective options to propel organizations forward. Kate is an accomplished author, speaker, and educator, focusing on finance, governance, strategy, and organizational leadership for nonprofits. She has brought valuable experience as a lender and finance expert, facilitating community development and nonprofit projects through analysis and risk assessment. Kate serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs, and contributes expertise as a board member for the Jerome Foundation.

Kathy Mouacheupao

Kathy Mouacheupao is driven by her passion at the intersection of arts, culture, and community. She is currently the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council (MRAC). Prior to MRAC, she managed the Creative Placemaking portfolio with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC TC). She started her career in the arts as Executive Director of the Center for Hmong Arts and Talent (CHAT) where she learned about the power of the arts in fostering social impact and cultural pride. She was recognized as a Roy Wilkins Fellow in 2016 and a Bush Leadership Fellow in 2011. Kathy actively contributes to boards and task forces dedicated to racial equity, philanthropy, and the arts – including her service as the Chair for the Forum of Regional Arts Councils of MN.

nonoko sato

Nonoko Sato is the executive director of Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN), and a relentless advocate for racial equity and justice. She mobilizes the nonprofit sector to address political and economic challenges, empowering organizations to fulfill their missions for a cooperative and just society. With a focus on building authentic relationships, Nonoko serves on the boards of Coalition of Asian American Leaders and Theater Mu. She also contributes to the Equity Diversity Impact Assessment committee of Minneapolis Public Schools. Before MCN she was the executive director of SMART, a San Francisco-based nonprofit championing education equity. Nonoko brings valuable expertise to all of her roles.

Paurvi Bhatt

Paurvi Bhatt, a global healthcare executive, is recognized for her strategic approach in leveraging public, private, and philanthropic capital to foster equitable decisions, resources, and care outcomes worldwide. As founder and CEO of ThirdEyeFocus, trustee of The Minneapolis Foundation, and Formerly as the President of the Medtronic Foundation, she has a track record of developing innovative solutions that unite nonprofits, governments, and companies to pilot and scale healthcare and social services. As a second-generation Indian immigrant and family caregiver, Paurvi prioritizes culturally responsive care solutions by integrating community-led voices and organizations. She serves as a board executive in care economy, healthcare and Asian American serving organizations, with extensive experience in HIV/AIDS, women’s health, and health equity, she combines her lived experience with her expertise in health systems and economics. Paurvi holds a B.A. in Neuroscience from Northwestern University, an M.P.H. from Yale University, and is a Ph.D. (ABD) from Johns Hopkins University.

Repa Mekha

Repa has 35+ years of experience in community-based leadership, asset and wealth building, and systems change work. He is recognized locally and nationally as a visionary leader and heads up Nexus’ work with regional and national partners.

Repa sits on a number of boards including Build from Within Alliance; Shared Capital Cooperatives; he is a co-founder and Board Chair for the Black Collective Foundation-MN and a co-founder of the Twin Cities African American Leadership Forum. He also serves as a member of the Nonprofit Quarterly’s Economic Justice Initiative Advisory Committee.

He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Urban Studies from the University of Wisconsin.

sandy vargas

Sandra Vargas is a hands-on Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with a wealth of experience in community building, diversity, and team development. Throughout her career, she has held significant leadership roles, including President and CEO of The Minneapolis Foundation, Hennepin County Administrator, and Senior Executive Leadership Fellow at the Hubert Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. During her tenure, Sandy dedicated herself to enhancing community engagement with communities of color and low-income communities. Her leadership style emphasizes driving positive change, promoting diversity and inclusion, and cultivating strong teams. Today, Sandy continues to make an impact as a senior consultant and executive coach.

Toni carter

Toni Carter is a dedicated public servant and community advocate who previously served as a member of the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners. As the first African American to hold this position in Minnesota, Carter demonstrated a strong commitment to efficient county services, addressing disparities, and promoting community engagement. She led significant initiatives such as the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative and advocated for the Central Corridor light-rail transit. With her prior experience on the Saint Paul Board of Education and involvement in various community boards, Carter has made a lasting impact on her community. Currently, she serves as a Leadership Consultant for Sankofa Leadership Network.