OFFICERS
Beatrice Owen, President
Why the League? The LWV's mission to protect and expand voting rights is key to my involvement in the League. Our democracy thrives when its citizens participate.
Why Saint Paul? The city is vibrant and has much to offer its citizens.
Nichole Fairbanks, Treasurer
Why the League?
I joined the League because I believe voting gives people a voice to choose the elected officials who make the decisions that shape their communities. The League’s educational programs and voter registration programs directly support this belief.
Donna Petersen, Secretary
Why the League? The League has been promoting and securing the right to vote for all
people for over a century. This legacy gives us great strength as we
observe these rights being tested. There is nothing more fundamental to a
democracy than for each citizen to have a vote and a voice.
Why Saint Paul? This city is at once the seat of power in the state and a collection of
incredible neighborhoods filled with good people who care about the
community. It is a magical place!
DIRECTORS
Cheryl Bailey, Program Committee Co-Chair
Why the League? I am a St. Paul League Board member after a long-term member urged me to participate. She counseled me, correctly, that I’d feel more a part of things and learn the ins and outs of the organization more quickly if I served on the Board.
Why Saint Paul? I grew up in Falcon Heights, and after traveling throughout the country circled back to my old haunts. I lived In the Como neighborhood for almost twenty years, and now Union Park, and I’ve loved watching my two sons get a first rate education in the St. Paul Public Schools in French Immersion. I can live anywhere, but I choose St. Paul for its character, and its League, of course!
Nona Beining, Advocacy Committee Co-Chair
Why the League? I joined LWV to meet people and make a difference in the local community.
Why Saint Paul? I
moved to Saint Paul in 2020 for a job at Securian Financial. I knew
that if I wanted to make friends here, the League would be a great place
to start. I didn't really need to look much farther. It's sometimes
hard to find the time to fit LWV activities in, but it's absolutely
worth the effort!
Melissa Finnegan, Program Committee Co-Chair
Why the League? I've lived and worked in the political arena for my entire professional
career and I truly believe that the system works best when we all
participate. I believe deeply in the League's mission to encourage
voting across all groups and to educate voters on issues that matter to
them, in a nonpartisan way. Democracy matters and the more people we
have engaging in the process, the more reflective our system will be of
what the people really need and want. Plus, everyone involved in the
League is amazing and fun to work with!
Why Saint Paul? I came to St. Paul in fall 2000 to attend college at the University of
St. Thomas and never really left! I love the almost small town vibe
that I get here and how so many neighborhoods are steeped in history. I
love the diversity of businesses and people on the East Side, where I
live, as well as our top-notch park system! I like having all the
opportunities offered by a "big city" while feeling connected to my
community.
Molly Flowers, Membership Committee Chair
Why the league? I joined the League to connect with other women in responsible citizenship. I found membership in the League to be empowering as we educate ourselves, and others on the issues that challenge our communities and our country.
Why St. Paul? I am second generation in this city. My grandfather served in the legislature. My father felt voting was your right and your responsibility. My mother was an election judge. It is an honor to be a member and to serve on the Board. At the annual meeting we celebrated and recognized two members on their 100th birthdays. In a word, Join the League, Live long and Learn.
Pamela Mercier, Voter Services Co-Chair
Why the League? I serve in the League because I believe in the power of voting. As Co-Chair of the Voter Service Committee I can help get people registered to vote and to cast their ballots knowing something about the issues and candidates. Barriers to voting remain, and we in the League can identify and work to remove them.
Why Saint Paul? I live in Saint Paul largely because I moved here from northern Minnesota to do graduate work at the University of Minnesota. After leaving the University I decided to stay here and teach ESL. I was raised in New York and moved to Minnesota when my husband got a University teaching job here. Our children grew up in northern Minnesota, and my son, in particular, comes back here every summer to the northern woods he loves.
Chris Schnieders, Voter Services Co-Chair
Why the League? The League is a great opportunity to interact with the community on many
levels and expand my awareness and appreciation of others' perspective.
Why Saint Paul? This historical, geographic and cultural jewel is a privilege to explore on so many levels.
Patty Yunk, Board Member at Large
Why the League? We live in a democracy that can only exist if citizens participate. For
that to happen we need to insure all citizens eligible to vote are not
impeded. It’s not a Democrat or Republican issue. It is the Country’s
obligation. The LWV provides the platform to make sure that happens.
Why Saint Paul? I recently moved to St Paul to be near my daughter and her family.
OFF-BOARD VOLUNTEERS
Amy Perna, Advisor
Amy is a former President of LWVSP and has served in various capacities since 2016. She currently advises on communications and St. Paul candidate forums, as well as helps with technical and roster support. Amy is the Executive Director of the League of Women Voters Minnesota.
Amy Mino, Communications & Development
Amy is a former President of LWVSP and has served in various capacities over the last 16 years. She now assists the Program Committee with communications and the Saint Paul chapter with annual fundraising drive and assists the board as needed with insight and guidance. Amy works as the Executive Director of the Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul.
Hayden Kilkenny, Development
Hayden manages the annual drive. She is an active member of the St. Patrick's Day Parade.
ADMIN & COMMUNICATIONS
Patrick Finnegan, Admin & Communications Contractor
Patrick is the founder of FinneComm,
a consulting practice serving mainly academic institutions and
nonprofits. He is a writer, editor, and administrator with over two
decades of experience in Minnesota’s human rights community. Patrick’s late grandmother, Norma Finnegan (1926 - 2022), was a hard-working member of LWVSP for decades.
