Staff Spotlight

Every quarter we will highlight a Blandin Foundation Leadership staff in our “Staff Spotlight” section. This quarter we are pleased to put that spotlight on Sandra Wicklund.

Education: I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood from Bemidji State University in 2002. I am a graduate of Grand Rapids High School and received an associate of arts degree from Itasca Community College in 2000.

Last job prior to joining the leadership team: Prior to working at the Foundation, I had the privilege of playing every day with my daughter and son (i.e. at-home mom)Š along with the daily cleaning and other tasks of running a home. I also worked part time as a church secretary here in Grand Rapids for a year and half and enjoyed every minute of it!

Role on the leadership team: My role as a production assistant for the Blandin Community Leadership Programs consists of: preparing materials for retreats and workshops, communication with participants and updating and refining curriculum. I work primarily with the core program, BCLP, and Community Partners-in-Leadership (CPIL).

When did you join the leadership team? I joined the leadership team in January of this year.

What attracted you to leadership as a career? To be honest, I was not aware of the role the Blandin Foundation played in leadership across rural Minnesota until I began work with the Foundation. Since then, I have been impressed with the impact our leadership programs have on communities and individuals. Participants begin to realize that they can have an impact and can be heard by other community leaders and those needing an extra boost. This new reality and excitement of our alumni is what attracts me most to leadership work. It is an honor to be a part of something bigger than myself that truly helps leaders understand their impact and the difference they alone with the right “tools” can make for their community.

What is (are) the most gratifying aspect(s) of your job? Most gratifying is the excitement our participants share with me prior to the retreat and after. Not only does it thrill me to read the stories of what they are doing in their communities, but also to hear of how they personally feel they have grown because of the tools our programs have equipped them with. Their energy and ambition makes the work WELL worth it!

Personal information: I have lived most of my life in Grand Rapids. Although I lived elsewhere during my elementary years, Grand Rapids is my favorite home because of the people, outdoor opportunities, and small town feel. Going on nearly five fun years of marriage and two beautiful children later, I find myself completely content with where I am in life. I love to spend time with my family and friends. I also enjoy spending as much time outdoors as possible!