LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation Welcomes Kirstan Ketter

Posted on December 12, 2024 by Anna Mowry

With great excitement, the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation welcomes Kirstan Ketter as our new Foundation Project Manager to lead our initiative to bridge pathways between New Americans and senior care employers, a nearly $1million grant-funded investment from the DHS GEAR Division.

Professional Journey

Kirstan’s professional journey has been dedicated to empowering newcomer populations through innovative initiatives and we’re confident her skills will make a great impact. As founder and director of Reaching Our Goals, she developed and managed a program for recent immigrant families experiencing systemic barriers to achievement in high school. Then, at La Oportunidad, she managed numerous projects that uplifted Spanish-speaking immigrant communities. Most recently, as an English Learning Development Teacher she provided support to multilingual learners of all ages and their families, promoting culturally responsive learning and tailoring content to diverse needs.

Honoring Elders

Kirstan’s life has been profoundly shaped by her connections with both elders and New Americans. Her close relationship with her grandmother and her upbringing alongside her mother—an Occupational Therapist at a senior care community in Little Falls—have deeply influenced her. Additionally, her work implementing art therapy at Longfellow/Seward Healthy Seniors highlights her commitment to enriching the lives of older adults.

“The wisdom and contributions of elders, and of immigrants, are the foundation of our communities. Their stories, strength and sacrifices are impressive and important, and have been a guide throughout my life. I am thrilled to work in a role where I can commit to ensuring the honor, dignity and wellbeing of elders while also harnessing and elevating the intellect and dedication of our New American professionals. Thank you for entrusting me with this significant initiative! I look forward to meeting each of you and working together.”

Please join us in welcoming Kirstan to our team!