Board Member Description | Bylaws | Minutes
Board of Directors
Ariel Vajda Baldini
“I moved to Minnesota from Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula in 2011 for law school and have been here ever since. After living in Minneapolis for many years, my husband and I crossed the river to Saint Paul and felt like it was a good fit. When we bought our first house, it was an easy decision to stay in Saint Paul, so since 2021 we’ve been living in the North End. You may find me walking my dog in Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary or to the Rice Street library”.
Ben Jones
“My wife and I, with our newborn daughter, have lived near Front and Western for three years, with a couple years renting in the neighborhood prior to that. I love the diversity of the neighborhood, and am on the board to learn as much as I can. I hope to be a champion for things that the community wants and will lead to an improved neighborhood for all. I am an engineer, church elder, and love playing games with friends”.
Carmen Taylor (Secretary)
“As a transplant from Wisconsin, I’ve resided in Minnesota since 2006. I raised my family on the Eastside of St Paul in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood. I’ve been a resident of North End for a short time now and will be here for a long time to come. I work in the Student Loan industry, I love to volunteer, garden and cook”.
Misty Thompson
I was born and raised in Saint Paul. I attended Harding High School and graduated from the University of Minnesota. I have worked in the nonprofit sector as a case manager, advocate. I’ve worked in the for-profit sector as a public relations liaison and a certified Community Health worker. I have had my own business as a fresh floral designer and floral painter. Currently, I’ve begun a new chapter of my life by becoming involved with the North End Neighborhood Organization.
Brian White Jr
My children and I have been living in the North end neighborhood for the past 3 years and are proud to say so. My professional background is in K12 education. I graduated from Mankato State University with an ED.S in educational leadership. Aside from my passion for working with youth, my family and I own a local ice cream shop in the historic Saint Paul Rondo neighborhood called 2 Scoops Ice Cream Eatery. I look forward to collaborating with other NENO members in an effort to continue to push the North end towards greatness in building business, increasing livability and resources.
Lori James
Lori is new to the North End, moving here in 2021. She currently is the director of a nonprofit, Solid Roots, At Solid Roots, we believe in the power of transformation at the root and are dedicated to empowering parents who are transitioning from The Department of Corrections to rebuild their lives and restore their connections with their children. For 5 1/2 years Lori had a family owned business in the City Hall of Minneapolis. With her experience Lori is looking to working with NENO to support the North End.
Aquanetta Speed
I was born and raised in the Saint Paul Rondo area and moved to the North End in 2007, where my family and I now live. I love the neighborhood’s diversity and seeing positive changes in our community. I have worked for Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) for over 25 years in various roles and work with various community agencies throughout the City. I enjoy volunteering and giving back to the community. Additionally, I have served on several local Community Boards over the last fifteen years and as a City Planning Commissioner for five years.
I would like to serve on the NENO Board to help improve community connections, services, resources, and neighborhood safety. I want to help ensure that all residents and businesses feel included, supported, and represented in the North End.
Muressa (Wisdom) Wade
Wisdom is a Minnesota resident. From her younger year’s she emerged as a leader with a large heart for others. Wisdom had a cake decorating business at the age of 7 years old, from there she became a camp caddy in Girl scouts, later a Lab partner in the St. Paul Science Museum of Minnesota, after graduating from Harding high school she became a national service worker with AmeriCorps. She was in her mid – twenties when she was diagnosed with Lupus. Currently Wisdom has a foundation called INSPIRE, where she is a life coach & motivational speaker.
Adam Frei (Vice Chair)
“I have been a Saint Paul resident for the past 6 years and a North End resident for the past 3 and a half years. I have greatly enjoyed being a part of our neighborhood and want to be more involved in supporting our community to create an inviting and welcoming place for all. I believe that my personal and professional skills will positively contribute to ensuring the NENO is supporting a vibrant life for all who live and work in the North End”.
Business/Institution Seats
Distribution of business or institution appointees: Business or institution appointees shall be community members who own a business or work in an institution within the District 6 boundaries
- Timothy McGee
