• Member and Employee Engagement Coordinator
• Stearns Electric Association, St. Joseph, Minnesota
• Co-op employee since July 2019
  
• Birthplace: West Fargo, North Dakota
  

Hobby: When my youngest son Colt was born with Down syndrome, I started bringing awareness to this cause and educating people about it.

What are you doing to raise awareness? Various special Down syndrome events throughout the year that range from social media campaigns to partnering with our local school district to organizing fun community events that celebrate our differences.

Tell me a little about those? Each October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month; March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day; and September is the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk through the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota.

What other things have you done for this cause? We've raised more than $7,000 for three of our favorite Down syndrome organizations: Jack's Basket, Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota, and Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network. All have been on behalf of Colt and #ColtsCrusaders.

How have folks reacted to your passion on this issue? The way our family, friends, co-workers, and even people we barely know have supported us has been above and beyond anything I could have imagined. 

How did you hear about the job at Stearns Electric? From a friend who works here.

What were you doing before joining the co-op? I worked in higher education.

Why did you want to work at the co-op? The co-op principles align with my personal values and career goals and were something I wanted to be a part of.

What do you like most about your job? I love that Stearns Electric doesn't just talk about the importance of community. It's part of their culture. The co-op world is one big, welcoming family.

Education: Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management with a minor in business administration from North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota

Something most people may not know about you: Colt was born unexpectedly at home.

Know someone who could be profiled in New Employee Spotlight? Contact Megan McAtee at mcatee.megan@gmail.com.