LeadMN Scholarship Board

This is my first year serving on the scholarship board, but I was proud to be a two-time recipient of a LeadMN Scholarship. I recently graduated from Metro State University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Currently, I serve as a Project Coordinator Intern for the MAIR department at Metro State, and I also work as a freelance social media content creator. I collaborate with brands on digital ads, partnership coordination, and social media support. As a first-generation college student, receiving the LeadMN Scholarship played a important role in allowing me to graduate debt-free. I’m incredibly grateful for the support and excited to give back through this board. I look forward to learning from others, growing professionally, and using the skills I gain here to support students and make a difference in future career paths.

Kevin J. Niemi received his B.A., Biology major, from Macalester College and his Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from the University of Minnesota.

He spent 25 years at University of Wisconsin-Madison with the Wisconsin Institute for Science Education and Community Engagement with a joint appointment in the
Department of Curriculum & Instruction in the School of Education, retiring in 2021. His primary work was to provide professional development programs for K-12 science teachers. Niemi served as a PI/co-PI on several National Science Foundation grants that researched the NSF’s Broader Impacts criterion. For over 20 years he consulted with the Ministry of Education of the Kingdom of Thailand and presented workshops on science education. He is an elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and continues to work with the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers, the National Association of Biology Teachers, and the National Science Teaching Association.

Rose Sargent (She/Her) is serving her first year on the scholarship board. As a student at South Central College in North Mankato, she has experienced firsthand how life-changing grants and scholarships can be for students and is dedicated to maintaining and expanding access to them for students statewide. She is committed to her work of helping put higher education into the hands of all Minnesota residents and advocating for the rights and welfare of students. She carries this work out by serving as Treasurer of the Lead MN Board of Directors, in addition to her work on campus as a student senator.

My name is Luis Fernando Rodriguez, and I’m originally from Colombia. I recently graduated from North Hennepin Community College with degrees in Business and Communication. I’m excited to be a new member of the scholarship board and to support students on their educational journey. I’m passionate about helping others, learning new things, and being part of a diverse and inclusive community. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my two cats, exploring new places around Minnesota, and meeting people from different backgrounds. I believe in kindness, hard work, and staying curious about the world.